In the vibrant era of the 1960s and 70s, Jim Gordon stood out as one of the most gifted drummers, celebrated by legions of rock fans as a deity of rhythm. His percussive prowess became legendary, his beats driving the pulse of iconic songs that defined a generation.
Yet, amidst this adulation, fate dealt a cruel blow, plunging Gordon from the heights of adoration into the depths of torment.
A harrowing illness besieged his life, transforming the paradisiacal realm he inhabited into a living nightmare. Yet, amidst the shadows of his downfall, a beacon of light emerges in the form of a groundbreaking book seeking to unravel the enigma of Jim Gordon’s life.
Renowned music journalist Joel Selvin has penned a gripping narrative titled Drums and Demons, delving into the depths of Jim Gordon’s journey with a depth and intimacy previously unseen.
Joel Selvin’s Quest to Restore Jim Gordon’s Legacy
The enigmatic tale of Jim Gordon, a man who committed the unfathomable act of taking his own mother’s life, continues to baffle and intrigue many. Amidst the shroud of mystery, one steadfast individual has dedicated years to unravel the truth: veteran music journalist Joel Selvin.
Over the years, various articles attempted to piece together the fragments of Gordon’s life. They attributed his actions to an undiagnosed battle with schizophrenia, a condition that tormented him with voices and hallucinations.
However, it was Selvin’s book Drums and Demons, that only offers readers a raw and unfiltered account of the horror unleashed by his affliction.
Despite Selvin’s unwavering commitment to shedding light on Gordon’s story with nuance and depth, the initial reception from publishers was hesitant at best. Yet, undeterred by skepticism, Selvin persisted, driven by a profound belief in the importance of telling Gordon’s story with empathy and understanding.
However, it was only after Gordon’s passing in March of last year that Selvin was able to secure a publisher willing to embrace the weighty responsibility of bringing Drums and Demons to fruition. Despite the chaos and devastation wrought by Gordon’s affliction, Selvin’s aim remained clear.
He wants to paint a portrait of Jim Gordon that transcends mere headlines, restoring his peerless legacy to its rightful place in the annals of music history. Joel Selvin told (via The Guardian),
“The guy got so little compassion. I wanted readers to know just how impossible Jim’s life was and how brave he was in battling the disease. He wasn’t just a backbeat guy. He was a fully musical drummer who embedded his playing into the core of the composition. He’s gone and he needs to come back.”
In Selvin’s narrative, Jim Gordon is not merely a figure of infamy but a complex and multifaceted individual whose talent and torment were inseparable. According to Selvin, Gordon’s unparalleled intuition and highly personal style emanated from the same depths of the mind that harbored his schizophrenia.
Through meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Selvin resurrects Jim Gordon from the shadows, thrusting him back into the spotlight decades after he disappeared from the public eye.
Jim Gordon’s Tragic Journey from Success to Sorrow
The narrative of Jim Gordon epitomizes the poignant trajectory from triumph to tragedy. Renowned for his exceptional drumming skills showcased on iconic albums such as Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, The Byrds’ Notorious Byrds Brothers, and numerous others.
Despite his illustrious career, Jim Gordon’s life was tragically marred by undiagnosed schizophrenia, a silent torment that corroded his mental and emotional stability. As his illness progressed, Gordon became entangled in hallucinations and delusions, with voices relentlessly plaguing his mind.
The first ominous sign of his decline surfaced in a violent altercation with his then-girlfriend Rita Coolidge during a tour, leading to the abrupt termination of their relationship.
On June 3, 1981, Jim Gordon’s descent into madness reached a horrifying climax as he brutally attacked his mother with a hammer and then fatally stabbed her with a butcher knife. This act led to his arrest, conviction for murder, and a forty-year prison sentence.
His life ended on March 13 at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy overshadowed by mental anguish and the tragic consequences of his illness.
Drums & Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim Gordon will be released on 27 February 2024.
