Despite not having the fame of a popular rock star, Jim Gordon was present and active in the music industry from the 1960s to the 1980s. He enjoyed the luxurious lifestyle of being surrounded by attractive women and traveling frequently between London and Los Angeles, living like a rock star. His exceptional talent as a session drummer led to numerous recording sessions that resulted in many successful songs, making him one of the most sought-after drummers of his time. His remarkable skills can be heard across a wide range of albums.
However, regrettably, this is a tragic story involving a highly talented musician who received the prestigious Grammy Award and collaborated with exceptional songwriters. He contributed his incredible skills and added a touch of his unique talent to iconic songs like "Layla" (he also contributed to writing the piano melody). George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass is a significant and highly acclaimed three-album collection, considered to be the artist's best work.
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Jim Gordon was widely recognized as a highly dependable and skilled session drummer, and he had the ability to demand up to three times the typical payment received by other session musicians.
He started his professional journey in 1963 when he was just seventeen years old, supporting the successful Everly Brothers. Afterward, he gained a reputation as one of the most in-demand drummers for recording sessions in Los Angeles. He was mentored by the renowned studio drummer. Hal Blaine who played on over 35 U.S. #1 hits).
The likes of John Lennon, George Harrison, The Everly Brothers, Frank Zappa showcased his versatile musical talent by providing the rhythm for a diverse range of artists including Leon Russell, Traffic, Gordon Lightfoot, Seals & Crofts, Jackson Browne, Joan Baez, and Bread.
During the peak of his professional success, it was rumored that Gordon was extremely occupied as a studio musician. He would travel from Las Vegas to Los Angeles every day to participate in two or three recording sessions, only to fly back in time for his nightly performance at Caesars Palace.
Between 1969 and 1970, Gordon went on tour as a member of the supporting band for the musical group Delaney & Bonnie, who also had him in their lineup at the moment. Eric Clapton. Afterwards, Clapton assumed control of the band's rhythm section. While touring, Gordon's behavior became problematic due to the excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs, revealing an unsettling side to his personality. He displayed traits of ambition and manipulation, and at times, even violence.
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Gordon's personality disorder played a significant role in the downfall of Derek and the Dominos. This became even more severe when he was charged with murder in 1983. On June 3rd of that year, Gordon went to his mother Osa's house in Hollywood, assaulted her with a hammer, and ultimately killed her by stabbing. He has been incarcerated ever since.
He was found to have schizophrenia, but it was only during his trial in 1984 that he received an accurate diagnosis. Unfortunately, his lawyer could not argue insanity in his defense because of a recent change in California's legal system. As a result, Gordon was given a prison sentence of sixteen years to life in 1984.
In recent times, Jim Gordon was a man who had been largely overlooked by the rock & roll industry, as he has only a small chance of being released on parole. Although, there was a fleeting moment on Feb. 24, 1993, when he and Eric Clapton received recognition for their rock songwriting abilities by winning a Grammy for their song "Layla." Unfortunately, James Beck Gordon sadly passed away in prison in on March 13, 2023, at the age of 77.
Next time you hear John Lennon’s “ Imagine ”, Stephen Bishops “On and On”, Glen Campbell’s "Wichita Lineman" or Steely Dan's "Rikki Don't Lose That Number." pay close attention to the rhythm of one of the greatest and most forgotten about drummers in rock history.
