Kelly Gordon(1932-1981)
- Music Department
- Composer
- Sound Department
Kelly Gordon was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, primarily active during the 1960s and the 1970s. His solo singles did not sell well, but he found success by writing songs for then-popular music acts with a reputation for charismatic stage performances. He wrote songs for (among others) The Temptations, Nichelle Nichols, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown.
Gordon's main claims to fame were his roles as the producer of Bobbie Gentry's hit song "Ode to Billie Joe" (1967) and the co-writer of Marion Montgomery's "That's Life" (1963). The latter song offered the message to the audience that despite the ups and downs of life, one should never give up. The song was further popularized with a cover version by Frank Sinatra.
Gordon was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the late 1970s. His old friend Bobbie Gentry allowed him to move into her guest house, and she reportedly took care of him until his death in 1981. Gentry herself retired from her music career in early 1982, having reportedly lost interest in performing.
Gordon's main claims to fame were his roles as the producer of Bobbie Gentry's hit song "Ode to Billie Joe" (1967) and the co-writer of Marion Montgomery's "That's Life" (1963). The latter song offered the message to the audience that despite the ups and downs of life, one should never give up. The song was further popularized with a cover version by Frank Sinatra.
Gordon was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the late 1970s. His old friend Bobbie Gentry allowed him to move into her guest house, and she reportedly took care of him until his death in 1981. Gentry herself retired from her music career in early 1982, having reportedly lost interest in performing.
