Gray Gordon

Gray Gordon, born Jerome Rohkar (May 4, 1904, Freeport, Illinois – July 18, 1976, New York City) was an American saxophonist and big band leader active in the 1930s and 1940s.

Gordon first led a band called the Pretzel Five when he was still in high school. He moved to Chicago in the mid-1920s, where he played with the Seattle Harmony Kings and Elmo Mack's Purple Derby Orchestra. He led a band which played the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago. In 1936 he relocated to New York City, where he founded his first professional band, taking the stage name Gray Gordon during a touring engagement at the Hotel Chase in St. Louis.

Gordon called his band the Tic Toc Rhythm, based on the distinct clock-like rhythmic figure played on temple blocks by his percussionist Frank Adams. This was often accompanied by a trombone figuration prior to the beginning of songs, which helped identify the band to listeners during radio performances. For several years from 1939, he held a six-month engagement at the Hotel Edison in New York, whose performances were broadcast nightly on radio, and toured the other half of the year. His group started as a smaller ensemble – three brass instruments, three saxophones, and three rhythm instruments – but in 1940 he expanded it to twelve musicians or more, plus vocalists. He recorded several times for Bluebird and Victor during the period 1940–41; he also recorded four sound films in 1941 playing swing jazz. One of his signature songs, "I Am an American", was a popular tune at war bond rallies during World War II. He married dancer Noel Carter in 1941; they divorced in 1949.

Gordon dissolved his band in 1945 and later worked in artist and repertory in the music business, including for Les Paul, Mary Ford, and King Guion. He also worked in public relations for hotels in Miami. He was living in New York City in 1976 when he died of cancer at St. Luke's Hospital. He is buried at Oakland Cemetery in his home town of Freeport.

Birth and Death Data: Born May 4, 1904 (Freeport), Died July 18, 1976 (New York City)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1938 - 1941

Roles Represented in DAHR: director, songwriter, vocalist, composer, arranger

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Victor BS-026610 10-in. 8/17/1938 Tenpins in the sky Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-026611 10-in. 8/17/1938 For the first time Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-026612 10-in. 8/17/1938 When the circus came to town Gray Gordon ; Shirley Lane ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-026613 10-in. 8/17/1938 When a prince of a fella meets a Cinderella Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-026614 10-in. 8/17/1938 You're the very last word in love Gray Gordon ; Betty Lane ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-026615 10-in. 8/17/1938 Heigh-ho, the merry-o Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band director  
Victor BS-026861 10-in. 9/12/1938 You can't be mine (And someone else's too) Gray Gordon ; Shirley Lane ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-026862 10-in. 9/12/1938 Dream girl of Pi K.A. Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-026863 10-in. 9/12/1938 Blue in the black of the night Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-026864 10-in. 9/12/1938 Sixty seconds got together Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-026865 10-in. 9/12/1938 All ashore Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-026866 10-in. 9/12/1938 There's something about an old love Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-028103 10-in. 10/17/1938 Let me sleep tonight Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-028104 10-in. 10/17/1938 Emaline Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band director  
Victor BS-028105 10-in. 10/17/1938 I kissed you in a dream last night (Do you mind?) Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-028106 10-in. 10/17/1938 After looking at you Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-028107 10-in. 10/17/1938 That's what I want for Christmas Gray Gordon ; Shirley Lane ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-028108 10-in. 10/17/1938 The story book ball Carl Carelli ; Gray Gordon ; Shirley Lane ; Bill North ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with mixed vocal trio director  
Victor BS-030395 10-in. 12/14/1938 Over the rainbow Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-030396 10-in. 12/14/1938 The jitterbug Gray Gordon ; Shirley Lane ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-030397 10-in. 12/14/1938 Off to see the Wizard of Oz Gray Gordon ; Shirley Lane ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo and vocal ensemble director  
Victor BS-030398 10-in. 12/14/1938 If only I had a brain (If I only had a heart, if I only had the nerve) Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with mixed vocal trio director  
Victor BS-030399 10-in. 12/14/1938 Ding-dong! The witch is dead Gray Gordon ; Betty Lane ; Shirley Lane ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal duet and vocal ensemble director  
Victor BS-030700 10-in. 12/14/1938 If I were king of the forest Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and vocal ensemble vocalist, director  
Victor BS-031565 10-in. 1/27/1939 Sell your cares for a song Gordon Goons ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal quartet director  
Victor BS-031566 10-in. 1/27/1939 The moon is a silver dollar Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-031567 10-in. 1/27/1939 Tell me and I'll tell a million Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-031568 10-in. 1/27/1939 Blue Italian waters Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-031569 10-in. 1/27/1939 We've come a long way together Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-031570 10-in. 1/27/1939 It's all so new to me Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-032924 10-in. 3/8/1939 You're so desirable Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-032925 10-in. 3/8/1939 Chopsticks Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band director  
Victor BS-032926 10-in. 3/8/1939 Sing a song of sunbeams Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-032927 10-in. 3/8/1939 It's never too late to love Betty Bradley ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-032928 10-in. 3/8/1939 I can't get you out of my mind Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-032929 10-in. 3/8/1939 Hang your heart on a hickory limb Cliff Grass ; Leonard W. Joy ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-035739 10-in. 4/13/1939 Beer barrel polka (Roll out the barrel) Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-035740 10-in. 4/13/1939 A lady needs a change Betty Bradley ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-035741 10-in. 4/13/1939 But it didn't mean a thing Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-035742 10-in. 4/13/1939 I'm in love with the Honorable Mr. So and So Betty Bradley ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-035743 10-in. 4/13/1939 If I didn't care Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-035744 10-in. 4/13/1939 Why don't you try your love on me Betty Bradley ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo songwriter, director  
Victor BS-037194 10-in. 6/6/1939 Especially for you Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-037195 10-in. 6/6/1939 The song of the metronome Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-037196 10-in. 6/6/1939 It seems like old times Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-037197 10-in. 6/6/1939 Rumpel-Stilts-Skin Gordon Goons ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with vocal chorus director  
Victor BS-037198 10-in. 6/6/1939 Start the day right Gordon Goons ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with vocal chorus director  
Victor BS-037403 10-in. 5/31/1939 Cinderella (Stay in my arms) Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-037404 10-in. 5/31/1939 That's right, I'm wrong Betty Bradley ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-037405 10-in. 5/31/1939 An old-fashioned tune is always new Betty Bradley ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-037406 10-in. 5/31/1939 The last trip on the old ship Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-037407 10-in. 5/31/1939 You are my dream Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-040488 10-in. 10/10/1939 Goody goodbye Gray Gordon ; Shirley Lane ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-040490 10-in. 10/10/1939 Bless you Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-040491 10-in. 10/10/1939 If what you say is true Gray Gordon ; Shirley Lane ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-040492 10-in. 10/10/1939 I like to recognize the tune Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-040493 10-in. 10/10/1939 To you sweetheart, aloha Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-041590 10-in. 8/21/1939 Mexiconga Victoria Córdova ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-041591 10-in. 8/21/1939 Just for a thrill Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-041592 10-in. 8/21/1939 Old mill wheel Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-041593 10-in. 8/21/1939 Ling'ring on your doorstep Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-041594 10-in. 8/21/1939 It's all over town (We're thru) Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-041595 10-in. 8/21/1939 It's funny to everyone but me Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-046089 10-in. 1/9/1940 I love me (I'm wild about myself) Gray Gordon ; Rita Ray ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-046090 10-in. 1/9/1940 Ain't you ashamed Gray Gordon ; Rita Ray ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-046091 10-in. 1/9/1940 Gone with the wind Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-046092 10-in. 1/9/1940 Way back in 1939 Gray Gordon ; Cliff Grass ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-047738 10-in. 3/4/1940 I was watching a man paint a fence Gray Gordon ; Rita Ray ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-047739 10-in. 3/4/1940 No more rain Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra ; Johnny Victor Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-047740 10-in. 3/4/1940 You gorgeous dancing doll Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra ; Johnny Victor Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-047741 10-in. 3/4/1940 The kitten with the big green eyes Gray Gordon ; Rita Ray ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-048974 10-in. 4/30/1940 Blackout—hold me tight Meredith Blake ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-048975 10-in. 4/30/1940 It wouldn't be love Meredith Blake ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-048976 10-in. 4/30/1940 Clear out of this world Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-048977 10-in. 4/30/1940 I love to watch the moonlight Meredith Blake ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-050590 10-in. 5/16/1940 Can't get Indiana off my mind Meredith Blake ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-050591 10-in. 5/16/1940 I can't resist you Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-050592 10-in. 5/16/1940 My enchantress of the night Gray Gordon Jazz/dance band director  
Victor BS-050593 10-in. 5/16/1940 Adios, Panama Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band director  
Victor BS-051547 10-in. 6/21/1940 Never took a lesson in my life Meredith Blake ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-051548 10-in. 6/21/1940 Gentlemen of the jury Meredith Blake ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-051549 10-in. 6/21/1940 Looking for yesterday Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-051550 10-in. 6/21/1940 I am an American Meredith Blake ; Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female-male vocal duet and vocal ensemble director  
Victor BS-054620 10-in. 7/23/1940 I could make you care Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-054621 10-in. 7/23/1940 Molly Malone Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-054622 10-in. 7/23/1940 Ferry-boat serenade Meredith Blake ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo and vocal ensemble director  
Victor BS-054623 10-in. 7/23/1940 Pretty little peasant Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-056109 10-in. 9/13/1940 Dancing on a dime Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-056110 10-in. 9/13/1940 I hear music Meredith Blake ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-056111 10-in. 9/13/1940 Cuttin' the class Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with shouts composer, director  
Victor BS-056112 10-in. 9/13/1940 Autumn on the campus Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and vocal ensemble director  
Victor BS-056471 10-in. 10/9/1940 Dream Valley Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-057001 10-in. 10/17/1940 The lady with red hair Chet Bruce ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-057002 10-in. 10/17/1940 Oh! They're making me all over in the army Gordon Goons ; Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and male vocal ensemble director  
Victor BS-057003 10-in. 10/17/1940 The Yankee Doodle polka Meredith Blake ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo and male vocal ensemble director  
Victor BS-057004 10-in. 10/17/1940 The Kerry dance Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and male vocal ensemble arranger, director  
Victor BS-057005 10-in. 10/17/1940 I'll take you home again, Kathleen Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and male vocal ensemble director  
Victor BS-058256 10-in. 12/12/1940 Keep an eye on your heart Chet Bruce ; Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-058257 10-in. 12/12/1940 San Antonio Rose Gray Gordon ; Art Perry ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  
Victor BS-058258 10-in. 12/12/1940 Scarf dance Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band director  
Victor BS-058259 10-in. 12/12/1940 Eloise Gray Gordon ; Tic-Toc Rhythm Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo songwriter, director  
Victor BS-060661 10-in. 2/19/1941 You waited too long Meredith Blake ; Gray Gordon Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-060662 10-in. 2/19/1941 Make believe Gray Gordon Orchestra ; Art Perry Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and vocal ensemble director  
Victor BS-060663 10-in. 2/19/1941 Why do I love you? Meredith Blake ; Gray Gordon Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-060664 10-in. 2/19/1941 Granada Gray Gordon Orchestra ; Art Perry Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo director  

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Gordon, Gray," accessed April 18, 2024, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/104827.

Gordon, Gray. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/104827.

"Gordon, Gray." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 18 April 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/104827

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