“Sussex In Focus” Meets Paul Gordon - Mr. Inspiration!

By Danny Foster

(Magazine article from 2007)

 

When I first met Paul Gordon some 20 years ago, he was singing with a big band called Ronnie Smith’s Showband. It was at The Tudor Close in Ferring, Sussex. Paul was good; very good! I assumed that he was a full-time professional. Such was his skill, timing, personality, control and vocal ability. He had, and has, a good strong ‘swing’ voice with great breath control. (Old Blue Eyes would be proud of him!) I assumed wrongly; he was singing on a “hobby” basis!

 

Paul, at the time, worked in Theatrical Management and had done so, at that time, for 10 years. “Ah, it’s just a hobby” was his casual phrase. “Well, one of them” he continued. He also informed me he freelanced for 5 other big bands. “Lucky I’ve got my own dots and a decent microphone” he exclaimed!

 

After explaining that he arduously, but enjoyably, – night after night – taught himself to sing (from the ages of 16 to 21), he also told me that he ‘did’ magic? Puzzled, I asked what he meant. “Let me show you” he offered. He took out a pack of cards from his music case and showed me the most amazing card trick I’d seen. And, believe me, I’ve seen a lot. “I taught myself this, too” he casually muttered as he strolled back to the bandstand. He sang three more Frank Sinatra tunes and walked off to a standing ovation. A well deserved standing ovation. My American uncle, who was visiting from New York, blustered, “Jeez! The kid’s good…a new Frankie!” I don’t think, however, Paul wanted to be a new ‘anybody.’ I think he wanted to be himself; and he was.

 

On the way out of the venue, I told him I was a reporter. “Can I interview you?” I eagerly enquired. Paul explained that due to ‘conflict of interests’, his boss wouldn’t like it. “He hates me singing and he hates me doing magic. He says I should devote 100% of my energies to my job. Yeah, right!” He gave me his telephone number which I subsequently lost.

 

Forward 20 years. It’s now March 2007. I see Paul performing – magic, this time – at a party. He must have a painting in the attic as he hasn’t aged much. This time I sit with him to chat properly. He tells me that the singing is “on the back boiler” until he retires. I think he hopes to retire – or semi-retire – by the age of 50. “Not long to go, now” he jokes. I think he’s in his mid to late 40’s, but judging by his endeavours, I reckon he must be at least 92!

 

“One thing is for sure. Nothing worthwhile comes easily, and nothing I’ve achieved I’ve found easy! I’ve never had money thrown at me, I’ve never borrowed money, either! I’ve just worked really hard...long and hard! Success is not sure fire. Things may not go to plan. But anything is better than not trying in the first place!” - Paul Gordon

 

I can’t believe that not only did he teach himself the art of singing (from scratch) and the art of card magic (with no tutors, no videos, few books), he has also written 17 books of his own magic, 4 memoirs and published 4 reprints! “Published?” I enquire! Yes, he also publishes his own books! I’m impressed! As an afterthought, Paul also mentions that he lectures (to magic clubs) all over the world, ‘dems’ his stuff at magic conventions, undertakes personal tuition…and when he has time (joke) he does about 15 to 20 gigs a month entertaining the public at weddings, parties and corporate functions. I’m even more impressed; and stunned.

 

Paul is also a very nice guy. He’s not arrogant or boastful; in fact he seems quiet and a little shy…possibly reclusive. He is, however, extraordinarily enthusiastic about his art. His eyes light up when he picks up a pack of cards; and boy – can he entertain and mystify with them.

 

“Paul seems happy to sit at the back of the class and vegetate!”

– Headmaster ‘summation’ (School Report, 1971)

 

“If all you are going to do is waste the time on playing cards, you’ll amount to nothing. Heed my warning!”

–  Encouraging words from a Career Advisor in 1979

 

He is married to a lovely girl called Judy. “She’s startling. I love her so much” he says. He is the youngest of four children. Both parents are dead and he’s on his second marriage. He’d been very ill (12 years ago); due to the death of his parents, divorce, redundancy (before he turned ‘pro’ as a magician) and as a result (utilising his painful experiences), also offers motivational speaking to help/teach others who too have been through the mill. Amazingly, he has many other interests and hobbies, but to be honest – I’m exhausted at the thought of it all. As they say, if you want a job done – give it to a busy person. Paul also runs an entertainment agency and…oh, the list seems endless!

 

If you want Paul to inspire and motivate you and/or your group, get in touch with him now. [See Here.] He’s warm, witty, enthusiastic, energetic...and a darned good speaker.  As he says, ‘if I can do it (succeed with both business and personal endeavour) - so can you!’”