Jonathan Gordon Obituary

Jon was just about my first true male friend, I met him in the late 60's, I would take the 86th st crosstown bus over to his place on West End Ave (or was it Riverside Dr?). He was always super polite and welcoming. We would play Carroms till the wee hours and he would talk about music - I think he had a red Les Paul...He NEVER made a "pass" at me-perhaps he was shy- but it was such a relief during the crazy 60's to be treated with respect. We did hang out in the same crowd...Half a century later he did admit he had had a crush on me, but glad I had lived the fantasy that I was appreciated just for me... Anyway we had been FB friends for the past 10 or so years, and my sister Victoria lived in the same Fishkill complex Jon moved into...and was also a cancer survivor...I tried to connect them, I think they walked her dog together a couple of times..

My deepest condolences to you Kate, Jody and Carol Jon was the BEST!

So sorry to hear about Jon passing. I met him through common friends (Peter Bliss and Alan Merrill) when I played a show at The Bitter End.
We had a good chat that night and exchanged a few messages / music links thereafter. Very kind man and a very talented and generous music pro.

Listened to Jon on guitar in NYC, watched him work magic in the studio - and saw him shine at a Suzanne Vega concert in Milan, Italy around 1986.... I was always so moved by his incredible love and pride of his two beautiful daughters, his everything. May this gentle, kind, creative, brilliant man rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing.

I am so heartbroken to hear of Jon's passing. He added so much to my music and was truly one of the greats. We worked together on so many songs that I have yet to release, but his production skills, guitar parts, arrangements were one of a kind. Jon truly was a genius and nobody else could have added as much as he did to my music and work. We were also friends as well, and I just want to tell him "thank you," for all he did. There was so much more to do, Jon, and I don't think anyone will ever compare. He will be sorely missed, Here is a picture of myself, and two other musicians who played drums and bass in his studio. My heartfelt condolences to his family, who I know he loved dearly. So truly devastated about this.

I first met and heard Jon when he was playing at a fraternity party on 113th Street at the end of the 60´s.
As the reigning rock and roll luminary at Columbia I was both impressed and irritated with how well he played and how much he looked like Jeff Beck. When we talked together on a break, amid the beer and Barnnard freshmen, he turned out to be so affable and warm that I could no longer maintain my annoyance at the arrival of new guitar hero. He played with a surprising elegance for his age. Basically, he sounded great!

Subsequently, as I´m sure you know, Jon played with a number of my old bandmates and he excelled. Sadly we never socialized as much as I would have liked and my move downtown to a more career oriented lifestyle limited our interaction. Though not in touch as I had re-located to Copenhagen in 1974, I was able to follow his career moves and I can honestly say that his guitar solo on Suzanne Vega´s Luka is something that Lise and I have heard well over 100 times as that album was a mainstay in our summer home in the 80´s. It´s a major solo in the pantheon of solos in our time. He truly had something to say.

We all come and go. Heartfelt condolences to all of you who loved him.
Billy Cross

I'm deeply sorry to hear about Jon's passing. Jon was my favorite go to audio guy of all time. He mastered every one of my productions - starting in the basement of his apartment in the East Village thirty years ago to remote work in his studio upstate last year. My sincere condolences to Mara and Jon's beloved daughters. Jon will live on in my heart and in my music forever.

I am so sorry to hear of Jonny´s death. We were friends as students at New Lincoln and I have fond memories of that friendship. We lost touch until reconnecting on Facebook and it was wonderful learning about the contributions he made throughout his life.

Offering my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Jonathan

Jon was a total delight to work with and to know. He digitized and in some cases edited 17 of my albums, and I also enjoyed chatting with him whenever I play a CDNY contra dance. I was shocked to learn of his passing, and will have to rethink many recording projects that I've been envisioning for sometime in the next few years, including documenting some of the unique traditional Irish musicians in the NY area. Rest in peace Jon, and I know you can still hear us!

David Sidman

Hello everyone.

My name is Ana Schurmann. I am now a Composer and professional Artist but at the time I met Jon in New York I was only a curious person trying to understand what songwriting was (coming from a fashion world) and, well.. understand what we call "music". I was searching for studios in NY to record one of my first tracks, "Flip" and I remember very specifically I had a pop song in mind. I found Jon´s studio and he was so friendly and supportive. We had fun recording "Flip", and I always tend to remember people that have helped along the way on what I call "The Good Book". The memories here on this link and the goodwill of so many wonderful humans truly makes me think Jon´s "Good Book" was filled with blessed souls, same as what I believe the one he possesses. Thank you so much Katie, for inviting me to write and if I am ever around NY I will make sure to stop by... At any time I am around. I will make sure to stop by. Cordially, Ana

I was not in Jon´s music circle but certainly aware of his great talent,but I did go to school with him from kindergarten thru high school. We lost touch after school only to meet again when we both lived downtown with children. Hearing someone calling my name I turned to see that gentle smile. We reconnected thru Facebook and we kept in touch discussing politics and children both extremely important to him. I will miss his take on the world and his love for his girls. Condolences to them and to the rest of his family.

Jon produced all my songs for many years and when I listen I´m still amazed by his talent. What a dear man. He will be missed.

I remember hanging with Jon at my family's apartment when we were wild pre-1970 teens. Jon, however, could also feel like the adult in the room, a testament to his intelligence, practicality, and insane skillset. I remember when he pulled out a guitar to play both guitar parts in Steely Dan's "Reelin' In the Years" in perfect sync and harmony. Although we didn't communicate for decades, I was so happy to reconnect with him again ten years ago through the magic of Facebook. Thanks you to the Gordon family for planning this wonder memorial event at the Bitter End.

Jon was an old friend from my days doing sound at JP's. The testimonials here attest to his character and positive influence on all people he knew. He will be missed...one of the good guys...

I am shocked and saddened to read of Jons passing. I have many many
wonderful memories of recording, playing music, and hanging with him in the early 90's......He was so talented... so fun...and such a unique wonderful human. He will be missed by many...My most sincere thoughts and prayers are with his family.

It's such a shock to read this obituary and learn about the rest of his life. I guess I've danced with him for thirteen years now, on and off. I knew he was somehow in the music industry professionally. I had no idea how accomplished he was. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to hear about any of this from the man himself.

Jon Gordon produced my freshman album and many other recordings after that. I loved his producing and his funny, off color but tasteful humor. It was quirky and I love quirky. We were in the middle of producing a tune when he passed. I will miss him! Love you, Jon.

In 1974, my band was looking for a strong lead guitar player. John came to a loft in Manhattan and sounded so strong! I really loved his playing and felt very comfortable with him personally. Against my strident objections, the other band members insisted on someone else.

In the 1990's, a fellow I knew was trying to help Jack Bruce, the bass player of Cream, find band members for an American tour, and I recommended John.

Great guy, great talent, great player. I wish I would have gotten to do more musically with him.
Courtney Colletti

My most sincere condolences to Jon´s family, and in particular to his daughters. I have very fond memories of countless hours spent recording with James Reams and the Barnstorners in Jon´s studio. Always with such wisdom, grace, and wit. I´m so sorry to hear of his passing.

I am so very very sad to hear of Jon´s death. Quiet strength, humor, brilliant musician. He was the sound engineer on a recording I made of a show I did years ago with a dear friend who is also gone. Jon was so patient and kind- we were amateurs and he was such a pro!! I deeply regret not knowing him better. Where ever he is I´m sure he´s making wonderful music.

I am so sorry I didn't know Jon better. WE used to contradance toegether sometimes, and of course, he ran sound when we needed him, and it was always wonderful. This will sound strange, perhaps, but I think obituaries should be run when we are still alive, so people know who we are. HJon was surely someone to know well ifyou had the opportunity. I will miss him.

Susie Deane

Oh Jon. I'm crushed. You were such an amazing soul. You will always hold a very special place in my heart. Godspeed.

How deeply saddening to hear Jon has passed. We were friends beginning in the 7th grade. And although our paths rarely crossed, my memory of his compassion and acceptance, even as a 12-year-old, remains strong and present. I will mourn his loss and treasure my memories. My sincere condolences to the family and all of his many friends.

Sincere condolences.

Evette Hitscher (Emily´s mother)

I was shocked and saddened to hear that my friend, Jon Gordon, passed away last week. Not only was his knowledge of music and music-production formidable, but his skills as a guitarist were amazing. You certainly know his solo on Suzanne Vega´s massive hit "Luka," and you can see him play in her video for "Left of Center." Before that, he was in demand as a sideman, playing for many of New York´s rising stars, like Madonna (see photo) and Cyndi Lauper. His own work could be heard all over tv.

I first became aware of him in the `90s, and we would go on to work together regularly starting in 2013. He did great work for me and was always very generous, as well as warm and witty company. Jon, thank you for everything, you will be missed.

You were one in a million, Jon. I´ll miss you forever. All the best to your beautiful daughters.
Happy trails...

Thanks for "Luka" which is a musical GEM.

I am so sorry to hear of Jon´s passing and am sending love and condolences to his friends and family. I knew him for decades in the NYC scene, always felt a kind redness with him, and got to know him better when we became Hudson Valley neighbors. He was a supportive friend, and beautiful person with a heart of gold, as classy and gentlemanly as they come, and his talent was off the charts. I always enjoyed hearing him brag about his wonderful daughters and his positive attitude and sense of humor even amidst ongoing health issues was admirable. I´ll miss you, friend! Xo Rachael Sage

Sincere condolences to John´s family. He was a very talented and very nice man.
So sad to hear of his passing. Kati Mac

R I P Jonathan, my guitar teacher

A good man and a formidable talent. Rest in music and peace, Mr. Gordon, xx B.

It was a privilege to work with him back in the day with Soozie And The Boys

Jon contributed to everything and everyone he encountered, myself included. He was in two early iterations of bands I was involved in, where his invention and friendship enhanced every song and every moment spent in his presence. He was gentle and formidable, simultaneously and he was a great listener. He always spoke things musically, just right. He became an important contributor to my music production company and with every individual project I was a part of, Jon was a part of too. Whatever it was, it was made better because of him. Rest comfortably in peace. You are in everyone's heart. xx

When I was searching for someone to complete the vocals on my album "Water Into Wine," Jon's studio was my destination. His great sounding studio and his incredible technical skills made my album all that I had hoped. Wishing peace to his family and friends.

So sorry to hear of Jon's passing. An awful loss for his family, friends and the World of music. I especially loved Luka as I am sure so many did. The guitar solo was beautiful.

Sorry to hear about Jons passing
I remember well working on Suzannes first European tour back in the 80´s where Jon led with guitar
Nice peaceful guy
RIP Jon
Russell Mason

With deepest sympathy on your loss from Ireland.

Deepest sympathies to you all.
Many lives were touched for the better for knowing Jon, mine included.

This one goes out to my dear friend and music collaborator Jon Gordon!!
I have worked and recorded with Jon both on solo and Latvian Radio stuff since the late 90s. First in his NYC home studio, then at his studio on W 27th St and recently up to a few months ago in Beacon.
In a world and business full of rattlesnakes, posers, shysters and a-holes Jon always stood out as something completely different. He was truly one of the most genuine, kindest and talented people I´ve known and worked with.
I always felt at ease recording with Jon. He would just let you be and do your thing if you were "on" or direkt you in a subtle way if you were stuck. He has played and added various guitars, mandolin, bass, synth, percussion, beats etc on my songs over the years. Always in a tasteful way that would help move the song forward and send it on its way instead of stealing the show. As I listen to my back catalog from time to time I always come across something Jon did, said or played that shaped the song in particular way, always in a good way.
Thank you Jon!! You will be truly missed and leave me musically lost for the time being.
Patric Westoo

Jon and I never met but he had such an impact on my life. Just the other day I looked at your pages, Katie and Jody wanting to reach out. I feared the worst as he was absolutely dedicated to word games, and also to people. I live in San Francisco and have been playing Words with Friends with "Jonny Guitar" since about 2018, having he was presented to me by the algorithm. I think we played about 135 games sometimes two at once. He was consistent, supportive, encouraging. I have looked at his last FB post multiple times and crossed my fingers that he would reappear. Kate and Jody I am so sorry for your loss. His radiance shone through.

We had the good fortune to record in his studio and play live with him the last two years of his life. Always the perfect gentleman and always supportive. And just a great guy. We´re gonna miss him.

This morning I said to my husband, "I cannot believe I'll never play Scrabble with Jon again." We were word nerds and Spelling Bee fans, but also musical colleagues and he was such a dear friend and cheerleader. I'm going to miss our brunch dates. I don't think I've ever known a kinder or gentler soul. Rest easy now, Jon, all the hard work is behind you now.

I am heartbroken. Jon was a true gentleman and extraordinary human being. He never had a bad word for anyone. My condolences to his daughters Kate and Jodi and to Carol and Mara and all who loved this special extremely talented kind man.

I started working with Jon in 1989 and stayed with him until 2001. He helped me tremendously as I had no musical training and grew up with deaf parents. In 2019 something positive started happening with my music. And I contacted Jon now relocated to Beacon. Which didn´t stop me. I would go up two days at the time and stay in a wonderful inn. And Jon was always there picking me up at the train the inn to the vegan restaurant etc. we had such a good time recording experimenting I loved my time with Jon so much and most of all his guitar playing!
Through the years I think we used every single different guitar sound there is. What a musician Jon was!
I´m so terribly sad and sorry and somewhat lost without him in this world!

This breaks my heart. A brilliant musician and a one in a million sweet man. Love to his family and his beautiful daughters.

I am beyond heartbroken..he was one in a million

A huge loss to the NYC musical community and to so many of us that were lucky enough to call him a friend. Love to his family.

Jon worked on my musical projects since 1998, and he helped me greatly. He was a wonderful guy, and it was always a fun time going to the studio, first on 17th Street, then 27th Street and finally up in Beacon. I will miss him.

I recently did a long project with Jon and he was so kind and appreciative. He was struggling with his health issues and this was a very difficult job which he finished without a complaint. What a great loss. Love to his family.

A great musician and brilliant Scrabble/Spelling Bee mate. And an all-around good man. I will miss him.

I´m a little gutted by Jon´s passing. I lived in the east village 14th street, and he was on 17th street. I could literally be there in 3 minutes we were that close. I´d often be at Jon´s studio recording vocals for various projects. I was young then and just starting out, and learned so much from Jon about recording, arranging, and often felt his perfectionism. He was also very quirky and quite funny, and would crack me up with his quick wit and extended intellect. He was a true New Yorker in that he supported the local business and was part of the community.
I helped make all my musical ideas come to life. I´m forever grateful. I haven´t seen him in a long time, but knowing he is no longer physically with us makes my heart ache. But his contributions will live on.

A devastating loss for the music community. Jon was uniquely brilliant both as a player and a producer/engineer. It comforts me that his amazing skills are indelibly linked to my musical projects over the years. His devotion to his family was singular, and his intelligence was well known. He was a gentleman; I will especially miss his presence on this earth.

Rest well Jon Gordon who would spend patient hours pushing us on the horse tire swing. A great and loving dad to Katie and Jody and a great all around guy.