
Robert Gordon, a renowned revivalist in the 1970s, died at the age of 75, his record label confirmed.
VP Matt Green of Cleopatra Records penned the official statement from the record label, revealing that Gordon died on Tuesday.
"Cleopatra Records would like to offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We liked working with Robert and will miss his powerful baritone vocal as well as his focused dedication to his music," he wrote to Variety.
Neither Green nor Gordon's family confirmed his death, but a GoFundMe page was launched last month amid his battle with an aggressive form of acute myeloid leukemia.
When the family first posted the fundraiser page, it revealed that the disease made Gordon cancel his tour in July. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated even more in the past months.
Over 180 people donated to the family, raising $15,969 of the $20,000 goal as of press time. It remains unknown whether AML had something to do with his death.
According to the American Cancer Society, the type of cancer Gordon suffered from starts in a patient's bone marrow before moving into the blood. It has the ability to spread in other parts of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, liver, and spleen, to name a few.
Gordon's death occurred a month before his final album with British guitarist Chris Spedding, titled "Hellafied," is scheduled to be released.
Fans and colleagues paid tribute to Gordon after learning about his passing. They also shared pictures they took with the singer before his death.
Some of the best nights of my life were spent in The Cadillac Lounge watching Robert Gordon up on stage, a pint glass full of bourbon in his hand, demonstrating why he was the true King of Rockabilly. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/ZlTPlNnSGk
— Sean McCallum (@Sean42McCallum) October 18, 2022
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
So sad that Robert Gordon has passed away - what a true rockabilly star he was! He made great records from the late 70’s onwards from the Tuff Darts to albums with Link Wray, Chris Spedding & Danny Gatton 💔 #robertgordon #rockabilly pic.twitter.com/looOodmKwI
— markbigstar (@markbigstar) October 18, 2022
Just heard that we lost Robert Gordon today. Sad news indeed. I was lucky enough to have known Robert and got to see him so many times over the years. When I was just 19 he used to always welcome me backstage and treated me like one of the gang.Glad I got to see home last year. pic.twitter.com/20fNAlfP8Y
— Tom Ferrie (@Tomsfedup) October 18, 2022
Robert Gordon's Legacy
The Maryland native singer started as a singer for local bands like Newports and Confidentials. He joined the National Guard before marrying at the age of 19.
In 1970, his family moved to New York City, where they started a clothing boutique. After the punk scene emerged in the area, he started his career as a part of Tuff Darts. He notably recorded part of "Live at CBGB" in 1976.
Richard Gottehrer heard Tuff Darts' cover of "One Night," leading him to talk to Gordon and ask him to record a rock and roll album. He then debuted with Link Wray with the album "Robert Gordon with Link Wray" in 1977 before dropping another album, "Fresh Fish Special."
Gordon eventually signed to the RCA label and debuted with "Rock Billy Boogie."
Before his death, he managed to release rockabilly and blues-based albums, including "Rockabilly for Life," "All for The Love of Rock 'N' Roll," "Satisfied Mind," and "It's Now or Never," among others.
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