Rock Musician, Songwriter. A drummer, he was known for his association with Eric Clapton as a member of "Derek & the Dominos." Born James Beck Gordon, he learned to play the drums while a youth and during the 1960s, he acquired experience playing with the Everly Brothers and Glen Campbell, among others. He first met Eric Clapton while touring as a member of the music ensemble "Delaney & Bonnie" in 1969. Gordon found commercial success with his contributions to Eric Clapton's solo debut album and followed this with George Harrison's smash triple album "All Things Must Pass," both in 1970. When Clapton was putting together "Derek & the Dominos," he had Gordon in mind as their drummer. The album "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs" was released in late 1970 and included the classic single "Layla" which achieved a Top 10 placing on the American Pop Charts in 1972. Gordon also co-wrote the hit with Clapton. Gordon's life took a tragic turn during the 1980s as he suffered from schizophrenia which resulted in him murdering his mother in 1983. He was sentenced to sixteen years to life where he was serving at the California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville when he died.

Rock Musician, Songwriter. A drummer, he was known for his association with Eric Clapton as a member of "Derek & the Dominos." Born James Beck Gordon, he learned to play the drums while a youth and during the 1960s, he acquired experience playing with the Everly Brothers and Glen Campbell, among others. He first met Eric Clapton while touring as a member of the music ensemble "Delaney & Bonnie" in 1969. Gordon found commercial success with his contributions to Eric Clapton's solo debut album and followed this with George Harrison's smash triple album "All Things Must Pass," both in 1970. When Clapton was putting together "Derek & the Dominos," he had Gordon in mind as their drummer. The album "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs" was released in late 1970 and included the classic single "Layla" which achieved a Top 10 placing on the American Pop Charts in 1972. Gordon also co-wrote the hit with Clapton. Gordon's life took a tragic turn during the 1980s as he suffered from schizophrenia which resulted in him murdering his mother in 1983. He was sentenced to sixteen years to life where he was serving at the California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville when he died.

Bio by: C.S.