Background & Career
Dexter Gordon (1923-1990) is widely remembered for his tremendous magnetism, his sense of style and sophistication, and his broad legendary sound on the saxophone. In addition to his innovative contributions in the world of Jazz, Gordon is still loved and emulated as a result of his iconic presence, which has, for decades, penetrated and influenced the collective psyche of American popular culture. Dexter, by and far, personifies the meaning of such classic vernacular terms as “cool”, “hip”, “slick” and “sharp”. To this day, Dexter Gordon is a brand in and of himself.
Family Background
Dexter Gordon’s Grandfather Captain Edward Baker was one of five African Americans awarded the Medal of Honor in the Spanish-American War. He was a member of the 9 th Cavalry known as “the Buffalo Soldiers.” Dexter’s mother, Gwendolyn Baker Gordon, was the daughter of Captain Baker. Dexter’s father, Dr. Frank Gordon, was one of the first African American physicians in Los Angeles, arriving in 1919, after graduating from Howard University Medical School in Washington, D. C.
Dr. Gordon was born in Fargo, North Dakota.
Early followers of Gordon’s classic sound and style include such legendary musicians as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter, et al. His career began at age 17 when he left his home in Los Angeles (born in 1923) to join the Lionel Hampton band and then went on to work with Louis Armstrong and the famous Billy Eckstine Orchestra (with Sarah Vaughan, Art Blakey, Fats Navarro, and Gene Ammons).
Recordings
Dexter Gordon’s recording career is well documented with early albums on Savoy and Dial, including the legendary The Chase with Wardell Gray. He is also well-known for his long-time involvement with Blue Note Records in the 1960s, during which he helped to establish a major precedent for the label as one of its most influential and widely-followed artists. All of his recordings include original compositions. Throughout the 1960s, Dexter Gordon also lived, performed and recorded in Europe, eventually settling in Copenhagen, Denmark. His legendary return to the United States in 1976 is documented on his recordings for Columbia Records (CBS Sony), marked by his featured album debut, entitled Homecoming.
Acting Career
Gordon’s film and television career includes the movies Round Midnight (produced by Irwin Winkler of the “Rocky” series; with scenes featuring director Martin Scorsese; and French actor Francois Cluzet) and Awakenings (starring Robert DeNiro and Robin Williams). On television, Dexter Gordon starred in two episodes of Director Michael Mann’s 1980s TV series, Crime Story, as well as several major international advertisements.
Gordon’s iconic photo (left) taken by Herman Leonard (Royal Roost, 1948) has been seen in film and print media for years. A recent DVD release from Jazz IconsTM includes performances from 1963 and 1964 in Europe, with liner notes written by Gordon’s widow, Jazz scholar and patron Maxine Gordon.
Oscar Nomination
The legendary Dexter Gordon (known as Long Tall Dexter for his 6’6” height) is the first and only jazz musician to ever receive an Oscar nomination. In 1986, Dexter was nominated as Best Leading Actor (along with Paul Newman and Bob Hoskins) for his role in the film Round Midnight (directed by Bertrand Tavernier, produced by Irwin Winkler, Warner Bros.) Gordon is also historically considered THE first musician to translate Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie’s innovative musical language of Bebop to the tenor saxophone. As such, he was a key proponent in the development of Modern Jazz along with the likes of Parker, Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk.
