Robert Gordon, a well-known musician, died on October 18 at the age of 75. Matt Green, VP of Cleopatra Records, stated:
“Cleopatra Records extends our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.” We enjoyed working with Robert and will miss his strong baritone voice as well as his unwavering passion for his music.”
Gordon’s cause of death was not announced, however, rumors indicate that he had acute myeloid leukemia, and his family set up a GoFundMe campaign to support the expense of treatment.
Hellafied, Robert Gordon’s last album, will be released in November 2022.
Robert Gordon, born on March 29, 1947, was significantly influenced by Elvis Presley’s song Heartbreak Hotel when he was nine years old. He also admired Gene Vincent, Jack Scott, Billy Lee Ridley, and other renowned rock ‘n roll musicians. Gordon made his music debut as the vocalist of the group Confidentials when he was 17 years old, in 1964. He associated with artists like James Brown and Otis Redding, who played in Washington, D.C.’s Howard Theatre. During the late 1960s riots and antiwar demonstrations in Washington, D.C., he served in the National Guard.
In 1970, Robert moved to New York City and joined the punk music band Tuff Darts. The band recorded three songs for the Live at CBGB’s compilation CD. While rehearsing with Tuff Darts, he was seen by record producer Richard Gottehrer, and they considered creating a rock & roll album. Gordon recommended teaming up with guitarist Link Wray, who agreed, resulting in the 1977 collaboration Robert Gordon with Link Wray.
The record became successful when Elvis Presley died in 1977, and Private Stock Label attempted to market Gordon as Presley’s successor. Gordon followed up with another album, Fresh Fish Special, in 1978, and was signed to RCA Records the following year. The next year, Gordon released the album Rock Billy Boogie, followed by another, Bad Boy, in 1980. In 1981, he released his last album with the label, Are You Gonna Be The One.
During the early 1980s, Robert Gordon toured with Danny Gatton, and in the 1990s, he traveled with Chris Spedding in numerous nations. He also toured alongside Spedding in 2005, with highlights from the gigs published on their own label.
During Elvis’ 30th death anniversary, they also made an album with the Jordanaires that included 15 of Presley’s songs. Robert also performed on tour with Marco DiMaggio’s band, Slim Jim Phantom, and Glen Matlock. I’m Coming Home, his next album, was released in June 2014. He appeared in the 1981 outlaw motorcycle film The Loveless. He was then featured often on television, including on the popular comedy program SCTV. Hellafied, his last album, is planned to be published on November 25th.
“This one hurts,” say netizens of Robert Gordon.
In recent years, Robert Gordon has acquired a popularity for his blockbuster albums and songs. When word of his death spread, Twitter was inundated with tributes:
Can’t forget what an impact Robert Gordon’s style and commitment to rockabilly & roots music had on us back in the punk days in NYC, saw him with Link Wray and yes Professor Longhair opening one night! Loved him with Chris Spedding too. He was so cool and elegant. pic.twitter.com/RItbnuHMwl
— Amy Rigby (@AmyRigby) October 18, 2022
Our Rockabilly King Robert Gordon has gone – he was movie-star handsome and magnificently charismatic, a proper rock’n’roll rogue and always with that great amused look on his beautiful face. Time now to light a candle and blast The Way I Walk 💚 pic.twitter.com/gkjEYK80a1
— Cáit O’Riordan (@rockyoriordan) October 19, 2022
Gordon never mentioned anything about his personal life, and it’s unclear if he was married or dating anybody. Hellafied, his last album, included collaborations with Chris Spedding, Albert Bouchard, and Blue Oyster Cult.
