Forgotten: The Epic Rise and the Tragic Fall of Drum Legend Jim Gordon

 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.

3 Little Known Facts About the Scorpions

   Ever wondered about the lesser-known facts about the iconic rock band Scorpions? Well, buckle up for a quick rock and roll ride.

  One, did you know that Scorpions is one of the longest existing bands? Formed in 1965, they've been rocking for over five decades.

  Two, despite their worldwide fame, the band remained relatively unknown in their home country Germany until their fourth album, Virgin Killer, in 1976.

  Three, their hit Wind of Change was not just a chart-topper,but also a political anthem. It symbolized the end of the Cold War and is considered the most famous song about the fall of the Berlin Wall.  Intriguing, isn't it?

  If you enjoyed these facts, show some love, like, comment, share,  and don't forget to subscribe for more Rockin' Tidbits. Until next time, keep the spirit of rock alive!

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3 Little Known Facts About Heart

  Catch this, Heart fans!

  Did you know that the band we love was originally named White Heart before shortening it?

  Curveball. They initially played folk and acoustic tunes, far from their renowned rock sound.

  And here's a zinger. Despite their success, they only received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012. Intriguing, right?  

  Revel in these rarities and keep the rhythm rocking. Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe. Stay tuned for more.

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3 Little Known Facts About The Clash

   Ever wonder about the hidden secrets behind the legendary punk band The Clash? Buckle up mates, we're diving into three lesser known facts about this iconic group.

  First up, did you know that their name wasn't always The Clash? They initially went by the name Weak Heart Drops. Doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it?  

  Secondly, in the spirit of punk, they never rehearsed. Their raw energy was as spontaneous as it gets.

  Lastly, their iconic album London Calling was inspired by a telex message, a form of telecommunication popular in the 70s. Intrigued?

  Share your thoughts and any other facts you know in the comments. If you enjoyed this quick dive into The Clash's hidden history, do us a favor and hit like, subscribe and share this with your pals. Keep the punk spirit alive, folks!

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3 Little Known Facts About Skid Row

   Crank up the volume and dive into the untold tales of Skid Row, a band that rocked the world with their hard-hitting tunes.

  Firstly, did you know before settling on Skid Row, they considered the name Crime, a nod to their gritty, rebellious style?

  Secondly, contrary to popular belief, they weren't always a five-man band. In their early days, there was a sixth member, John Ratkowski Jr., who left before they hit the big time.

  Finally, their hit track, Eighteen in Life, was inspired by a real-life incident, a tragic tale of a young man named Ricky. Feel the rhythm,  live the rebellion, and immerse yourself in the saga of Skid Row.

  If you dig these lesser-known nuggets of rock history, show some love, like, comment, share and remember to subscribe for more. Until next time keep the music alive!

3 Little Known Facts About T. Rex

   Are T. Rex the band that rocked the 70s?

  But did you know, one, Mark Boland, their frontman, was a mod before glam rock, sporting sharp suits and a Vespa?

  Two, T. Rex's iconic song Get It On was almost rejected for its suggestive lyrics.

  Three, their album Electric Warrior stayed in the UK charts for an astonishing 44 weeks. T. Rex, more than just a glam rock band.

  Enjoyed this bite of rock history? Do us a favour, like, comment,  share and subscribe. Keep the music alive!

3 Little Known Facts About Three Dog Night

   Welcome to our world of music trivia. 

  Did you know Three Dog Night, the popular American rock band, got their name from an Australian Aboriginal custom? On colder nights, they'd sleep with three dogs for warmth, hence a Three Dog Night.

  And here's a curveball. Despite their seven gold albums and 21 Billboard Top 40 hits, the band never won a Grammy. Shocking,  isn't it?

  Lastly, their hit song, Joy to the World, was initially considered a throwaway track. Unbelievable, but true.

  That's all folks. If you enjoyed these snippets, don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more. Keep rocking!

3 Little Known Facts About Jackyl

 You've heard of Jackyl. They're a Southern rock band with a twist.  

  First off, their debut album in 92 was the first ever to be recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for its distinct chainsaw solos. Yep, you heard right, chainsaw solos.

  Secondly, lead singer Jesse James Dupree, well, he ain't just a vocalist. He's a whiz with a chainsaw, crafting intricate wooden sculptures in his downtime.  

  Lastly, Jackyl's got a song that's been banned from radio play due to its risqué lyrics. The song, She Loves My Cock.

  Now, if that ain't enough to pique your interest, I don't know what is. If you found these facts intriguing, smack that like button, drop a comment, share this video with your buddies, and don't forget to subscribe for more. Keep rocking!

3 Little Known Facts About Thin Lizzy

 Welcome to the world of rock and roll. Ever heard of Thin Lizzy?  Sure you have. But here are three facts you probably didn't know.  

  One, their name, inspired by a comic book robot, Tin Lizzy.

  Two, the band's first hit, Whiskey in the Jar. Not their original. It's a traditional Irish song, centuries old.

  Three, Phil Lynott, the band's lead vocalist and bassist. He was also a published poet. Who'd have thought, right?

  If you want more rockin facts hit like drop a comment share the love and subscribe keep the rock alive folks!

3 Little Known Facts Silvertide

 You've heard of Silvertide? This rock band has some fascinating facts up its sleeve.

  First, did you know they initially formed under the name Vertigo? Quite a spin, huh?

  Second, their debut album Show and Tell was released in 2004 but they'd already opened for Van Halen a year prior. Talk about a fast rise to fame.

  Lastly, they've been on hiatus since 2005 but reunited in 2013. Still rocking, still rolling.

  Enjoyed these tidbits? Share your thoughts and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more rockin' facts.

3 Little Known Facts About REO Speedwagon

   Catch the wind,  we're diving into three lesser known facts about the rock legends, REO Speedwagon.

  One, the band's unusual name. It's derived from a flatbed truck model studied by keyboardist Neil Doughty in transportation history.  

  Two,  their hit song Keep On Loving You. It was one of the first rock ballads to top Billboard's Hot 100.

  Three, their album High Infidelity. It didn't just go platinum, it went platinum 10 times over. Now that's a record worth spinning. 

 Don't forget to like share and subscribe for more rockin revelations.

 Rock on!

3 Little Known About Soundgarden

   Ever delve into the depths of Soundgarden, the Seattle-born grunge band? Here's three facts that might surprise you.

  One, before settling on Soundgarden, they briefly considered the name FOP after an Ohio Players song.

  Two, their song Black Hole Sun was written by Chris Cornell in just 15 minutes. Talk about a flash of inspiration.

  Three,  did you know they were the first grunge band to sign to a major label? That's right, they inked a deal with A&M Records in 1989.

  Now if you found these facts intriguing don't forget to like, comment and share. And for more quick facts, hit that subscribe button.

3 Little Known Facts About KISS

 Ever wondered about the secrets behind KISS, the iconic rock band? Here are three fascinating facts.

 First, before settling on KISS, the band considered names like Albatross and Crimson Harpoon. Imagine that.

  Second, their famous logo was designed by Ace Frehley himself, the band's lead guitarist.

  Lastly, although known for their catchy rock anthems, none of the original KISS members knew how to read music. They played by ear. Surprised?

  Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you enjoyed this snippet of rock history, hit like share and subscribe for more intriguing facts. Stay tuned!

3 Little Known Facts About The Rolling Stones

   Brace yourselves, Rolling Stones aficionados. Here are three lesser-known facts about your favorite rock and roll band.

  First, did you know that the Stones were originally called the Blue Boys? Quite the transition, wouldn't you say?

  Second, before they rocked the world, they were humble students.  Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were childhood friends who reconnected in college over shared musical passion.

  Lastly, the iconic tongue-and-lips logo. It's inspired by the Indian goddess Kali, not Mick Jagger's mouth, as many believe.

Intriguing, right? If you enjoyed these tidbits, do us a favor,  like comment,  share, and subscribe. Keep the rock and roll spirit alive,  folks.

3 Little Known Facts About Van Halen

 Ever wondered about the secrets behind the legendary band Van Halen? Well buckle up!  

  First off, the iconic logo? It was designed by Dave Bhang, a master of album art.

  Secondly, their first album wasn't self-titled by choice, but due to a lack of consensus.

  Lastly, did you know Eddie Van Halen's iconic Frankenstrat guitar was self-built? He combined parts from different guitars to get his unique sound.

  Intrigued? Dive deeper into the world of Van Halen. And remember,  if you enjoyed this quick bite of trivia, hit like, share and subscribe.  Your comments are always welcome. Keep rocking!

We recently finished a long form article on the Life of Eddie Van Halen over on Medium check it out!

3 Little Known Facts About Black Sabbath

 Cue the heavy metal thunder, it's trivia time.

 First, Black Sabbath, the godfathers of metal, initially called themselves Earth. A cinema across the street showing a horror film titled Black Sabbath inspired the iconic name change.

  Second, their chilling track Iron Man isn't about the comic book hero, it's a tale of a man who time travels into the future and becomes a steel-clad entity.

  Lastly, the band's original line-up included a saxophonist and keyboardist, quite different from the doom-laden sound they're known for, isn't it?  

Enjoyed these nuggets of rock history? Give a thumbs up, comment your thoughts, share the knowledge, and subscribe for more. Keep the metal alive.

Suggested post: "The Rock n Roll Life Of Ronnie James Dio"

3 Little Known Facts About U2

  Ever pondered over the Irish rock band U2? Well, here's the scoop.    

 One, they weren't always U2. They were initially Feedback and then The Hype.

  Two, their record-breaking 360 tour was inspired by architecture, not music. It's a nod to the theme building at Los Angeles International Airport.

  Three, Bono's iconic glasses aren't just a fashion statement. He suffers from glaucoma, making his peepers sensitive to light. Now, isn't that something?

If you enjoyed these tidbits, do us a favor. Hit like, drop a comment,  share the love, and don't forget to subscribe. Until next time, keep the trivia coming.

3 Little Known Facts About Rush

 Ever wondered about the secrets behind the legendary rock band Rush? Dive into these three lesser-known facts.

  First, despite their success, they've never had a number one hit in their home country Canada.

  Second, their iconic song, YYZ, is actually the airport code for Toronto's Pearson International.

  Third,  drummer Neil Peart wasn't the original drummer.  He replaced John Rutsey after their first album.

  Intrigued? Unearth more music mysteries by liking, sharing and commenting. Don't forget to hit subscribe for your daily dose of surprising stories.

3 Little Known Facts About Guns N' Roses

  Hey there rock and roll fans,  ever think you knew everything about Guns N' Roses? Well buckle up,  because we're about to delve into three lesser known facts about this iconic band.

First up,  did you know the band was almost named AIDS? Yeah, you heard that right.  It's a good thing they went with Guns N' Roses instead.

  Second,  they were the first band to have an album reach number one,  while another was still in the top five. Talk about making history.

  And finally, Axl Rose is an anagram. That's right, rearrange those letters and you'll get oral sex. A cheeky move from our favorite frontman.

  If you enjoyed these fun facts,  don't forget to like, comment, share and subscribe for more rockin' content.