Michael Christian

Michael Lamont Christian was born on October 25, 1968, in Columbus, Ohio and passed away on August 3, 2024.

Michael was a graduate of Marion Franklin High School, where his passion for creative and performing arts first took root. While Michael learned to play the piano as a child, it was the electric guitar that ultimately captured his heart. As a talented mixed-media artist, he held his first professional exhibition at the age of 17. Initially pursuing studies at the Columbus College of Art & Design he found true calling emerged in music, especially in rock and roll.

Known throughout Central Ohio by his stage name "Christian," Michael devoted the next three decades to music—performing, songwriting, and sharing his love of the craft. Michael graduated from The RecW School of Audio and Music Production in Chillicothe, OH with a degree in sound engineering. His talents were highly sought after by numerous venues, where he played an instrumental role in bringing live music to life. Michael became a cherished figure in the local music scene.

Michael's greatest fulfillment came from mentoring young musicians at The School of Rock in Gahanna, OH. He was passionate about helping them find their own voices and took pride in watching them grow. As a founding member of the bands "Christian," "Kettle," and most recently "Red Velvet Letdown," Michael's legacy as both an artist and mentor will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Beyond music, Michael had a deep love for cooking, particularly vegetarian cuisine. He was known for his exceptional soups, which he often shared as a gesture of friendship and love.

Michael is preceded in death by grandparents, Nathaniel Brannon, Evelyn Brannon Sutton, Beverly Jean and Charles Jones, and Mitchell George Bass, Sr.; uncles, Gregory Brannon, Mitchell George Bass, Jr., and Tony Bass, Sr; aunts, Jacqueline Brannon Reynolds, Diane Wilson, Cynthia Bass, and Crystal Bass; and cousins, Gregory “Phillip” Brannon, Anthony Eugene Reynolds, Tony Bass, Jr., Robert Bass, and Alexis Tolber.

Michael leaves to cherish his memory, beloved parents, Michael and Patrice Christian; father, Warren Douglas (Sylvia) Norris; grandmother, Ethel “Granny” Bass; son, Kaleb Christian of New York, NY; daughters: Marlee Christian of Mallorca, Spain, Zoe and Maya Christian of Los Angeles, CA, Autumn Van Allen of Kent, OH; brother, Jarrett Christian; sisters, Maria Thrasher of Charlotte, NC and Danielle Christian; nephew, Austin (Precious) Tolber of San Diego, CA; nieces, Jasmyne Tolber of Charlotte, NC and Leilani Christian; special uncle, Nathaniel (Sharon) Brannon and a host of other relatives and friends.