Gordon Mote Not your typical gospel singer
By Dixie Phillips and Lorraine Walker “Grandma, you can’t sing it in that key, it’s in B-flat.” Gordon Mote’s grandmother was in the kitchen baking a chocolate cake and singing, “I Was There When The Spirit Came,” in the key of E-flat. “Well honey, it’s the only way I know how to sing it.” “So then I realized it,” said Mote now, recalling his four-year-old self. “I didn’t know what you called it back then as I wasn’t schooled in it. But that’s when I realized I had perfect pitch.” Mote grew up in Alabama, to a very supportive mom and dad who taught both of their sons who were born blind to be independent. Their blindness was not to be used as an excuse not to discover and hone all of their skills. Gordon and Michael were encouraged to do things for themselves and their parents modeled a great work ethic. Gordon is the only one in the family who has made his career in music, although his mom played the piano and organ, and Michael sang a bit with Gordon as well as playing drums. Neither plays much anymore. Gordon quips, “I don’t think my dad can even play his radio.” At three years old, Gordon played, “Jesus Loves Me,” without any coaching. It was Thanksgiving day at his grandmother’s house and there are pictures to prove that this little boy showed a glimmer of the talent inside on that day. He doesn’t actually recall that event, but he does recall correcting Grandma when she wasn’t singing in the right key. What four-year-old does that? One that is destined for great things. “I’ve been able to sing as long as I can remember,” says Mote. Piano playing and singing went together, although it was his exceptional playing that first received notice in the studio world, to begin the journey he had dreamed
