www.gordonmote.com
If you look at the credits of a Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson or Martina McBride album anxious to find the name of the great piano player who adds so much musical flavor to those top-selling records, the name is Gordon Mote, an accomplished musician, master prankster and devoted Christian. If there was an award on Nashville’s famed Music Row for Mr. Congeniality, Gordon would be the recipient.
His prowess on the keyboards has earned him a reputation as one of Nashville’s top session musicians and most sought-after concert pianists. With the release of his new project, Don’t Let Me Miss the Glory, Gordon steps from the shadows of Music Row’s busiest studios and into the bright spotlight.
“I feel like the songs are strong,” Gordon says of his latest effort. “I feel like it’s a very encouraging album. I feel like it marries a lot of genres. If you love music, I think you’ll enjoy this record.”
Gordon’s passion for music is contagious. He’s an insightful songwriter who knows the value of a strong lyric, and he possesses a voice that resonates with warmth and conviction. As a pianist, he’s one of the best-known musicians in the industry. He’s performed on stage with Lee Greenwood, Trisha Yearwood, Tanya Tucker, Bill Gaither and Grand Ole Opry legend Porter Wagoner among others. In the studio, a “who’s who of country and Christian artists” have benefited from Gordon’s gifts, among them Rascal Flatts, Randy Travis, The Martins, Mark Lowry, Trace Adkins, The Gaither Vocal Band and Kenny Chesney.
Gordon could make a very comfortable living strictly as a studio musician without having to venture out on a bus and leave his family for the rigors of the road. Just what made him decide to pursue a career as a recording artist? “I didn’t decide that, God decided,” he says candidly. “I was happy as could be…was a worship leader at my church and was home on the weekends and loving life. Grateful for my studio career and playing on a bunch of big ole records, I thought I had the tiger by the tail.”
However, when a Christian gets comfortable with the status quo, that’s often when God calls them out of their comfort zone. In fact, this is not the first time God has given Gordon a friendly shove. There have been other times in his life and career when God opened a door and guided him through it.
Born in Gadsden, Ala., Gordon, who has been blind since birth, surprised his parents by playing the piano when he was only three years old. His family moved to Talladega when he was six, and sports and music became the two passions that dominated his youth. An honor student and captain of his high school marching band, Gordon earned a full scholarship to Alabama’s Jacksonville State University.
While attending college in Jacksonville, a friend set up a meeting for Gordon with famed Muscle Shoals musician/producer Jimmy Johnson, an Alabama icon who has worked with Bob Seger, the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan. “I played some of my songs for him and he said, ‘Son, you’re really good, but you’re in the wrong place,’” Gordon recalls. “He said, ‘You need to go to Nashville and go to Belmont. You need to be in a place where everybody is better than you, where they’ll just knock you off your feet. You’re the best there is where you are; but in a year, you’ll be better than them.’ He didn’t just tell me that; he set it up for me to get an audition for a scholarship.”
Though he was comfortable being a big fish in a small pond, Gordon made the move to Nashville and began attending Belmont University. During finals a professor told him Lee Greenwood was looking to hire a piano player who could also sing for his band. Gordon didn’t think he had a chance at the gig; but much to his surprise two days after graduation, Gordon found himself on the road as the new piano player in Greenwood’s band.
Three years later when Greenwood came off the road and moved to Sevierville, Tenn., to open his own theater, Gordon opted to remain in Nashville. He began steadily building his resume as a studio musician and life was good. He recorded a couple of instrumental projects that were extremely well-received, landing a Dove Award nomination.
However, his session work remained his bread and butter—a great way to remain at home with his family and make a good living. When he was approached about recording another album, he politely said no. “I said, ‘Man, thank you so much for thinking of me, but I’m not interested. I’m here with my wife and kids and I don’t need a job. I have a job,” Gordon recalls telling record executive Bob Rodgers. “About nine or 10 months later, I was out on my porch, listening to a Braves game and just feeling so down. I had nothing to feel down about. I was working a lot. My kids were healthy and everything was great between me and my wife, but I just felt so empty.
“Finally I just said, ‘God, if this really is what you want me to do, I’ll do it; but you know in my heart I have no desire to do this. I need you to give me the passion to minister.’ Once I said yes, I have never had passion for something like this ministry. It’s pretty unbelievable. I thought you had to be perfect. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be willing.”
That willingness led to the recording There’s No Place That Love Can’t Reach, which garnered notice for his singing and songwriting skills, and gained the attention of music lovers nationwide, including legendary Gospel music icon Bill Gaither. Shortly after the release of Gordon’s debut RSI recording, he received an invitation from Gaither to join him on several concert events. By the Spring of 2006, Gordon had become a permanent fixture on the highly successful, long-running Gaither Homecoming Tour. Since joining the Tour and becoming pianist for the multi-talented Gaither Vocal Band, Gordon has gained the respect and admiration of fans nationwide.
In the summer of 2007 Gordon toured as a special guest with his Homecoming Tour mates, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound during the popular quartet’s Get Away Jordan Summer Tour. Gordon and Signature Sounds delighted fans in 18 cities during the three-month tour, and enjoyed sold-out concerts in several cities nationwide.
To say that Gordon has enjoyed whirlwind success throughout the past two years would be somewhat of an understatement. This passionate Alabama football fan now performs in excess of 145 concerts a year, in addition to being one of Nashville’s most sought-after studio musicians. Gordon is the first to attest that he is fulfilling his lifelong dream, but he remains a focused, dedicated family man, who admits his favorite thing about traveling is returning home to his family. He and wife, Kimberly have been married for 15 years. The two have three children, 11-year-old Samantha, eight-year-old Parker and a brand new baby, Ashton Graham, born on September 24, 2007.
During the Fall of 2006, Gordon began work on yet another recording. Much time and energy was placed in selecting just the right songs for this new recording. The end result is a delightful collection that, as one reviewer commented, “puts him (Gordon) in the forefront as one of Gospel music’s finest talents.” Gordon’s servant’s heart and passion for sharing the Gospel infuse every track on his new release, Don’t Let Me Miss the Glory (Spring Hill Music Group/RSI Music Group). The project hits the streets on October 23rd and serves as a perfect showcase for Gordon’s versatility as an artist.
Like two of his musical heroes--Floyd Cramer and Hargus “Pig” Robbins, whose piano playing helped define so many country music hits--Gordon is a gifted musician with a well-honed sense of how to deliver a song. In fact, he has been nominated in recent years for Musician of the Year at the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. However, his gifts extend beyond the keyboard to songwriting, producing and performing. All facets of his extraordinary talent converge on Don’t Let Me Miss the Glory.
“I think the thing that I’ve learned more than anything is just to be true to who you are because it’s your name that’s on the album and it’s your name that’s on the bus,” says Gordon. “If you don’t really believe in what you’re singing, you can’t do it with passion.”
Who Am I
Gordon Mote Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Came and dwelt among the lowly such as I
To suffer shame and such disgrace
On Mount Calvary take my place
Then I ask myself this question
Who am I
Who am I that a king would bleed and die for
The answer I may never know
Why he ever loved me so
That to an old rugged cross he'd go
For who am I
When I'm reminded of his words I'll leave you never
If you'll be true I'll give to you life forever
Oh I wonder what I could've done
To deserve God's only son
To fight my battles until they're won
For who am I
The answer I may never know
Why he ever loved me so
And to an old rugged cross he'd go
For who am I
In "Who Am I" by Gordon Mote, the singer contemplates the profound sacrifice Jesus made by leaving his throne in heaven to come and live among the lowly, suffering shame and disgrace before eventually being crucified on Mount Calvary in the place of the singer. The singer is humbled by the immense love and sacrifice shown to them, and expresses wonder at why someone as powerful and holy as Jesus would do this for a sinner like themselves. They also reflect on the promise of eternal life made by Jesus, and express a desire to be faithful in return for this gift.
The lyrics of this song convey a deep sense of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. The singer recognizes their own unworthiness and is moved by the fact that Jesus would willingly endure such suffering and give his life for them. The song also highlights the promise of eternal life offered by Jesus, and the singer's desire to be faithful in return for this gift.
Line by Line Meaning
When I think of how he came so far from glory
When I reflect on how Jesus left his throne in heaven to live amongst us, mere mortals.
Came and dwelt among the lowly such as I
Jesus, who was born in a manger, chose to live amongst those who were considered lowly by society, like me.
To suffer shame and such disgrace
Jesus, who was sinless, took on our shame and disgrace.
On Mount Calvary take my place
Jesus, who was without sin, took our place on the cross so that we could have eternal life.
Then I ask myself this question
In light of Jesus' sacrifice, I ask myself a crucial question.
Who am I
Who am I that Jesus should die for me?
Who am I that a king would bleed and die for
Who am I to receive such an incredible demonstration of love from a king like Jesus?
Who am I that He would pray not my will Thine Lord
Who am I that Jesus would submit to God's will by bringing salvation to me?
The answer I may never know
The depth of Jesus' love for me is something I may never fully comprehend.
Why he ever loved me so
How much Jesus loves me is something I may never fully understand.
That to an old rugged cross he'd go
Jesus went to the cross, where he would suffer and die for us, out of love.
When I'm reminded of his words I'll leave you never
Whenever I remember Jesus' promise to never leave me, it fills me with hope and joy.
If you'll be true I'll give to you life forever
Jesus promises eternal life to those who place their faith in him and live according to his teachings.
Oh I wonder what I could've done
I wonder what I did to deserve Jesus' sacrifice on my behalf.
To deserve God's only son
I did nothing to deserve God's precious gift of sending his one and only son Jesus to save me.
To fight my battles until they're won
Jesus fights alongside us and helps us win our battles when we put our faith in him.
Contributed by Aria M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@graciebentley1421
Thank you Gordon Mote this is one of my favorites...God bless you and your family. Much love and appreciation from 71yr old Gracie from Detroit Michigan
@ClaudeFrancis-kk2ym
Thanks for those wonderful songs they are blessings to me I love them very much.
@KrissiCreates
Indeed Who am I ? Thank you Jesus for loving me so. If I were the only one who had sinned you would have still died for me! I love you Jesus !!
@elijahchristopher8125
One of my all time favorite hymns, beautifully sung by Gordon. Bless the Lord.
@annarmstrong4389
Gorden Mote you have the most beautiful voice I have heard...
@kathyzrinyi5921
Revelation 18:4-5 KJV
[4] And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. [5] For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
@vickygarrison3353
Love to hear him sing,touch my heart
@cindykeelingbates3082
THE VERY BEST!!! Thank you for sharing!
Cindy
@annakayrodney4598
I love this song so much!!!!
@ShowKINDNESS
Beautiful! \0/ \o/ \O/ Thank You, LORD JESUS