Ms. Lena F. Gordon

Celebrating The Life Of Lena F. Gordon: Lena Frances Gordon was born on September 22, 1932, to James David and Emma J. (Hough) Norwood in Florence, Alabama. The family moved to Detroit, MI when Lena was 7 years of age. Lena attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Northern High School. Lena gave her life over to Christ at the age of 16. She attended Faith Temple Church of God in Christ (Rev. CC. Chapman). She later met and married Cornell W. Gordon and to that union three children were born. Because Lena was such and “old movie” lover and was constantly awed with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, she started to take a very serious step toward singing. She embarked upon a talent agent by the name of Maurice King, who would then begin to launch her career in singing. In 1955, Lena was asked to record a song for “Checker Records and it rose to number 6 on the charts. She then began to tour all the best supper clubs in the Metropolitan area and the region, including Canada. She worked the Flame Show Bar, London Chop House, Caucus Club, 20 Grand, Brass Rail Club, to name a few. She also opened for acts such as Sammy Davis Jr., Lou Rawls, O.C. Smith and Sam Cooke. Lena worked with many of the great musicians and artists from Motown and throughout the country. Gracing the stage with such names as Barbara Streisand, the late Della Reese, Redd Fox, Billy Eckstine, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis and the list goes on. Lena was also a member of the singing group The Platters. She was the first black female star attraction at the well known Elmwood Casino in Windsor, Ontario, where she would mesmerize her audience and bring them to tears with her distinct sultry voice. Also included was the Top Hat Club, Royal York Hotel in Toronto, throughout Quebec, London, Ontario, and Winnipeg, Manitoba. She performed the Playboy Club and awed her audiences with her special sound and style of song, ranging from standards to jazz, to R&B. In the late 60s through early 70s she would write and produce (local acts), promote and made popular songs with writers such as well known Dale Warren who collaborated the sound track “Shaft.” Lena also pinned a song made popular in the UK entitled “You Hit My Love” which was nominated best new single of the year in 1986. Lena was well known for her simple and catchy but moving lyric content; she loved writing songs and poems. She was extremely creative! At the age of 13 Lena won first prize in a contest that was judged for anyone who lived in the USA. Due to her being a black child, the judges would not give the first prize to her, she was given second place. When the “actress (Jane Wyman) who then was married to actor Ronald Reagan heard of this she wrote Lena a letter to extend her apology on behalf of the judges stating “Lena had indeed won first place.” Lena’s passion truly was singing and writing, but most of all her “family” is what truly made her happy. Lena had a great sense of humor and a giving heart, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and even sheltering the homeless. Still today, you can look forward to Lena’s lyrical genius ability for years to come. She will truly be missed by many musicians, friends and family. The “irreplaceable” “incomparable,” Lena Gordon!

Ms. Lena F. Gordon

September 22, 1932 - March 5, 2018