Jon Gordon was a renowned session guitarist and performing artist, making his mark on the vibrant music scene of New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. A virtuoso across numerous instruments, he was skilled in electric and acoustic guitars, 12-string, bass, baritone, dobro, lap steel, and mandolin.
In youth, Gordon played in several bands alongside a young Walter Becker. He was invited to join Steely Dan at the band’s inception, but famously declined. As a founding member of the band Tycoon, Gordon helped propel the group to success with their Top 40 hit “Such a Woman.” His reputation as a skilled lead guitarist took him through the heart of the NYC music scene, where he performed alongside rising legends like Suzanne Vega, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Patti Scialfa, Christine Lavin, Soozie Tyrell, Jon Paris, Joan Osborne, and Joy Askew. Gordon also served as producer for some of Madonna’s early work.
Gordon performed in numerous mainstay NYC music venues including BB King's, Dan Lynch’s, City Limits, O’Lunneys, Lonestar Cafe, Kenny’s Castaways, and The Bitter End. Outside of NYC Gordon performed and toured with a variety of influential acts, including Minnie Pearl’s Grand Ole Opry, Mindy and the Cyclone Rangers, North Wind, Tycoon, Open Road, Hank B, and Mary Travers of Peter, Paul & Mary.
Jon Gordon is perhaps best remembered for his iconic guitar solo on Suzanne Vega’s haunting mega-hit “Luka,” a track for which he also received an arranging credit. He added a distinctive solo to Vega's "Marlene On the Wall," and can be seen playing a 1964 Sea Foam Stratocaster (not for sale) in the music video for Vega’s “Left of Center.”
In the late 1980s, Gordon expanded his creative outreach by founding his own NYC-based recording studio, Jon Gordon Music Production. His work as a producer, composer, arranger, and engineer saw his compositions featured in popular media such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show with David Letterman, Mary Hart’s Exercise, and American Idol. His extensive library of jingle and production music continues to play worldwide.
During the COVID-19 pandemic Gordon relocated his studio to Beacon, NY, where he continued to produce music and to perform at Beacon's Towne Crier Cafe until his passing in May 2025. A link to the entire collection can be found here: Jon Gordon Collection
A wonderful video of Jon Gordon's musical career can be seen on one of our instagram posts: see the video
