Obtaining his first guitar at around the age of 13, it wasn’t long after that Gordon got involved in music, playing rock and soul numbers in local combos. Later moving to Tulsa he became part of the area’s vibrant music scene along with others like Leon Russell and J.J. Cale.

Gordon first met the Crickets in the early 1970s when they were based out on the West Coast. Working with Freddy Weller and then Tanya Tucker, Gordon moved to Nashville in 1975 then went on to work with Johnny Rodriguez before landing the gig with Waylon as guitarist, singer and harmonica player. Between 1978 and 1983, at Waylon’s invitation, the Crickets opened the shows for the country superstar. During this period Gordon would also occasionally augment the Crickets on guitar. He also stood in for Sonny Curtis once following an accident in which Sonny broke his arm.

After leaving Waylon in 1985 Gordon officially became a member of the Crickets, joining the band following Sonny’s departure to concentrate on his solo career. For nearly ten years Gordon fronted the Crickets onstage and on record, including a series of memorable tours of the UK, beginning in 1986. On record Gordon is featured on the band’s 1988 recording of ‘T-Shirt’ which became a minor hit on the UK’s independent charts. Keeping the music of Buddy Holly and the Crickets alive, Gordon and co. continued to perform some of Buddy Holly and the Crickets old classics along with newer material. With his soulful vocal style, solid guitar playing and talent as a songwriter, Gordon Payne certainly made some major contributions to the Crickets’ longevity. 

John Firminger