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Anthony Cloud

Staff Writer

A Middlesboro native will be the opening act for Restless Hearts during the Cumberland Fall Festival. Middlesboro High School graduate Kevin Gordon will be performing in front of his hometown fans for the first time in 20 years.

The concert will take place at 8 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the MHS Gymnasium. Ticket prices vary for the event. Reserved floor seats are $25. Lower level side seats cost $10. Upper level side seats are $5. Tickets can be purchased at the Bell County Chamber of Commerce. The number for the chamber is 248-1075.

Gordon said he was excited about performing in Middlesboro. “It’s been almost 20 years since I have performed in the community,” said Gordon.

Gordon plans to perform “a little bit of everything” during his concert. His music style combines rhythm and blues with soul and rock and roll. His musical influences include Bob Seger, Don Henley, James Brown and Ray Charles.

Gordon said the first time he ever performed in Middlesboro was in the gymnasium. He was a sophomore in high school at the time.

Music has always been a passion for Gordon. He started out in music at a very young age. Gordon’s grandfather was the music director at a local church, which is when he first began to enjoy the art.

Both sides of Gordon’s family performed in church, helping to influence his love for music.

Gordon performed at many churches and weddings during the early years. When he was just 21-years-old, he became a truck driver. He said being a truck driver was the best training for his singing.

He said he would sing 14 to 16 hours a day while traveling down the highway listening to cassette tapes and the radio.

Gordon was 25 when he moved to Nashville, Tenn., to pursue his dream in music. While in Nashville, Gordon received the opportunity to record music, perform background vocals and tour with a band.

Gordon became a staple at a Nashville bar, located on Nipper’s Corner called Marathons. It was a local sports bar and grill, which has closed in recent years.

While in Nashville, Gordon attended Belmont University and majored in music business. After four years in Nashville, a job opened up locally allowing him to return to Middlesboro.

Those interested can visit his Myspace page at www.myspace.com/kevinmgordon.

Anthony Cloud is a staff writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted by email at acloud@heartlandpublications.com or by phone at 606-248-1010 ext. 208.