Robert Gordon

Robert Gordon (July 11, 1947 – March 17, 2022) was an American rock‑abilly singer who helped revive the classic 1950s sound for modern audiences. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he moved to New York City as a teenager, where the vibrant downtown music scene shaped his artistic sensibilities. Influenced by pioneers such as Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Link Wray, Gordon began performing in the early 1970s at legendary venues like CBGB, quickly gaining a reputation for his authentic vocal style and charismatic stage presence. His breakthrough came with the 1977 album Robert Gordon with Link Wray on which the iconic guitarist supplied gritty guitar work, creating a powerful collaboration that cemented Gordon’s status as a leading figure in the rock‑abilly revival. Over the next four decades he released more than a dozen studio albums, including Fresh Fish Special (1981), Bad Boy (1980) and I'm Coming Home (1995), each showcasing his ability to blend nostalgic melodies with contemporary production. Gordon’s work extended beyond recording; he toured extensively across the United States, Europe and Japan, sharing the stage with artists such as Joan Jett, Chuck Berry and Robert Johnson’s surviving relatives. He also appeared in several films, most notably The Loveless (1981), where his performance underscored his deep connection to the visual aesthetic of the era he celebrated. Critics praised his effortless charisma and noted his voice as a rare bridge between the raw energy of early rock and the polished sensibility of modern pop. In addition to his musical legacy, Gordon was an avid collector of vintage guitars and a mentor to younger musicians, often hosting workshops on songwriting and performance technique. His death in March 2022 marked the end of an era, but his recordings continue to inspire new generations of rock‑and‑roll enthusiasts worldwide.