It was the much-beloved Olympia leader and saxophonist Harold "Duke" Dejan who dubbed Matthews "King." "Harold Dejan named him 'King' because he was 'Duke,'" explains trumpeter Kid Merv Campbell, who also played with the Olympia Brass Band and was Matthews' brother-in-law.

Matthews was only 19 when he took up the position of grand marshal with the Olympia, a group he worked for exclusively. Though he was young for the important role, his father, trumpeter Milton Batiste, was a member of the band and Matthews was trained for the position by several elders including the legendary Fats Houston.

"He took the job very, very seriously," says Kid Merv. "He knew all the rules and led the band to the fullest. He lived the position."

King Richard, a personable sort, saw the world traveling with the Olympia Brass Band. He garnered many fans with both his warmth and the sense of dignity he brought to his position.

"His decorum was sweet," says Kid Merv, who was very close to Matthews. He describes his relationship with him as "like a brother or father figure. He watched over me after my father died," he explains.

King Richard was a well-known figure in the New Orleans music community beyond being a grand marshal. His friendly smile greeted everyone on the streets and at music clubs - he seemingly was perpetually in a happy mood.

"He had a love for the music and the culture and that's what he lived for - and his family," his daughter, Sayenisha Matthews says.

"He always kept a positive spirit," says Kid Merv. "He was a helping, loving person."

Even at the end of his life, Matthews retained an upbeat attitude.

"He was very appreciative and compassionate throughout his illness. He just wanted everyone to smile and be happy and would say, "Everything is lovely."

That Matthews would employ Harold "Duke" Dejan's signature quote - "Everything is lovely" seems particularly fitting as he lived, loved and learned while a member of the Olympia Brass Band. It somehow also feels appropo that King Richard's last procession as grand marshal was in February for the jazz funeral of  fellow Olympia member saxophonist Doc Watson.

The image of King Richard raising an umbrella to the sky will be with his family, friends and fans when we celebrate his life by second lining in his memory.

Funeral services for Richard Matthews are tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 29, 2010, at Charbonnet-Labat Funeral Home, 1615 St. Philip St. Further details will be announced.

This article was originally published in the May 24, 2010 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper