Paul Christian Gordon
October 19, 1963 — February 18, 2016
Paul Gordon of Nashville, Tennessee, died Thursday, February 18, 2016, of heart failure and related complications. He was 52.
Paul is survived by his wife, Jennifer (Lysak) Gordon, and their sons, Alexander (Alec) Edward Gordon, 14, and Graham Calvin Gordon, 11. He also leaves his brother Mark, of Westerly, RI, and Mark’s wife, Camila; his brother David and his wife, Katherine Janeway, of Melrose, MA.; his sister-in-law Sherri McMillan of Fort Mill, SC, and her husband, Chris; his parents-in-law, Edward and JoAnne Lysak of Waxhaw, NC; five nieces: Maddie and Carly McMillan; Bethany Gordon; and Carlie and Elle Gordon; one nephew: Andrew Gordon; and countless friends and colleagues.
A professional concert and studio musician, Paul Gordon played keyboards and guitar for numerous groups throughout his career, including the B-52s, Jennifer Nettles, Lisa Marie Presley, the Goo Goo Dolls, Nona Hendryx, Danielle Brisebois, New Radicals, and Charles & Eddie. Paul also found success as a producer, songwriter, and composer, including writing themes and scores for television and movies.
He lived in New York City, Los Angeles, and, for the past 10 years, Nashville. Paul Gordon was born on October 19, 1963, in Everett, Massachusetts, to Rev. Calvin Paul Gordon and Barbara (Landry) Gordon. In 1966, the family relocated to Newport, Rhode Island, where Rev. Gordon pastored the Evangelical Friends Church.
Paul played and performed on stage practically his whole life. As a child, he sang Gospel music and played piano in church services led by his parents. As a teen, his rock bands entertained at high school dances. He studied jazz piano for several years. After graduating from Rogers High School in Newport, RI, in 1981, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Visitation will be at Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home, 2707 Gallatin Rd., on Monday, February 22 from 2-4 & 6-8. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1219 2nd Ave S, on Tuesday, February 23 at 11am with Father David Perkin officiating.
PHILLIPS-ROBINSON FUNERAL HOME, (615)262-3312.
