Sweet Lorraine

Claude Gordon

Claude Gordon was a trumpet player, band director, educator, lecturer, and author. He was born on April 15, 1916 in Helena, Montana. His father was a clarinet player and orchestra director. Claude's mother was a pianist. His siblings were also musically inclined and they formed a family orchestra led by their father. They performed as the staff orchestra for a local radio station. Claude was given his first cornet at the age of five and three years later while in fifth grade he was featured as a soloist playing with the Helena High School Band. While in his early teens, Claude played professionally and taught both cornet and accordion. Claude studied with Herbert L. Clarke from 1936 until Clarke died in 1945. During the era of live radio and television, Claud… more »