Mike Gordon

Michael Eliot Gordon was born on June 3, 1965, in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Early in his life, he attended the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston and Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. He later pursued higher education at the University of Vermont, initially majoring in Electrical Engineering before switching to Arts, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. It was during his time at the University of Vermont that he encountered Trey Anastasio, Jon Fishman, and Jeff Holdsworth, leading to the formation of the rock band Phish in 1983. Gordon notably responded to a flyer posted by Trey Anastasio seeking a bass player, marking the beginning of his professional music career. As a member of Phish, Gordon assumed significant roles beyond his musical contributions, managing public relations, fan communications, finances, and booking early gigs for the band.

Throughout his career with Phish, Gordon’s musical influence has been evident in the band’s incorporation of various styles including bluegrass, calypso, and traditional Jewish music. He contributed to the band as a vocalist and songwriter, penning 19 original Phish songs and co-authoring 27 additional tracks. Among his notable compositions is “Mike’s Song,” one of the band’s most frequently performed pieces. Additionally, Gordon has explored solo projects and collaborations with other artists. In 2002, he recorded the album “Clone” with acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke, followed by “Sixty Six Steps” in 2005. His solo album, “Inside In,” was released in 2003, showcasing his individual artistic endeavors. He has continued to release solo works, including “The Green Sparrow” (2008), “Moss” (2010), “Overstep” (2014), “OGOGO” (2017), and “Flying Games” (2023).

Beyond his musical undertakings, Gordon is also a filmmaker, with credits including “Rising Low” and “Outside Out.” He is also an author, known for his column “Mike’s Corner” which appeared in Phish’s newsletter during the 1990s. His film “Rising Low” received the Joe Jarvis Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary at the 2002 Newport International Film Festival, and “Outside Out” earned the audience award at the South by Southwest festival. “Sixty Six Steps” also earned Album of the Year at the 2006 Jammy Awards. His diverse interests and achievements span across music, film, and literature, establishing a multifaceted career.