September 23, 1948 ~ November 5, 2022

Gordon was born in 1948 to the parents of Gordon and Bernadine Curtis in the small town of Columbus, Indiana. He grew up in a musical family. His father played multiple brass instruments, and was a member of the University of Michigan Marching band under the direction of William Revelli in the late 1930’s. His mother was a piano player and loved to sing. It is no wonder why music became his passion and love his entire life.

Trumpet became Gordon’s instrument of choice at an early age. In high school, his highly skilled trumpet playing earned him a scholarship to the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts. He was also one of the few chosen each year to perform with the Indiana All-State Band as well a the All-Star Reading Band.

From there he went on to get his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Indiana State University. During that time he also studied trumpet with the legendary Bill Adam at the Indiana University School of Music. They remained close friends until his death in 2013.

Following college he auditioned for and was accepted into the North American Air Defense Commanders orchestra in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he served his three years of military service. Following his tour with the Commanders, he went on to play with the Colorado Springs Symphony and the Colorado Springs Opera Association.

His unique talents also afforded him the opportunity to play in the back-up bands, the stars behind the stars, for such talents as Bob Hope, Ella Fitzgerald, Vic Damone, Mel Torme, Gladys Knight, Doc Severinsen, Lou Rawls, Rich Matheson, and many, many others.

Gordon also performed many times with legendary trumpet player Maynard Ferguson. The highlight perhaps being when he was asked to be a member of Ferguson’s 75th Birthday Bash All-Star Band. An experience he never forgot.

And though playing professionally was his first love he was also a teacher of the art. He served as a faculty member for the renowned Clark Terry’s All-American Jazz Camp and Jazz Festival at Oklahoma State University, as well as Emporia State, the University of Central Oklahoma, the Telluride Academy in Telluride, Colorado, and the University of Colorado, Boulder. He was also a featured artist and clinician at high school and college festivals across the country.

During his long and illustrious tenure in the world of music, he also was the National Sales Manager for The Selmer Company.

Gordon is a longtime member of the America Federation of Musicians, the International Trumpet Guild, the International Association of Jazz Educators, and an advisory board member for the School of Music at the University of Colorado at Denver.

Gordon is survived by his brother Clark Curtis and his three adoringly loved Red Point Siamese cats; Presto, Allegra, and Aria. The family requests no flowers.

Gordon loved his music, he loved his cats, and he loved Colorado. He will truly be missed by all but his music will endure in our hearts and souls forever. Fly in peace now my brother.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:
MusiCares