Singers: Roy Orbison, Elvis, Johnny Bush, Ray Price, Conway Twitty, Glen Campbell.
Songwriters: Roy Orbison, Paul Simon, Neil Diamond, Harlan Howard, Bob McDill
Gordon Ellis grew up in New York City--not exactly the country music capital of the world. Early musical influences included the vocal styles of rangy voiced artists like Roy Orbison, Elvis, and Jay Black (of Jay and the Americans). He began writing songs in his teens, but was too shy at the time, to share them with anyone. He formed his first group, "The Fortunes" in high school, doing old rock'n'roll and folk music. It was his first performing experience.
While attending the University of Oklahoma, where he obtained a B.A. in Psychology, he was drawn to the honesty and simplicity of country music, picking up influences of artists like Ray Price, Johnny Bush, and even Conway Twitty, and Glen Campbell, among others. There, he performed as part of a duo around campus, occasionally throwing in an original song.
After college, Gordon moved to the San Francisco Bay area, more for his own personal growth, than for music, but it was there, that he began perfecting his songwriting and performing skills. He performed on the streets of Fisherman’s Wharf for tips, as a duo in coffeehouses, and later, with his own country band, GORDON ELLIS & the All Night Ramblers, doing mostly originals.
While living in California, Gordon was a male vocal finalist in the Nashville Talent Search, held at the famous Saddlerack night club, hosted by Bill Anderson, and televised throughout the San Jose and San Francisco area. He was also featured on the Bay Area TV show Sidewalks, which spotlighted local talent.
During this time, Gordon won several songwriting awards and a vocal performance award in the Music City Song Festival. He also hosted an open mic for the Northern California Songwriters Association.
After much encouragement, Gordon moved to Nashville in 1990. Since then, he has performed extensively around the Nashville writers club circuit, including the Bluebird Cafe, Douglas Corner, The Hall Of Fame Lounge, and The Broken Spoke. He was featured on the Viacom TV show Writers Night in 1990, and has been the featured artist/writer at numerous writers nights over the years.
Gordon has had numerous songs published and a number of songs recorded by independent artists, including most recently, Irish country singer Bernadette, Kristin Randsell, Danny Mack, and the Canadian group Steele Heart. He has his own publishing company, Gordel Music, and recently released his first cd, “MEMORY MACHINE”, on his own label, Optimum Records. Cuts from this cd have been played on radio stations in the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zeland. He also has a two song EP available called “One God/One Family”. In July, 2003, Gordon did a one hour telephone interview with Mark Lindsay of wdyn.net Dynamic Independent Radio in Rochester N.Y. , where Mark played most of the cd, and talked with Gordon about his music. He has also done a one hour interview with Bert Gagnon at musictogousa.com.
Gordon Ellis does not sound like your typical country artist, but with a strong voice, powered by a three octave range, he sings his songs with passion and conviction--songs that are catchy and memorable--songs about real people, real feelings, real life. When you get right down to it, that’s what country music is supposed to be about, isn't it!
NOTE: YOU CAN NOW PURCHASE MANY OF GORDON'S SONGS ONLINE, by going to his personal website: http://gordonellismusic.com. and clicking on the MUSIC FORTE or SOUNDCLICK buttons. You can also purchase his cd "Memory Machine" from his site.
For more information about Gordon, go to:
gordonellismusic.com or e-mail: gordelmusic@hotmail.com
Thank you so much for coming to my surprise birthday party. I especially appreciate your giving up the Titan game--though I suspect you had a better time at the party than watching the Titan tape. We could do without a nailbiter every week, especially one that looks like it's in the bag with a quarter to play. When will they get over the idea that red zone means field goal? Anyway, Ginny and I loved your Lover's Moon. Your voice is always a pleasure to hear. I also got a kick out of the Rock Around the Clock birthday card. I'll do my best to follow your advice to "rock on". Thank you and take care.
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed talking with you at Code Blue. I've been enjoying listening to your songs--you have a great voice and great lyrics to deliver with it. Our friend Bert agrees and is giving you good play on the songwriters network. And you can cook, too! Ginny presented me with the recipe you sent her. I'm looking forward to following it and I hope I do it justice. Again, thanks for your music. It is a treat for us. Take care.
Online Now!
