Robert Gordon.Photo: Paul Natkin/Getty
Robert Gordon, a rockabilly musician credited with helping to revitalize the genre in the 1970s, died on Tuesday following a battle with acute myeloid leukemia. He was 75.
Cleopatra Records, the singer’s label, confirmed the news in a statement released viaFacebook, writing, “Rockabilly legend Robert Gordon passed away today. Cleopatra Records would like to offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
The statement continued, “We liked working with Robert and will miss his powerful baritone vocal as well as his focused dedication to his music.”
Robert Gordon.Juan Naharro Gimenez/Redferns
On Tuesday, his family updated the GoFundMe with a statement about his death, writing, “Sadly, Robert has passed away from acute myeloid leukemia. All donations will go towards all the bills he has incurred from his lengthy hospital stay, procedures, and therapy, as well as funeral expenses.”
Their statement continued, “Your love and continued support, of him and his music throughout the years, has been invaluable and so appreciated. He loved you all.”
Gordon’s family then wrote about his musicianship: “Robert’s incredible voice and his music has not only put Rockabilly back on the map, it has made memories for us all. A voice like his, coupled with the authenticity he brings to the music, is unforgettable, and doesn’t come around very often.”
Further donations to the GoFundMe will go “toward his hospital bills and funeral.”
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In NYC, Gordon began singing with pop-punk band Tuff Darts at popular venues like CBGB. “I was doing the rockabilly thing which always seemed to get people off, but I was an angry young man,” he toldVarietyin 2014. “I had split from my first wife and punk worked for me. But I wasn’t really into punk. I missed singing those old songs.”
He later linked up with Link Wray, a musician from rockabilly’s original 1950s era, and they created two albums together — 1977’sRobert Gordon with Link Wrayand 1978’sFresh Fish Special— earning Gordon a record deal with RCA, which housed the music of his idol,Elvis Presley.
Gordon’s since released nine more albums: 1979’sRock Billy Boogie, 1980’sBad Boy, 1981’sAre You Gonna Be the One, 1994’sAll for The Love of Rock ‘N’ Roll, 1997’sRobert Gordon, 2004’sSatisfied Mind, 2007’sIt’s Now Or Neverwith Chris Spedding, 2014’sI’m Coming Homeand 2020’sRockabilly for Life.
His career also featured a stint in acting, as he starred in 1976’s Amos Poe-directed punk filmUnmade Bedsand 1981’sThe Lovelessalongside Willem Dafoe, perDeadline.
source: people.com
