Robert Gordon

rockabilly

Robert Gordon (born March 29, 1947) is an American rockabilly singer. Early days Robert Gordon grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, a suburb of the nation's capitol of Washington, DC. At the age of nine (1956) he was greatly affected by the hit Elvis Presley song Heartbreak Hotel playing on the radio, and decided to pursue a Rock & Roll career at that young age[1]. His influences included Gene Vincent, Jack Scott, Billy Lee Riley, Eddie Cochran and other notable rock 'n roll artists of the period. He made his recording debut at age 17 (1964) with a group called the Confidentials. The Confidentials, with Robert (called Bob at the time) as lead singer recorded, amongst others: Summertime, Money,and There is something on your mind. These rare tracks were first released in 2004 on 40th Anniversary Celebration (a special promo CD released by Dutch author/collector Arjan Deelen). When asked how he related to the sixties, Robert replied I didn't. He didn't care much for the British Invasion but he identified with soul singers such as James Brown and Otis Redding whom he saw, among other great R&B acts, performing at Washington DC's famous Howard Theatre. During the turbulent times of the late sixties, with the rioting and anti-war protests of the period, Robert served in the National Guard in DC. I didn't want to be sent to Vietnam, he recalls[1]. Punk rock Robert Gordon, referred to by friends and fans as R.G. [1], moved to New York City in 1970 and a few years later entered New York's thriving Punk Rock scene by joining a band called the Tuff Darts. Popular groups such as Blondie, The Ramones and Talking Heads would emerge from this scene. In 1976 the Tuff Darts recorded All for the love of Rock & Roll, Head over heels and Slash for a compilation album called Live at CBGB's, which included a number of other local NYC bands. That year, Robert appeared in a Punk/New Wave style film entitled Unmade Beds by underground film-maker Amos Poe. Blondie's Deborah Harry also appeared in the film. Rockabilly revival Record producer Richard Gottehrer discovered Robert during a rehearsal one afternoon with the Tuff Darts and soon afterward the two were talking about making a Rock & Roll record. Gottehrer was impressed with RG's baritone voice and his rendition of Elvis Presley's One Night[1]. After some conversation, Robert suggested working with guitar legend Link Wray. Wray was contacted and he agreed to work with them both. Robert to me sounds a lot like the early Elvis...