This month we'd like to profile Patty's BEST friend and BIGGEST fan!
Along the right side of this page are just a few of the many albums that Emory Gordy, Jr. has contributed his skills to. As a successful songwriter, musician, producer, arranger, and business man in the music business, he is considered a to be a "musician's musician" by many in the industry.
Emory prefers to be low-key and concentrate on his music skills. In that note, here is a brief biographical outline :
Born in Atlanta GA, 1944.
Started his career as a studio musician in Atlanta during 1964. Worked with producer Joe South. Was a co-writer on the Classics IV hit "Traces" (One of your webmaster's favorite songs from his maturing years).
Moved to Los Angeles in early 1970's. Continued as a studio musician and toured with Neil Diamond. Played 9 instruments on the Hot August Night LP.
Toured with Elvis Presley in 1973. Played Bass for Elvis Presley's TCB Band. Fellow band members James Burton, Glen D. Hardin, and Ronnie Tutt backed Gram Parsons on his first solo LP; Emory joined them for the second, Grievous Angel.
Original member of Emmylou Harris's Hot Band in the mid 1970's along with James Burton, Glen Hardin, John Ware, Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill and Hank Devito. He also played on albums by the Dillards, Billy Joel, Hoyt Axton, Linda Ronstadt, and Albert Lee. Emory played on Chris Hillman's Morning Sky album in 1982.
Toured with John Denver in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Worked with him on several projects up until his untimely death, and has also worked on some John Denver projects afterwards.
Moved to Nashville in 1983 and became a prominent producer, songwriter and studio musician. During his career as a studio musician, Emory has recorded with artists such as Billy Joel on Piano Man and Tom Petty. He produced the Bellamy Brothers, Vince Gill, Earl Thomas Conley, George Jones, Alabama, Bill Monroe, Steve Earle's breakthrough debut album Guitar Town, among many, many others.
In 1985 Emory met Patty Loveless and has been a musician as well as co-producer and producer of most of her albums at both MCA and Epic. In 1989, Emory married Patty and together they have crafted one of the most impressive portfolios of songs and recordings in the country music industry.
Emory playing the stand-up bass at the Grand Ole' Opry
December 2nd, 2000
|
Patty Loveless: On this last album it was just he and I together. I know that I can trust him, and he's always throwing compliments my way. Because I tend to beat up on myself in the studio, I tend to think, "If I have to hear myself sing that one more time...," you know, "I didn't do that right... That sounds awful.." Emory is always talking back to me and saying, "You're doing fine." And I remember one point, we were trying to lay some vocals down and I was trying to do some warm-ups and I was emotional that day for some reason about something. And I was kind of crying in my voice, so finally he says "Come on over here. Let's just relax for a minute," and he says, "You know the one thing about you?" And he's kinda just looking down at me, and I'm like, "Yes I know, you're disappointed in me!... You can't stand me!.. Well, I can't either!" And he says "no.." I was barefoot, no I wasn't barefoot, I had my shoes off, and he goes, "No, you got two different colored socks on," and I mean, he just makes me laugh! And at serious moments he knows when to break the ice.
Porter Wagoner: She's the best she can ever be with him (Emory), because he's a brilliant man. And they choose their material wisely. He knows great music and so does Patty. There's a simplicity about them too that country people love.
Partial Listing Of Emory Gordy, Jr.'s Awards:
- Nashville Music Awards: Producer of the Year 1998
- Nashville Music Awards: Producer of the Year 1996
- CMA Album of The Year: When Fallen Angels Fly (1994)
- Grammy Award for Bluegrass Album of the Year Southern Flavor (1989)
- ACM Bass player of the Year: 1986 & 1987
- Inducted into the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame in 1992.
In a rare interview after being named "Producer Of The Year" in 1998, he shared some thoughts with the media:
How does it feel to win?: "I'm so surprised -- I never thought I had a chance. . . this is such a broad category with producers from all genres. It's more difficult being up against people not known for country music. I can't believe I won."
When did you know you wanted to be a record producer?: "Accidentally - I was a land surveyor for a while. I was a studio musician in LA and then retired in 83. I didn't stay retired long because they talked me into coming to Nashville and producing. I was with Vince Gill at the beginning; I produced his demos and got him his deal."
What's Next?: "I'm taking it one project at a time. I'm excited about Jack Ingram, a new artist I'm working with."
*Emory Gordy, Jr., Credits:
| Alabama |
In Pictures (1995) | Horn Arrangements | | Alabama |
Christmas, Vol. 2 (1996) | Bass, Arranger | | Alabama |
Super Hits (1996) | Producer | | Alabama |
Super Hits, Vol. 2 (1998) | Producer | | Eric Andersen |
Be True to You (1975) | Bass | | Eric Andersen |
Collection (1997) | Bass | | Susan Ashton |
Closer (1999) | Bass, Producer, String Arrangements | | Hoyt Axton |
Road Songs (1977) | Bass | | Hoyt Axton |
Rusty Old Halo/Where Did the Money (1998) | Bass | | The Bellamy Brothers |
Let Your Love Flow (1976) | Bass | | The Bellamy Brothers |
Beautiful Friends (1978) | Bass | | The Bellamy Brothers |
Country Rap (1987) | Guitar (Acoustic), Percussion, Producer, Emulator | | The Bellamy Brothers |
Greatest Hits, Vol. 3 (1989) | Producer | | The Bellamy Brothers |
Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 (1995) | Producer | | Matraca Berg |
Sunday Morning to Saturday Night (1997) | Bass, Producer | | Matraca Berg |
That Train Don't Run (1997) | Producer | | Matraca Berg |
Back When We Were Beautiful (1997) | Producer | | Matraca Berg |
Back in the Saddle (1998) | Producer | | Karla Bonoff |
Karla Bonoff (1977) | Bass | | Karen Brooks |
Walk on (1982) | Bass | | Marty Brown |
High & Dry (1991) | Bass | | Severin Browne |
Severin Browne (1973) | Bass | | Jimmy Buffett |
Riddles in the Sand (1984) | Bass | | Jimmy Buffett |
Last Mango in Paris (1985) | Bass, Bass (Electric) | | J.J. Cale |
Shades (1981) | Bass | | J.J. Cale |
Anyway the Wind Blows: The... (1997) | Bass | | Roseanne Cash |
Right or Wrong (1979) | Organ, Bass, String Arrangements | | Rosanne Cash |
Seven Year Ache (1981) | Bass, Mandolin, Piano, Arranger, Guitar (Rhythm) | | Rosanne Cash |
Somewhere in the Stars (1982) | Bass, Guitar, Piano | | Rosanne Cash |
Hits 1979-1989 (1989) | Bass, Guitar, Keyboards | | Roseanne Cash |
Retrospective (1995) | Bass | | David Cassidy |
Higher They Climb the Harder They... (1975) | Bass | | David Cassidy |
Home Is Where the Heart Is (1976) | Bass | | David Cassidy |
When I'm a Rock 'n' Roll Star: The (1996) | Bass | | Guy Clark |
Better Days (1983) | Bass, Guitar | | Guy Clark |
Craftsmen (1995) | Guitar (Acoustic), Bass, Mandolin, Piano | | Chi Coltrane |
Let It Ride (1973) | Bass | | Earl Thomas Conley |
Essential (1996) | Producer | | Rodney Crowell |
Aint Living Long Like This (1978) | Bass | | Rodney Crowell |
But What Will the Neighbors Think (1980) | Bass | | Rodney Crowell |
Rodney Crowell (1981) | Bass | | Rodney Crowell |
Rodney Crowell Collection (1989) | Bass, String Arrangements | | John Denver |
Christmas Together (1979) | Bass, Arranger, Guitar (Bass) | | John Denver |
John Denver (1979) | Bass | | John Denver |
Christmas Together with the... (1979) | Bass | | John Denver |
Autograph (1980) | Bass | | John Denver |
Different Directions (1991) | Bass, Mandolin, Orchestral Arrangements | | John Denver |
Christmas Together (1996) | Bass, Arranger | | John Denver |
Live at the Sydney Opera House... (1999) | Bass, Mandolin | | Neil Diamond |
Hot August Night (1972) | Guitar, Vibraphone | | Neil Diamond |
I'm Glad You're Here with Me... (1977) | Guitar, Keyboards | | Neil Diamond |
Greatest Hits (1966-1992) (1992) | Bass | | Neil Diamond |
In My Lifetime (1996) | | | The Dillards |
Decade Waltz (1979) | Bass | | Steve Earle |
Guitar Town (1986) | Bass, Mandolin, Guitar (Bass), Producer | | Steve Earle |
Exit O (1987) | Mandolin, Producer | | Steve Earle |
Essential Steve Earle (1993) | Producer | | Steve Earle |
Ain't Ever Satisfied: The Steve... (1996) | Bass, Mandolin, Producer | | Steve Earle |
Very Best of: Angry Young Man (1999) | Producer | | Jonathan Edwards |
Rockin' Chair (1976) | Bass, Mandolin | | Jonathan Edwards |
Sailboat (1977) | Bass, Mandolin | | Ignis Fatuus |
Ignis Fatuus and Guy Finley | Bass | | Dan Fogelberg |
High Country Snows (1985) | Bass | | Dan Fogelberg |
Portrait: The Music of Dan... (1997) | Bass | | The Forester Sisters |
Greatest Hits (1989) | Producer | | Vince Gill |
Turn Me Loose (1983) | Bass, Producer | | Vince Gill |
I Never Knew Lonely (1992) | Producer | | Vince Gill |
Super Hits (1996) | Producer | | Vince Gill & Keith Whitley |
Double Barrel Country: The Legends (1998) | Producer | | Jimmie Dale Gilmore |
Spinning Around the Sun (1993) | Bass, Producer | | Nanci Griffith |
Lone Star State of Mind (1987) | Mandolin, Bass (Electric) | | Nanci Griffith |
MCA Years: a Retrospective (1993) | Bass (Electric) | | David Grisman, Vince Gill, |
Here Today (1982) | Bass, Vocals | | Larry Groce |
Please Take Me Back (1977) | Strings, Arranger | | Emmylou Harris |
Elite Hotel (1975) | Bass | | Emmylou Harris |
Luxury Liner (1977) | Bass | | Emmylou Harris |
Profile (The Best of Emmylou... (1978) | Bass, Piano | | Emmylou Harris |
Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town (1978) | Bass | | Emmylou Harris |
Blue Kentucky Girl (1979) | Bass | | Emmylou Harris |
Christmas Album (Light in the... (1979) | Bass | | Emmylou Harris |
Roses in the Snow (1980) | Bass | | Emmylou Harris |
Cimarron (1981) | Bass | | Emmylou Harris |
Evangeline (1981) | Bass | | Emmylou Harris |
Ballad of Sally Rose (1985) | Bass | | Emmylou Harris |
Angel Band (1987) | Guitar (Acoustic), Arranger, Bass (Vocal), Guitar (Bass), Producer | | Emmylou Harris |
Bluebird (1988) | Conductor, String Arrangements | | Emmylou Harris |
Duets (1990) | Producer | | Emmylou Harris |
Cowgirl's Prayer (1993) | String Arrangements | | Emmylou Harris |
Songs of the West (1994) | | | Emmylou Harris |
Portraits (1996) | Bass, Piano, Producer | | Alexander Harvey |
Souvenirs (1973) | Bass | | Chris Hillman |
Morning Sky (1982) | Bass | | Billy Joel |
Cold Spring Harbor (1971) | Bass | | Billy Joel |
Piano Man (1973) | Bass | | Billy Joel |
Streetlife Serenade (1974) | Bass | | Billy Joel |
Greatest Hits, Vols. 1 & 2 (1973... (1985) | Bass | | Billy Joel |
Complete Hits Collection 1974-1997 (1997) | Bass | | George Jones |
Walls Can Fall (1992) | Bass, Producer | | J.C. Jones |
One Night Can Last Forever (1997) | Producer | | J.C. Jones |
One Night (1998) | Bass, Producer | | Mary Kayplace |
Aimin to Please (1977) | Bass | | Barbara Keith |
Barbara Keith [Reprise] (1972) | Bass | | Barbara Keith |
Barbara Keith [Warner Bros.] (1972) | Bass | | Nicolette Larson |
Say When (1985) | Guitar (Bass), Producer | | Nicolette Larson |
Very Best of Nicolette Larson (1999) | Bass, Producer, Synclavier, Synclavier Stings | | Albert Lee |
Hiding (1979) | Bass | | Albert Lee |
Albert Lee (1982) | Bass | | Liberace |
Loungin' with Lee (1998) | Arranger | | Lobo |
Cowboy Afraid of Horses (1975) | Bass | | Patty Loveless |
Patty Loveless (1987) | Guitar (Acoustic), Bass, Producer, String Arrangements | | Patty Loveless |
If My Heart Had Windows (1988) | Producer | | Patty Loveless |
Up Against My Heart (1991) | Bass, Producer | | Patty Loveless |
Only What I Feel (1993) | Producer | | Patty Loveless |
Greatest Hits (1993) | Producer | | Patty Loveless |
When Fallen Angels Fly (1994) | Bass | | Patty Loveless |
Trouble with the Truth (1996) | Producer | | Patty Loveless |
Long Stretch of Lonesome (1997) | Bass, Arranger, Producer | | Patty Loveless |
Classics (1999) | Bass | | Patty Loveless |
20th Century Masters - The... (2000) | Producer | | Patty Loveless |
Strong Heart (2000) | Guitar (Bass), Horn Arrangements, String Arrangements | | Lyle Lovett |
Lyle Lovett (1986) | Bass | | Rebecca Lynn |
Hold Me Tight | Bass | | Joanne MacKell |
Joanne Mackell (1978) | Bass | | Delbert Mcclinton |
One of the Fortunate Few (1997) | Producer | | Delbert McClinton |
Sending Me Angels (1997) | Producer | | Reba McEntire |
Have I Got a Deal for You (1985) | Guitar (Bass) | | Reba McEntire |
Merry Christmas to You (1988) | Bass | | Kate and Anna McGarrigle |
Dancer with Bruised Knees (1977) | Bass, Producer | | Mary K. Miller |
Handcuffed to a Heartache | Bass, Guitar (Rhythm) | | Bill Monroe & His... |
Bluegrass '87 (1987) | Bass, Producer | | Bill Monroe |
Music of Bill Monroe (1994) | Producer | | Rick Moses |
Face the Music (1978) | Bass, Guitar | | Mickey Newbury |
Heaven Help the Child (1973) | Bass | | The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band |
Bang Bang Bang [Single] (1998) | Producer | | The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band |
Bang Bang Bang (1998) | Producer | | Buck Owens |
Buck Owens Collection (1959-1990) (1992) | Bass | | Palamino Duck |
First Flight (1995) | Guitar, Keyboards, Drum Programming, Percussion Programming | | Wayne Parker |
Oklahoma Twilight | | | Gram Parsons |
G.P./Grievous Angel (1973) | Bass | | Gram Parsons |
Grievous Angel (1973) | Bass | | Gram Parsons & The Flying... |
Sleepless Nights (1976) | Bass | | Gram Parsons & The Flying... |
Sleepless Nights (1976) | Bass | | Tom Petty & the... |
Playback (1995) | Guitar (Bass) | | David Pomeranz |
It's in Everyone of Us (1976) | Bass | | Portland |
Portland (1972) | Bass | | Elvis Presley |
Elvis [1973] (1973) | Bass | | Elvis Presley |
Platinum: A Life in Music (1997) | | | Elvis Presley |
24 Karat Hits (1997) | | | Elvis Presley |
Touch of Platinum, Vol. 2 (1998) | | | Pyramid |
Pyramid (1974) | Bass | | Digby Richards |
Digby Richards (1974) | Bass | | Riders in the Sky |
Cowboy Way (1982) | Producer | | Kenny Rogers |
We've Got Tonight (1983) | Bass | | Linda Ronstadt |
Heart Like a Wheel (1974) | Bass | | Carol Bayer Sager |
Carol Bayer Sager (1977) | Bass | | 2nd Chapter of Acts |
In the Volume/with Footnotes (1975) | Bass | | Phil Seymour |
Phil Seymour (1980) | Bass, Guitar (Bass) | | Phil Seymour |
Precious to Me (1996) | Guitar (Bass) | | Silverado |
Silverado (1976) | Bass | | Ricky Skaggs |
Sweet Temptation (1979) | Bass, Bass (Electric) | | Ricky Skaggs |
Don't Cheat in Our Hometown (1983) | Bass | | Ricky Skaggs |
Love's Gonna Get Ya (1986) | Bass | | Ricky Skaggs & Friends |
Big Mon (2000) | Vocal Editing | | Tom Snow |
Taking It All in Stride (1975) | Bass | | Jim Stafford |
Jim Stafford (1974) | Bass, Arranger, String Arrangements | | B.W. Stevenson |
Lead Free (1972) | Bass | | Larry Stewart |
Why Can't You (1996) | Bass, Guitar, Producer | | George Strait |
Pure Country (1992) | Bass | | George Strait |
Strait out of the Box (1995) | Bass | | Aaron Tippin |
You've Got to Stand for Something (1991) | Bass | | Aaron Tippin |
Read Between the Lines (1992) | Bass, Producer | | Aaron Tippin |
Greatest Hits. . . and the Some (1997) | Producer | | Aaron Tippin |
Super Hits (1998) | Producer | | Conway Twitty |
Borderline (1987) | Bass | | Conway Twitty |
Conway Twitty Collection (1994) | Bass | | Kris Tyler |
Keeping Your Kisses [Single] (1997) | Producer | | Kris Tyler |
What a Woman Knows [Single] (1997) | Producer | | Kris Tyler |
What a Woman Knows (1998) | Bass, Producer | | Kris Tyler |
I'm In Trouble Now (1998) | Producer | | Steve Wariner |
Greatest Hits (1987) | Producer | | Steve Wariner |
Ultimate Collection (2000) | Producer | | Hank Williams, Jr. |
Five-O-Five (1985) | Bass | | Original Soundtrack |
Tin Cup (1996) | Producer | | Original Soundtrack |
Switchback (1997) | Producer | | Original Soundtrack |
Apostle (1998) | Producer | | Original Soundtrack |
Black Dog [Original Soundtrack] (1998) | Producer
|
* as listed by the All Music Guide
Emory with the King, April 23rd, 1973, Anaheim California
Like To Talk About This Feature?
Click To Join Our Discussion Boards!
|
|
