1966 - 2010
A memorial service for Lee will be held at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery Chapel
on Sunday March 7, 2010 at 1pm.
We lost a good friend and a good man yesterday and we are all sad.
We will miss you, Lee.
The break room stories, your ENDLESS well of music knowledge and passion, your genuinely warm spirit and kindness that you brought every day.
We were lucky to have the time we had with you.
SO glad you and Joe came and celebrated this last FAT Tuesday with us. You left us with the echoes of Ernie K. Doe, Lee Dorsey, and the Meters...and your smile.
Lee Gordon---you were a man of many layers. From the ASTOUNDING performance as IGGY on the Amoebapalooza stage, to the warmth and kindness you showed all of us every day, to the customers who would wait two hours or more for you to start your shift---simply because "there's no one like Lee...." Most certainly there wasn't and there never will be.
Here's to you....Lee Gordon. "Time to flip the record over...."
With love and gratitude,
your Amoeba family
The tributes are rolling in, and, as usual, my friends and colleagues are more eloquent than I, so I'll be brief.
He loved baseball, music trivia, his family and his friends, and we loved him back. And we miss him. My heart hurts for Stacy and Joe and the entire Gordon family. It's a sad day, indeed.
As I write this my heart weighs heavy. I was in Amoeba music earlier this evening when I heard of Lee Gordon's passing. It put me in a state of shock. Stumbling around the aisles, I could not believe it. I did not want to believe it. I was welling and choking up, ready to lose it. Buying records meant nothing, there was no joy to be had in the process. This was not some
random person I met once - this was a person I spent the past 7 years conversing with. Lee was one of the best people I met here in Los Angeles. Kind, friendly, down to earth. He loved '60s rock n roll, and he shared his love for it everyday with those of us who were patient enough with his mile a minute banter to understand how deep and wide and tall it was. His knowledge of the arcane and obscure minutia pertaining to the inner workings of the Los Angeles music industry were staggering, nearly unmatched. Lee was a verbose man, he could go and go and go and go on and on and on and on about the things he loved even more intensely, and at greater lengths, than myself. Which is some feat. Yet, he also listened. If you had something to say that you felt important, he would listen closely. And if you had something to say that he was not as interested in, he would still listen. Because Lee was as gentleman. And a generous, helpful, honest individual who is already missed by more people than I can even count. Lee was just one of those rare people you meet in life who injected more goodness into the world than anything else. I already miss him. And always will. Lee was an amazing coworker and a very smart, informative, gracious, and interesting man. He will be missed by everyone who got the pleasure of being near him. So sad!
Today, it came to my attention that one of the finest people I've ever known has passed away. Lee D. Gordon, music connoisseur, Folk/Country master and all around great guy, died of complications due to Myocarditis which is the inflammation of the heart muscle. I guess his heart was too big for his small body.
There wasn't a day that passed that I didn't learn something from this Jack of all trades. Brother Lee was a music purest and someone who was respected and loved by all. I'm gonna miss hearing that raspy baritone voice of his sprinkling his vast knowledge on the people around him.
Best of luck to his little boy and his lovely wife. He was such a proud father and loving husband.
Today, we lost a very special soul. Rest in peace, Brother Lee. You will be greatly missed.
Lee... Talking old 45s with you was like having my own perfect librarian at my disposal. Your enthusiasm and knowledge remain unmatched, and I've always thought of you whenever a Love song appears in the air, or whenever anyone wears an absurdly sleeveless shirt. Much love.
Lee - you have so many stories to share with the other side, I guess we couldn't hog them all. You will be missed.
I don't want to believe it. Your passing is a reminder to me that we're all here on borrowed time. Wish you were here to share with us longer, but I know you're in a good place. Thanks for being, Lee...
Lee: Jennifer Aniston in an MC5 t-shirt on an episode of "Friends" - one of many moments of shared hilarity between us on the used rock floor (speaking of cognitive dissonance). You were always loved and appreciated, gentle friend.
Lee...I'm gonna miss your dry sense of humor...the political insight you shared with me...the fact that you could spot a shitty disco record from a mile away. I loved listening to your rambling lectures on music that I needed to know more about. Teach on homie...you made all of us at Amoeba better at what we do.
Lee Flash Gordon - You've told me so many great stories throughout our years at Amoeba. Thank you for your genuine compassion. I'm gonna miss you.
I first met Lee in about 2002 or so when I hired him at the Rhino Records store. We immediately hit it off due to our mutual over-the-top love of Rock'n'Roll and baseball. Lee was a walking encyclopedia of LA's rich rock'n'roll history. He knew where every classic LA recording studio had once stood and which great records were recorded there, as well as the exact location of the great '60s LA rock'n'roll clubs, and plenty more, as well. This information was far more important to both of us than anything we had ever learned in school. Then, there was our mutual love of baseball. He was pretty much a Giants fan, but he was always excited for me when my beloved New York Yankees were doing well. Between these two subjects we could chat for hours, and whenever I would drop by the store, Lee was one of my first stops, and we would instantly dive into these, the two cornerstone topics of our lives. I know this was on the company dime, so please forgive us for that, but as they say, passion is no ordinary thing, and Lee had plenty of that, too.
I have nothing but good things to say about him, something I am sure is true for all of you, as well. Just a great sweet guy, with a beautiful family, and a big heart. I already feel his absence, even though, as I write I am 6,000 miles away. He is the second friend I have lost this week, so what I want to impart is hard earned.
What I want to say to honor him is for all you who read this. Eleven years ago I learned the hard way about the fragility of our time here in this dirty old world, and that nothing but nothing is guaranteed. What that means is that you never know how many times that muscle inside of all of us is going to beat. And, in turn, it is most important to recognize what really matters while we're here. I mean, what REALLY matters. To me, that comes down to two things. One, is that wasting time is the greatest sin of all (do what you love, and follow your dreams), and two, the most precious thing we have is each other. I am older than most of you so this, as I say, was learned the hard way. If I had one wish for all of you, it would be for you all to gain this perspective the easy way, and not when it is too late. It's simple really, and it's been repeated endlessly, but it is the great failing of the human condition to be unable to fully appreciate some things until it is too late. Maybe this is all part of some grand design, and maybe it is futile and downright foolish on my part to try and fuck with a Grand Design, but that has never stopped me before. This is all a very long, convoluted way of saying we need to love each other. No, I mean REALLY love each other. We need to look after each other, take care of each other, and never take each other for granted. Because as I already said, each other is the most precious thing we have while we're here. And, gone ain't nothing but gone. In honor of Lee, I would wish that his life and his tragic way-too-early death could help us gain this perspective before someone else is gone. And believe me my friends, it will happen again to all of us. It is simply the way of things, and it sucks. Lee was a beautiful guy, as unique as any of us, and the void he leaves will never be filled. But, we can honor him by filling it a bit everyday. We are, after all, our brothers' and sisters' keepers.
I am on stage in less than an hour, and in many ways it is the last thing I want to do tonight. I am weighed down by grief and sadness. However, I have an obligation: to my audience, my band, and to myself. So, I will keep Lee front and center in my heart and soul as inspiration, and do the best job I can, knowing that I am doing the thing he loved best in this world, outside of his family, of course. But, I plan to channel all these feelings and raise the roof a bit, shout to the heavens, sing my heart out, and demand that whoever is Lee's keeper now better be doing a damn good job of it. Lee wouldn't stand for less for any of us, and I will do my best not to let him down.
Lee, old friend. bless you, and your family, and bless all of you, my Amoeba family. I am thinking of every one of you, and I am here for you all. Take care of each other, love each other. Right now.
Lee, you were one of the greatest men I've ever known. I always admired your kindness and vast knowledge of all things musical. You were an inspiration to a person like me who has always strived to learn more and to dig a bit deeper. My most sincere sympathies go out to your wife and son. Your legacy lives on and you are missed. I'm grateful to have known you. Seriously. I don't think that you had any idea how large an impact you had on me or many of the other people who surrounded you daily. You were the first person who fully supported my girl group addiction. Who else is gonna supply me when the fresh goodies come in to the store? You always hit the nail on the head. Today was bizarre and completely surreal. Tonight every record that hits the table goes out to you, Lee. Your legacy lives on through those of us who knew and love you. Though we only knew one another for these past two years, you're in my heart and the impact is deep.
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Dear Lee, we never met, but if the other world is what we hope is it to be, you'll have already met my brother in arms, Tony Fusco, and that means that you are deep in the fold with Dave Alexander, Rob Tyner, Fred "Sonic" Smith, and Ron Asheton , Lester Bangs, Barry Kramer, Norm Cash, Billy Martin, and all the other muther fuckers that made Detroit great. Thunder in the night,forever....... peace to the family Lee Gordon.
I've known Lee for 20+ years, and I remember putting the post-it on his application to recommend him for Streetlight Records. I'm glad we got to spend time with like-minded folks (Rob, Fred, Mark, Tom, Jason, Chris!), because it was all worth it. Bless your soul, Mr. Gordon. I will never forget how much you meant to us all.
Aww, Lee. It wasn't too long ago that we reconnected on FB and got re-aquainted. It brought me such joy to hear about your wife and son, and your deep love for them. I'm so, so sorry to hear about Lee's passing. He'll live forever in my heart, and in the hearts of many others. And yes, anytime I hear Love I'll be thinking about ya.
It is no exaggeration to say that the world has lost one of its very greatest living encyclopedias of rock'n'roll (not to mention baseball). He was also one of the greatest storytellers. There is probably not a day that goes by where I don't see some ghost of Hollywood pop culture history that Lee has pointed out to me. So fitting that he will be laid to rest at Hollywood Forever among so many other Hollywood legends. A tremendous loss.
In the world of "Record Store Geeks," this man rose above most others with his intellect, his enthusiasm, and for his big-heartedness... (It's ironic that his heart gave out...) He connected with so many people... SO MANY people were inspired to be better people by this amazing man. He taught us how much it matters to be a good person & to find ways to "share the Love..." His enthusiasm was infectious and his storytelling was amazing and such a part of the experience of knowing him. His encyclopedic knowledge was just astounding... Much of his spirit will stay alive in the people who knew him and Loved him... we will all honor him by carrying little bits of who he was around with us... Thank You, Lee, for everything !!!
Lee ~ I loved hearing about your son and how much you loved him. If there was a rock question I had, you knew the answer. I still look for you here and cannot believe that you are gone. Your spirit and your kindness touched my heart. You will live forever in all of our hearts here at Amoeba.
I worked the buy counter with Lee at Streetlight. It was an education for me on music and baseball and marriage. I remember once, he worked an entire shift with an earpiece in his ear listening to the mlb playoffs- 1998?. I was impressed by his passion for the game. He would often talk about his wife with an authentic and deep affection, as though they had been kids together and never entertained the idea of being with anyone else. My heart goes out to Stacey. He LOVED her very much. He was a genuine guy, which made him pretty cool in my eyes. He'll be missed.
Used to work with Lee at Streetlight Records in San Jose...a great guy, who knew his music and SF Giants (although I'll never understand his love for Willie McGee). Was pleasantly surprised to run into him at Rhino in '99...the last time I saw him. My best to his wife and child. Vaya con dios, Lee.
Lee was a beautiful soul without an ounce of pretension. I've just received the news and I'm caught in a state of shock. Lee, take care of Byron for us. You are loved and loved.
Lee was very sweet and very kind. I wish that I had known him better, but I am happy to have know him at all. you will be missed.
My heart hurts...I also knew Lee from the long-ago Streetlight Records days. He knew SO much, it was truly amazing. I always admired the passion he poured into the things he loved. His love for Stacy was obvious in everything he said...very cool. My heart goes out to her. Good memories of drinkin' beers and barbecuing in my backyard in San Joser- and the stories. The best stories ever. Honored to have known the man, the legend, Lee Gordon.
I am stunned to hear of the passing of Lee. I only knew Lee for a short time as I worked with him for about a year @ Streetlight Records in San Jose. In my nearly 17 years of working in the music industry, Lee was one of the most knowledgeable and nicest guys out of hundreds I met and knew. Not an easy feat when you consider attitudes can get in the way all too easily in a field driven by one upmanship. Lee was the antithesis of attitude. I remember he welcomed me like a brother @ Streetlight in the short one year I was there and shared his love for garage music as long as I would listen, and that was a long time. I STILL play the tape Lee made me entitled "They're All Lyres" which was a great best of comp. from underrated Boston band The Lyres. He proudly signed it and wrote on it - Recorded Jan. 27 1998 in Garage Capital San Jose California. His love for the SF Giants, music and life were unparalleled. While I hadn't seen or been in touch with Lee in 12 years, he left an indelible impression on me that I will never forget. Lee's memory will live on. In fact, Lee's probably shootin' the shit with Ron Asheton right now and STILL making friends!
that's so rad Chris. i remember when Lee first started at streetlight i was playin music with my homeboy Rob Gonzalez. Rob let slip one day that his dad Bob had been in the garage rock legends Syndicate Of Sound. you'd have thought he said "my dad was president of the united states." Lee flipped his shit. "Dude...THE syndicate of sound." so unpretentious, so open & so genuine. i will never have another friend like lee gordon. if i am lucky enough to i will surely not take him for granted.
That's some funny shit Robert! nice. I can see Lee now with that look of amazement or disbelief when your bro Rob laid that on him. I also remember Lee always going out of his way willing to help anyone not so up on music. He was a true gentleman who was completely selfless. Class guy all the way around.
I remember this young German tourist who asked me where all the notable recording studios were (once) located in Hollywood. I told him that I knew just the guy whom he should talk to. Thirty minutes later, the poor German was still taking notes furiously, hand likely cramping, as he tried to keep up with Lee's endless mental library of rock and roll arcana. I always suspected that Lee was of two worlds when he bicycled around Hollywood: the one that most of us see, consisting of strip malls and fast food chains. And then there's the spectral architecture that existed in his archeological mind where his icons of yesteryear continued to record and hang out. I used to try to get his goat with some generalized declaration like the 60s killed rock music. To which he'd respond, "yeah, I can't agree with you there," and then slip into a shamanic trance detailing in that unforgettable voice (equal parts Rainman and FM disk jockey) all the connections I hadn't considered. We, his pals, will of course miss him, but this town and the music industry need guys like him, who see art in what they treat as mere commerce, more than they'll unfortunately ever realize. Goodbye, Lee.
My favorite memory of Lee Gordon is of this time I was working within earshot of him near the vinyl table in the warehouse. I was not watching what he was doing but I could hear him explaining to someone, with ever-so-much patience, sweetness and care, what a 45 and a 12 inch record were.
"So a 45 goes around 45 times a minute and it's 7 inches across, okay?
And a 33 and a third goes around that many times a minute and is 12 inches across."
And I thought to myself, "Man, Lee is so nice to these new people and anyway, what kind of people are we hiring around here that don't even know the difference between a 45 and a 33?"
Then I looked over and saw that he was explaining this to his 6 year old son Joe, whom he had brought to work that day.
I had a real good laugh at myself.
I am so happy to have worked with Lee for 7 years.
A most devoted father. A wonderful person to be around.
I miss seeing him so much.
When someone unwinds this mortal coil so suddenly and so young, it can leave you speechless. This is where I've been the past week in the wake of Lee's death. Lee: it doesn't make sense to us, but I have faith that it does somehow to you. Our lives are but a blip, and if we join you tomorrow or many years from now, the important question will be - did we make the most of the time we had? From my mini think-tank sessions on the Amoeba floor with you, I always took away a vibrant feeling of knowledge & life (even if I felt like I should be "getting back to work"). It seemed like you always had that balance down-- work may be important, but not at the expense of our passions. Thanks for passing through this world. We're all better for it.
I met Lee some 10 or 12 years ago at Penny Lane records where we worked together for a time. But it wasn't until 7 years ago when Lee joined us here at Amoeba that I really got to know and appreciate the wonderful human being that Lee IS. Remember, LOVE FOREVER CHANGES. That is what has happened here. Lee's time with us has come to an end, and the the love that he carried for you Stacy, and especially for you Joe,has not vanished, on the contrary it has merely changed it's form. He will live on in our hearts and minds as long as memory endures. I am grateful to have shared so many great rock n' roll stories and moments, and am especially grateful to the wonderful bits of advice he gave me when I became a father myself. I'm so glad Lee had the opportunity to perform as front man to a rock n' roll band !!! I know he loved every minute of it. I'll never forget the excitement in his voice when he told me, "Now I get it! I get why you guys do this!! The feeling is incredible!!!"
Now as we feel sorry for ourselves, the stories we'll miss, the gentle consideration that Lee shared with us all. We must remember that LOVE , does indeed FOREVER CHANGE.
I'll miss you Lee, safe passage...
Lee was one of the good ones-pardon- one of the GREAT ones. He always had a smile on his face, and was ready to help anyone in need of musical assistance-even if he just happened to overhear the conversation! When Pia told me the news, all I could do was send out love and prayers to his wife, son, and to all of my family at Amoeba. It's taken me a while to even be able to look at the pictures of Lee and his beautiful son. The knot in my throat has been growing, and now I need to just accept that this is real, and let this sadness help me to remember how beautifully impermanent this whole human experience is. This is definitely a huge loss to the community. LOVE indeed Lee....so much love to you and your family.
i never really connected with too many people when i worked at ameoba...but i did with lee...dirty old rock and roll and how he knew it...it was crazy how all our conversations somehow ended with a story about his son...no matter what we were talking about...
go sharks and go giants
my condolences to the gordon family.
He was the kind of guy I hit it off immediately with. Lee's vibe was always an awe-inspiration to me. He would pass his thoughts on almost shyly, looking down,"...well, that was actually recorded in 1963". He could continue a chain of thought with more details than I could absorb in the one sitting, and later I'd think "...oh my God!". He knew more about Los Angeles than I did, and I grew up here. Lee's spirit will always hold court in a special place in my soul. See you in the next world, Brother.
Dear sweet Lee, when Fred called me to tell me that you were gone i couldn't help but think of all those crazed,passionate debates Sleeves,Roidt,you and i would have on the nature of rock'n'roll (usually accompanied by Freddie's giggling at our nerd flexes) & all the times i'd try to talk baseball with you & then you'd drop Luis Aparicio's 1964 fielding percentage on me & i'd try & shut the fuck up. I thought about you admonishing me for hailing some sensitive dude jams with a clenched fist & the exaltation "i just like music that KICKS MY ASS!" I think about you trading yer beater back-up copy of Stooges FUNHOUSE to Albertini for an equally beat Mosrite guitar just cuz that's what the MC5 played. I think about how you had the absolute WORST pokerface in the world on the buy counter when we worked in san jose (seriously dude...yelling out "HOLY SHIT!" not the most subtle move). but most of all i feel sad that yer beautiful little boy won't have the privilege of enjoying the coolest dad in the world taking him to baseball games & blasting his favorite jams for him. it's a crying shame & i can't type anymore cuz im cryin'.