Robert Gordon, Rockabilly Revivalist Singer, Dead at 75

Singer Robert Gordon, finest identified for his work within the rockabilly revivalist motion of the late ’70s, has died at age 75.

The information was confirmed by Gordon’s document label (through Variety.) A GoFundMe web page had been arrange by Gordon’s household final month, noting that the singer had been within the hospital for six weeks as he battled a type of acute myeloid leukemia. “Robert’s incredible voice and his music has not only put rockabilly back on the map, it has made memories for us all,” the fundraiser web page mentioned. “A voice like his, coupled with the authenticity he brings to the music, is unforgettable and doesn’t come around very often.”

“Cleopatra Records would like to offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” label VP Matt Green mentioned in a press release. “We liked working with Robert, and will miss his powerful baritone vocal as well as his focused dedication to his music.”

Born in Bethesda, Md., Gordon was all for music from an early age, citing Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” as one of many foremost inspirations for his profession path. “I listened to music incessantly growing up,” Gordon mentioned in a 2010 interview. “It opened new horizons.” Other influences included Gene Vincent, Billy Lee Riley and Eddie Cochran.

Gordon made his recording debut at age 17 with a band referred to as the Confidentials. Throughout the ’60s, he grew to become extra all for R&B acts like James Brown and Otis Redding than within the British Invasion bands.

Watch Robert Gordon Perform Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Fire’

In 1970, Gordon moved to New York City and joined the Tuff Darts, a punk band that was one of many first to ascertain themselves at CBGB. In 1976, the band recorded a number of songs — together with “All for the Love of Rock and Roll,” “Head Over Heels” and “Slash” — for a compilation album titled Live at CBGB’s that featured numerous native bands.

It was whereas Gordon was nonetheless within the Tuff Darts that producer Richard Gottehrer, who additionally helped launch the careers of Blondie and the Ramones, instructed the singer attempt engaged on rockabilly-style music with guitarist and instrumental-rock pioneer Link Wray. Their first album collectively, 1977’s Robert Gordon With Link Wray, was launched to little fanfare however picked up extra consideration after Presley’s dying that 12 months. Gordon and Wray then made one other album, 1978’s Fresh Fish Special, which included the primary recorded model of Bruce Springsteen’s “Fire.” (Springsteen performed piano on the observe.) Gordon additionally signed with RCA Records, Presley’s label, in 1978.

Watch Robert Gordon and Link Wray Perform ‘Red Hot’

He hit the Hot 100 twice in his profession: first with a canopy of “Red Hot” carried out with Wray (No. 83 in 1977) and his tackle Marshall Crenshaw’s “Someday, Someway” in 1981 (No. 76).

Gordon went on to launch three extra albums for RCA: 1979’s Rock Billy Boogie, 1980’s Bad Boy and 1981’s Are You Gonna Be the One. Between 1994 and 2020, he launched six extra rockabilly and blues-based information, and likewise toured globally, sharing payments with Sex Pistols’ Glen Matlock, Kiss and Bob Dylan. Gordon’s remaining album, Hellafied, is scheduled for launch on Nov. 25.