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10 Questions with ... Larry "Lil Larry" Gordon
October 15, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Lil Larry started performing and singing at the tender age four. He made his debut performing the songs Wonderful World and I Feel Good on a beautiful summer night in the principality of Monaco. The audience included the late Prince Rainier, Prince Albert and a host of guests from around the world. He was so entertaining that he was asked to sing at the world famous Jimmy'z, which landed him on the front cover of the local newspaper with Prince Albert, Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr. People were wondering, "Who is this kid?"
Over the years, Lil Larry appeared in Showboats International, Selecta, and "D" magazines; the Nice-Matin and Dallas Morning News newspapers; featured on such shows as Good Morning Texas, Vive l'ete Show - Television Monte Carlo, Good Day Dallas, Insights, Positively Texas, and It's Showtime At The Apollo - Apollo Kids; and he was a guest performer at the Grammy After Party. Additionally, he performs frequently with his father's band known as the Dr. Larry T-Byrd Gordon Orchestra/Show band where he has been featured since the age of four.
At Temple Christian School he graduated Valedictorian (4.0 GPA), served as captain of the Blazers Varsity Basketball Team, Senior Class President, Homecoming King, and was actively involved in various community service projects.
After high school he attended Baylor University where he received academic scholarships and during the beginning of his junior year transferred to meet the demands of performing, songwriting, producing, and continuing his education. With this entire going on, he "made the grades" necessary to be recognized for his academics amongst a select few with a 3.5 or above GPA. Lil Larry completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University. Apparently, there's more to Lil Larry than meets the eye.
His influences range from Michael Jackson to Usher to Justin Timberlake. He is a student of today's music. Lil Larry is creating music that comes from his heart. He has spent all of his life waiting for this moment - and he's not going to waste it.
He came to the attention of Mike Curb, Chairman of Curb Records, who immediately signed him to a record and publishing deal. When asked about Lil Larry, Curb replied, "I'm interested in an artist that has a commitment and passion for what they do. Lil Larry is all of that and more."
He's got music inside of him - and his time is now. Get ready for Lil Larry. He has worked all of his life to get ready for you.
1. Your father was a musician. Was there ever any doubt that you'd be a musician/singer?
In my mind there was never a doubt. My Father on the other hand always thought I would be into sports because of involvement in football and basketball; but there was always something in my heart that drew me towards music.
2. Was there a specific moment when you became sure of what you wanted to do, professionally?
It was my first time to do a stage performance alone. Looking back on it, I was fortunate enough for it to be on one of the biggest stages of all times, "The Apollo Theater" in New York City! Nervous because the crowd was notorious for not holding back on giving their true opinions on any act that hit that stage. Either they loved you or they didn't!
The stage was set and Steve Harvey introduced me and said "Y'all show your love for Lil Larry from Dallas, Texas"! I rubbed the legendary "golden stump" for good luck! With every step I took my heart beat got faster and faster. I knew in my heart what I was capable of but wanting to prove it to myself and the world. So I kicked off one of my all-time favorite songs, "I Feel Good by James Brown" and went to work! The crowd almost instantly stood up on their feet and started singing and dancing along with me. By the song ended, I got a standing ovation. And it was the best feeling/experience ever. At that very moment I looked at my Dad and Mom, with tears in their eyes, to see them wink and smile at me. That propelled me even further and I said to myself, "Yes, this is what I want to do!"
3. When you were a kid, what other interests did you have besides music?
My other interests are sports and video games! I love to play basketball, football, soccer, and hockey! I'm really into staying active and hanging out with friends.
4. Have you had a chance to do much traveling around the country performing? Any favorite travel spots?
I have been fortunate enough to travel in and outside of the country doing music. In the states I would have to say Los Angeles, CA is my favorite place and internationally I would have to say Monte Carlo. I think that is another part of why I love music so much because it has taken me places that I never thought I would have the chance to go!
5. You're from Dallas. What do you think some people would find surprising about Dallas?
The people are loving and caring. I don't think anything is better than southern hospitality. The city is culturally diversified and in turn offers some of the best food at various multicultural events; it's definitely a sports City with all major sports; the Texas State Fair attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year; some of the best concert venues are located in the metroplex; and the cultural arts is highly promoted and support in our new Arts District.
6. What are you listening to on your iPod?
Right now I am listening to Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, TGT, Tori Kelly, Rio, Big Will, Cutta C, and of course myself... (Lol)
7. Where do you find inspiration in your song writing?
I find my inspiration from the common every day things that happen to me or to others. I feel the best way to connect with my fans, and just people period, is by giving them something they can relate to. A lot of ideas come from thinking in the car, talking to friends, or even a personal experience that I have been through myself. With all that said I try to make a personal connection with each fan where they can relate to me as they relate to themselves; creating a sense of oneness!
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to travel, play sports, watch movies, hang out with friends, wrestle with my puppies, making music, and listen to various types of music. I'm a big prankster, too!
9. Who is your fantasy female duet partner? Why?
Hands down. No question. It would be Mariah Carey! Vocally she is amazing and one of the best singers of our time! I saw her live in concert and she has such an angelic voice. To me that was AMAZING! There are not too many people that can sing like her with little effort. Truly a melodic genius and living LEGEND!
10. Ever watch The Voice? Do you watch the show more like you're in one of the chairs (Blake, CeeLo, Christina or Adam) or do you watch the show more like you're a contestant trying to get Blake to turn his chair?
I've definitely watched the Voice. The interesting thing is I look at it from both perspectives because one day I want to be in one of those chairs signing my own artists. As an artist I think to myself what I would sing and how I would create an experience where they would want to turn their chair around. On the other hand I feel like the judges have an extremely hard task. The biggest thing I like about how they judge is that they can't see the artist. You can only hear them for their natural God given ability to sing. Nowadays we are so big on image I think we forget about the big picture of the biggest component of all. Vocal talent. I feel they all do a great job in picking artist and overall it is a really good show!
Bonus Questions
Favorite hometown meal?
My favorite hometown meal is a place called "Wingfields". It's a burger place that is out of this world. Once you have a single meat burger (they come triple but...) all you will want to do is take a nap to sleep it off! Perfection!
Who would you like to work with either collaborating or production-wise?
Collaboration wise, I think I would go with Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Usher, Ludacris, Kendrick Lamar, and Nicki Minaj. I respect all of these artists in my own special way. I think it would be cool to get to sit down with legends/legends in the making and work with them. See how they work and also learn from them. I believe the only way to get better is to surround yourself with GREATNESS.
Production wise, I would have to say Dr. Luke, David Guetta, Ne-Yo, T-Pain, Pharrell, Timbaland, and the Underdogs. They all have this way of writing songs that connect with your inner most feelings. They make an effort to make you feel apart of the song in that very moment. They are also REALLY good when it comes to lyrical content.
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