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Gordon Stoker Obituary
His son, Alan, told The Associated Press that Stoker died at his home in Brentwood, Tenn., after a lengthy illness. Stoker, who was born in Gleason, Tenn., got his start playing the piano on WSM radio and its signature show, the Grand Ole Opry.
Alan Stoker said his father was just 15 when he started playing professionally. He joined the Jordanaires as a piano player, but then became tenor vocalist. The group was already well known for their gospel singing when Presley recruited them to perform on his recording of "Hound Dog," in 1956.
The Jordanaires originated in Missouri and came to Nashville, where they backed Red Foley on a segment of the Opry called the "Prince Albert Show," according to John Rumble, senior historian at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Rumble said they drew on both black an d white gospel music, as well as many of the hymns Stoker knew by heart from his childhood in rural West Tennessee.
"He could play by ear," Rumble said. "Anything he could hear on the radio, he could play it."
The quartet soon developed a national audience after performing on the Opry and the nationally syndicated show, "Eddy Arnold Time."
They recorded and performed for years with Elvis, who was a huge gospel fan, Rumble said. In some of the early Elvis recordings, such as "It's Now or Never," and "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" their vocals really stood out, he said.
The Jordanaires also performed with Patsy Cline on "Crazy," with Jim Reeves on "Four Walls," on George Jones' 1980 hit "He Stopped Loving Her Today," and on Kenny Rogers' "Lucille."
They were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
179 Entries
Josip Percini´c
October 29, 2022
Jordanaires, Gordon Stoker, all from Jordanaires no words enough for explain his stamps in song.. So beautiful, recognized, over whole world. With Elvis, or eny musicians.. Never meet him, but now when the world is in the button, just push and came to enyone, I meet on this Way Mr. Ray Walker, Gordon sons Alan.. Always wished even virtualy speak with him but now.. I believe, yes he was wonderful man.. Truly blessed. Thank You Gordon, Thank You God, Yhank You Ray, Alan.. And thank you all Jordanaires.. God bless you
Debra Frazier
April 11, 2018
Sorry for the loss of a wonderful person and such a great talent. You made many hearts sing
Stephanie Connolly
August 2, 2017
What a nice person he was had the pleasure of meeting him at the gold coast hotel in las vegas many years ago he would have a chat with me at the pool side to all his family sorry for your sad loss what a great performer r.I.p
Nazarene Mckinney
May 19, 2017
Loved Kentucky Rain and Can't Help Falling In love With You! Thanks for the lovely vocals!
How you can show support
brian sidwell
January 2, 2014
I am from the 60's and listened to Elvis and Ricky then and now, on my old but very good condition hi fi. I still play some of their tunes at weddings where my son and I do mobile disco's. Naturally the Jordanaires completed the production of their hits. I treasure a cassette with the Jordanaires backing Ricky just before he passed away. We have lost another character, but heaven must be singing with joy.
Brian Sidwell from Zimbabwe
Marna Brantley
August 6, 2013
I had the honor and pleasure of meeting The Jordanaires in Virginia Beach in June of 2000. I had the joy of getting a picture of them and was saddened to learn of Gordon's passing* May he rest in peace right beside Elvis* The group will never be the same without him. Always a fan. Marna Brantley
aidan HEGGARTY
July 11, 2013
so sorry to hear of gordon passing away , we were fans of his singing from 7 old our deepest sympathy to his family n friends from irish rocknroll fans the heggarty twins /
Bruce Holland
May 6, 2013
I can't help but feel that Elvis and Ricky are waiting to greet Gordon with open arms. What a nice,down to earth man. I had the honor of spending a few days Gordon in 94 in North Hollywood at the Beverly Garden hotel.I loved his stories and he kept me laughing. I'll always cherish the memories. My heart goes out to the family, the Jordanaires and all who thought the world of him as I do.
Larry Kelley
April 17, 2013
It was with great sorrow that we heard of Gordon's passing! He was always kind to my family and I and we so enjoyed working with him and the Jordanaires on stage and in the recording studio. He was blessed with his experiences in life in the music business and blessed with his wife, Jean and family. May God bless his soul as our prayers go out to his family and friends.
arthur cromer
April 5, 2013
Thank you Gordon for helping this world a better place with your music God Bless you
Garry Wesley with the Jordanaires at Potawatomi Casino In Milwaukee Wisconsin
Garry Wesley
April 3, 2013
Our deepest sympathy, love and healing prayers for the Stoker Family and The Jordanaires.
It was our biggest honor to work with the Jordanaires and Gordon. It was a bigger honor to have come to know him on a personal note. He shared beautiful stories of his music career and we loved his humor and laughter as well. We will miss him so dearly and always hold him close in our hearts.
Garry & Elaine Wesley
April 3, 2013
To the surviving family members: may the peace of God be with you during this time. Romans 15:33.
James Rockwell
April 3, 2013
To the family of Mr.Stoker. May God hold you in the palm of his hand at this difficult time.
Lin Ross'Wertsbaugh
April 3, 2013
Gorden you will be missed. Heaven now has another beautiful person and voice. Thank you for gracing us all these years. Lin Wertsbaugh
Deborah Hamilton
April 3, 2013
Gordon Stoker will be sadly missed by many Canadians. My Blessing are sent to his family and loved ones. Deborah Hamilton Oshawa Ontario Canada
April 3, 2013
am sorry to hear gorden has passed away, i remember watching him with the jordannaires and loved to hear him sing, his voice was so sweet and soft sounding, he will be missed by all who knew him and loved him, i am a kentucky fan and i know he will be missed by me,so i am praying for his family and all who knew him, god bless all who are hurting.
Cheryl and Steve Ross
April 2, 2013
Remember Gordon so well and he will be sadly missed. So glad I got to visit a bit with him in Memphis after the show at the Cannon Center. This picture was taken that night by me. Prayers for you Jean and your family.
Ryan Beesley
April 1, 2013
I have such fond memories of Gordon and the time I spent with his family growing up; annual trips to Nashville and South Daytona. Frequently I'll be out on the town with my friends and I'll hear a song of his; I beam with pride as I explain to my friends that this is my great uncle. It can never be measured how many lives he has touched. Such a gentle and kind heart, he will be missed.
Dan McDermott
April 1, 2013
What a voice. I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Stoker's passing. I bet he is singing How Great Thou Art with Elvis right now. RIP
Linda Jorden
April 1, 2013
Those wre good ole times...you will missed a lot.
Boston Jim
April 1, 2013
John Lennon once said;"before Elvis, there was nothing", what he meant to say;"before Elvis & Gordon Stoker & the Jordanaires,there was nothing". God Speed, you have left us with great "memories".
April 1, 2013
I was sorry to hear about this death and hope that the family is doing well. He was a good fellow. Billy Davis (Nashville, TN)
Jenny Burton
April 1, 2013
Mr.Stoker was a wonderful and giving human being. I pray that his family finds peace during their loss. He is in heaven with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He is once again singing those beautiful hymns with Elvis.
April 1, 2013
My condolences during this most diffcult time. May comfort from the Bible give this family peace.B.Meill NO
Gloria Martinez
March 31, 2013
Thankful for his talent Rest In Peace
March 31, 2013
To the Stoker family and friends, may the God of comfort watch over and strengthen you all as you grieve for Gordon. My prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to you all.
-S.Scott, Tucker, GA
March 31, 2013
This is to sad to have happend to the stoker family another good one ghone from earth to go to heaven he is an angle looking down on all of you he is still hear in our harts and minds he will always be there for all of u god bless the stoker family he left so much to remember him buy his voice a legend and one of the greatest person there is rip gordon you will be missed but not forgotten tcb ltc
Memorial Dinner 2011
Mike Seeger
March 31, 2013
Rest In Peace Mr. Stoker.
Thanks for all of beautiful hour in memory to Elvis.
Tere Clark
March 30, 2013
Great music is certainly being made in Heaven as Gordon joins Elvis ... This world is a better place because Gordon was here. R.I.P.
March 30, 2013
TO THE FAMILY, DURING THIS VERY SAD TIME PLEASE CONTINUE TO LEAN ON "THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT" 2ND COR.1 3-4.
Buzz Cason
March 30, 2013
We were all blessed by Gordon's life and love for all he encountered.. His service today was a Gospel-filled celebration with his music and a touching and humorous eulogy from his son Brent. A life well lived. A hero to many of us aspiring singers of the late fifties and beyond. Sympathy and love to the family and thanks to Gordon for entertaining and inspiring us with his gifted and beautiful voice!
Mike VanBuren
March 30, 2013
Mr. Stoker seemed like a gracias and humble man the day we interviewed him for our upcoming video documentary on The Glaser Brothers. He extended great hospitality to us at his home and later followed up with a nice note on Jordanaires stationery. It is an honor to have met him.
March 30, 2013
may God in Heaven bless,and be kind to the Stoker family.Happy are they that mourn,since they will be comforted...matt.5:4...mb
Jody Pennington
March 30, 2013
God Bless
Helen Brown
March 30, 2013
A lovely, gentle man who has contributed so much to popular music. Thank you so much for your friendship with Elvis and his fans. It was always a pleasure to meet you and see you around in Memphis.
Loretta Prior
March 30, 2013
God Bless the Stoker family for the great singer,now he is back singing with Elvis and many others gone on before.
Bobby,Phyllis,and Jane Newman
March 30, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stoker family at the loss of their loved one.The Newman Family of Florida
Ann Ellington-Wagner
March 30, 2013
My heart is saddened to learn of Gordon's passing. He was such a gentle person with a talent as big as the universe. To the Stoker Family, you are in my heart and prayers. Gordon is now singing with the Choir of Angels.
R.O.P.E. c/o Leslie Elliott
March 30, 2013
To the Stoker Family,
We extend our sympathies and prayers to you. Gordon was a vital part of our music industry and will be sorely missed.
All his many friends in
R.O.P.E. (Reunion of Professional Entertainers)
Leslie and Ron Elliott
March 30, 2013
We sure will miss you and thanks for all the music you gave us through the years. It was a pleasure knowing you and having you sing on our gospel album. Our prayers are with your family and may you rest in peace.
Kindest regards,
Leslie and Ron Elliott
March 30, 2013
No doubt he had a great voice such a beautiful gift from God. May the family have strength and comfort from God. Soon he will make it possible to see our love ones again
March 30, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Tracy Boerke
March 30, 2013
May You Rest In Peace.
Sean McGeeney
March 30, 2013
Thoughts and prayers from Ireland. As a musician, it was such an honour to meet one of my vocal heroes back in the early '90's. A pure sweet, funny and gentle man. I know he's looking down watching over you all. God bless you all
Janie
March 30, 2013
That was when music was good. The Stoker family is on my prayers. May the God of all comfort be with your family at this difficult time.
Billy Clements
March 30, 2013
RIP Mr Stoker, It was a honor to have met you.
Richard H Brown
March 29, 2013
What a privledge to have known Gordon. He was a giant in the music world having come from humble beginnings, and always grounded even with such great success. He listened many time to my playing at church and would always come down after the service and say very kind unsoliciated comments. He always had an ear for music and regardless of what was going on, he was in tune with the note being played. He gave complete respect to others playing and how gratifying to hear kind uplifing words from someone who had done it all. We had many converstations about music, but he never turned the spotlight on himself, it was always where have you been and what have you done. Thats what great legacy's are made of. The music world has lost a giant behind the scene but very much front and center. My prayers go to the family who will grieve for his loss here with us on Earth, but rejoice in his commitment to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who was always front and center in his life.
Pauline Cantrell
March 29, 2013
To the Stoker family I am so sorry for your loss. I only knew Mr Gordon for a short time but he will be missed. To the family hold your heads up high because Mr Gordon was a great man and he is in a better place.
Zafar Sadiq
March 29, 2013
Heart felt sympathies for Gordon's family. At a time like this nothing seems to heal the pain you all are facing.
March 29, 2013
It was an honor to know Gordon who was a great neighbor and gentleman. We will always remember the wonderful talks and visits in his sunroom and on our patio! Gordon will be greatly missed.
Dawn and Bill
R.L. Harrison
March 29, 2013
To the Stoker Family: I am terribly sorry for your loss. The Jordanaires quartet was a prime example of the most significant contributors to American music history. I am thankful for Gordon's God-given talent, shared with the world for more than 60 years. One would be hard-pressed to locate a recording made in Nashville, between 1955 and 1980 on which one couldn't hear the voice of Hugh Gordon Stoker. I am grateful that the Jordanaires (or as Elvis sometimes called them, "The Gordonaires") were in the vanguard of bringing four-part harmony to popular music, and were center-stage in creating the great Nashville Sound.
I am thankful to God for Gordon's legacy. And may the Lord grant each of you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
March 29, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Everyone grieve the loss of their loved one to death. We could not but be deeply saddened by their passing away. God promised this will be a thing of the past. Please look up what he will do with death found at 1 Corinthian15:26 and Jesus promise regarding our loved ones we lost in death found at John 21, 28, 29. May this knowledge help you endure trying times.
Linda Sukla
March 29, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Stoker family. I met Mr. Stoker only a few times in Memphis. He was always so gracious and a great gentleman.
Tom and Jan Heichel
March 29, 2013
We consider it a great honor to have known Gordon and to have worked with him and The Jordanaires several times over the years. He was a true gentleman and friend in every sense of the word. Rest in peace Gordon, the world will miss you.
Tom and Jan Heichel (Westerville, Ohio)
Charles A
March 29, 2013
Forgot to add the candle to my post
Candles ans prayers will be lit for Gordon and family on Easter at mass
Charles A
March 29, 2013
To the Stoker Family,
My deepest sympathy on your loss of a great gentleman...having lost my mom just six months ago I know
The grief you all feel...when I heard the news of Gordon's passing on Elvis Radio the first thing I thought of, was my mom welcoming him home and the great concert that would take place in heaven that night! My thoughts and prayers are with you! May God bless you all and RIP Mr Gordon Stoker
Diana Gilfilen
March 29, 2013
Brent and Jeanne,
Tim and I are so sorry to hear of Mr. Stoker's passing. We are praying for you and the kids. Your dad was larger than life and we know that he will be deeply missed.
Deborah Sclafani
March 29, 2013
Mr Stoker, You will be missed so much. I hardly know you but have heard your wonderful voice in the background of Elvis Presley's music and your voice was so awesome. May God Bless your family and find comfort for them thru the difficult days ahead without you. I will continue to pray for your family. May you R.I.P. in heaven with ELVIS. Deborah Sclafani(New Orleans, La. a great fan of yours)
Rick Uselton
March 29, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers with
The family at this time of the loss of great and loving and kind family man. It was a blessing to have known him.
Rick and Janelle Uselton
Earl Peanutt Montgomery
March 29, 2013
Thanks Gordon for all your backup singing you guys did for me over the years.You all are the best.May God bless your family.
ann
March 29, 2013
Gordon. Rip you will be missed
Anna hendon
March 29, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of grief.
Larry Cole
March 29, 2013
I miss you already dear friend. Thank you for your countless contributions to the music we all love, and most of all, for the treasured memories. You live on forever in our hearts and every time we hear your unmistakable voice on the radio. My life is richer having known you. God bless and keep you Gordon Stoker.
gerald pendleton
March 29, 2013
Sorry to here that he passed away we Will pray for the family and friends. Rest in peace
Mary Baker
March 28, 2013
Brent,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
patrick kelly
March 28, 2013
To The family of Gordon Stoker,
Our prayers are with you
Patrick & Denise
Frets & Woodstock of The Juke Brothers
Doug Land
March 28, 2013
Gordon's contributions to the world's best music will always be remembered. Rest In Peace.
Mike Presley
March 28, 2013
RIP Gordon, Thank you for the great music you created in your life-time with us. We all love you and miss you already.
March 28, 2013
well god has a beautiful soul and now Elvis and Gordon can sing togsther again ... May Gods peace be with his faminy
March 28, 2013
To you and yours, "Thank You Very Much" we will always have an awesome sounding " building ". Charlie Babin metro New Orleans,LA.
Jack Barger
March 28, 2013
My sincere sympathy to Jean and family. My memories of Gordon go back 25 or more years to a meeting I had with them in their Daytonas Beach Shores Condominium. I was privileged to engage Gordon in a real estate transaction while he was a principal in Dunes Marketing, at the time, I was totally unaware of his celebrity status, or his conection with the Jordanaires, Elvis, and others. What a pleasant surprise to find this out, right from the man himself. What a nice visit, a great business transaction, and what a nice man. I shall always cherish your memory and our business dealings. FYI, yes, Jean, I still have some of the unit weeks at Sandy Shores, although it has been gone since 2004. Rest in Peace, Gordon.
Susan Hannah
March 28, 2013
I always enjoy hearing all of them singing with the Great Elvis in many of the song they all sung together
Patricia Presley
March 28, 2013
May the light continue to shine in Heaven for Gordon Stoker--a very nice and talented gentleman whom I had the opportunity to meet, and photograph several times through the years during my photography career. May God Bless His Family during this difficult time!
Patricia Presley
Photographer
Henry Golis
March 28, 2013
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of my friend Gordon Stoker. It was an honor knowing and working with him on my recordings over the years. He and his family will be in my prayers. R.I.P. Mr. Gordon
Britt Gilmore
March 28, 2013
R.I.P. my friend...
Britt Gilmore
The Rangers
Patrick Recob
March 28, 2013
I always enjoyed hearing Gordon sing and always enjoyed his interviews. His falsetto ending of PEACE IN THE VALLEY on Ed Sullivan always made me smile as he caught Elvis off guard! Although I never met him face to face, he had a significant place in the soundtrack of my life. Much love to the Stoker family. A fan from Kansas City.
Grace
March 28, 2013
Thank you for the music. Rest easy.
Together singing to Jesus !
Bobby Gartside
March 28, 2013
Bobby Gartside
March 28, 2013
Sad to hear of his passing, but the Gospel is being sung in the presence of Christ now ! John 14:6 !
Nelson Badeaux
March 28, 2013
Rest in peace and sing again with Elvis
mary tayor
March 28, 2013
I loved you all"s music. "Go rest high on that mountain. You and elvis are together again making beautiful music.
March 28, 2013
Wonderful singer we have all enjoyed so much over the years. Condolences to family.
Bernice & David Taylor
March 28, 2013
We had Meet Gordon several times when shooting Photo's with Mike Albert and also meet him many times in Memphis. He was so Very Sweet. We to will miss him!! R.I.P.
Linda Woods
March 28, 2013
Rest In Peace Mr. Stoker. You will be missed. My Thoughts & Prayers are with his family.
Joe Searles, the Jordanaires, DJ Fontana
Joe Searles
March 28, 2013
I was fortunate to have the Jordanaires with Gordon Stoker, sing behind me on one song, when they came to Virginia Beach for the once annual Elvis Festival, with the Jerry Presley Band and DJ Fontana on drums. Rest in peace my friend. Joe Searles
Anne Archer
March 28, 2013
I came to Nashville right out of HS in 1957' Was reared up on a farm West of Nashville; in a familyof "Hillbillies" who played & sang Country & Gospel & listened to the GOO. At Business School I made friends w/ a girl from East TN. and she and I immediately became like sisters. Neither of us had much money, so we began to attent teh "Friday night Frolics" and the GOO a lot. We met the Jordaniars and both had already admired them; We soon realized that they did not have a Fan Club so we Immediately organized one. Not long after we had begun the Fan Club Elvis began having this group sing backup for him. They had sung back up for MANY other singers before; but most folks only remember that they sang w/ Elvis. The Jordanieres were in at least one of Elvis' first movies. And shortly after J D Sumptner and his group stopped doing back-up for Elvis. The Jordanieres began doing all of his back up work. There were still Many other singers whom they did back up for.
Not only were this group GREAT singers; but they never got into trouble or had bad publicity. They were all fine Gentlemen. A couple of years after we Met the guys; the one who sang bass left the group and they hired Ray Walker. All of my family knew who Ray Walker was and was very Happy for him to be working w/this Group.
Gordon Stoker was one of the most upstanding Christian Men that I have ever Met..and although I haven't seen him in MANY years; I am saddened by his death. I send prayers and condolences to his entire family and to all of his MANY admirers. And to whomever it is that believes that is a photo of Ray Walker is just mistaken! Ray Walker has a much longer face than Gordon. I think this is a photo of Gordon which was made when he was very young.
My prayers and sympathy go out to Gordon's family and those Co-peformers who are still with us.
A W Archer
March 28, 2013
Jean and family. I am sorry to learn of Gordon's death. Y'all are in my thoughts and prayers. May you have strength and comfort in the days ahead. You have many wonderful memories to cherish.
Linda Romer (Judy Nutter's sister)
Barbara Kraus
March 28, 2013
Rest in Peace. You were an essential part of Elvis' music and life.
Judy Nutter
March 28, 2013
This sweet man was my neighbor in Nashville. I love him and his wife Jean like family. What a funny, kind and gentle man. Thanks for being my Nashville guide for the time I was there. Without you, I would never have gone behind the scenes of the Nashville music scene or met "famous folks". My two fondest memories are going out to dinner with you and Jean and driving around to see all of the "tacky Christmas decorations" and coming home from work one day to find you planting trees in my yard because you ran out of room in yours! Godspeed to you my sweet friend and thank you for such fun memories I will always treasure.
Gary McKinney
March 28, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family, and to my dear friend, Alan.
Barbara
March 28, 2013
Rip- You time here on earth brought great enjoyment to so many-Say Hi to Elvis and the rest of the boys-We will be listening to you in the heavens-
francesca vee
March 28, 2013
May the good lord take you in his arms and lead you to your new home. Rest In Peace and thank you for years of entertaining. You will never be forgotten
Delbert "Dellie Goose" Hutchinson
March 28, 2013
The Jordinaires Sang With Elvis RIP Mr.Gordon Stoker Join Elvis
March 28, 2013
Met Mr.Gordon in Baltimore years ago. Say Hi to the boys up there for me !
Pat
March 28, 2013
Will miss the great times had by all during Elvis week memorials, your visits to the north country. Your wonderful voice will no reunited with others that loved you. I shall cherish the memory of visiting with you and Jean in your wonderful home. RIP Gordon
March 28, 2013
RIP your playing with all the greats once again.
March 28, 2013
RIP Gordon
JoAnn Plaxcp
March 28, 2013
R.I.P Mr. Gordon stoker, we do miss you already but you are there now to sing with the rest of the Angels! Praying for the family.
Milford Smith
March 28, 2013
Gordon, along with Bill & Monty Matthews & Culey Holt performed at my dad's church in 1954, & later came into our home to visit and sing. It was a wonderful night to remember. What a gentle, humble & warm person was Gordon.
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