Hometown Histories:
Edward Snyder “Skip” Gordon
Edward Snyder Gordon, affectionately called “Skip” by his family and friends, was born December 8, 1939, to the late Conway and Katherine Frances Gordon in the community of Tanners in Madison County. Skip grew up in a large, loving family of 12 siblings, all of whom worshipped together at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. His grandfather Ernest Frances was one of the church founders.
Skip attended elementary school at Radiant School, where Sadie Crowder and Emma Davis were his teachers. He attended George Washington Carver Regional High School in 1955. It was at Carver that he was introduced to the saxophone. Skip heard a fellow student, Harold Wright, playing the alto saxophone and “liked the sound,” so he joined the beginners’ band. His instructor was Mr. Elmer Sampson. Skip played with Carver’s band for four years, and in 1959 he and fellow musician John “Dykes” Hunter (also of Madison) made the Virginia All Star State Band.
Skip Gordon, an accomplished musician, grew up in the Tanners community of Madison County.
At 16, he became a member of a local band called the Jazz Hoppers (1957-1959). The band members were all Madison residents: Skip Gordon on saxophone, Dykes Hunter on drums, Rudolph “Prince” Gordon on guitar, Tony Wright on trumpet, and Raymond “Chick” Turner on guitar. His first gig was at a well-known juke joint on Elly Road in Madison called the Red Rooster. During a recent visit to the Red Rooster, Skip showed MCAAHA members the corner spot where he first performed with the Jazz Hoppers. Other places where the Jazz Hoppers played included John Baker’s Inn in Aroda, the University of Virginia, Hampden-Sydney College, Mary Baldwin University, Woodbury Forest School, George Washington Carver Regional High School, Crosscreek, and Flatwood Inn.
After graduating from Carver in 1959, Skip moved to Washington, D.C., where he was hired by D.C. Metro. He has his first pay stub from Metro in 1959, showing a weekly salary of $101. In September, he bought his first car, a 1959 Ford convertible that always garnered plenty of attention when he returned home. After relocating to Washington, Skip played with various bands for several years until he became a saxophonist for The Continentals (1962-1968). The members of the band were: Skip Gordon on saxophone, Dykes Hunter on drums, Rudolph Gordon on bass, John Slaughter on saxophone, and Clarence Johnson on guitar.
In 1967, the LanticGold label released the Continentals’ single (I’ve Gotta Have Her) Need I Say More. This was in collaboration with Lee Edwards (Lee Edwards and His Continentals). The song is a soulful, horn-driven number that has gained appreciation among collectors as a favorite – proof that sometimes one song is all it takes to leave a lasting impression. Skip played the alto saxophone for the group, which shaped the song’s distinctive sound, blending tight horn arrangements with emotional grit that defines that era’s best soul recordings. The song may have flown under the mainstream radar, but for soul enthusiasts, it remains a cherished hidden gem – one that continues to ignite dance floors and collector passion decades after its release. The track has become a cult favorite in the Northern Soul circuit, especially in the UK, which has praised the track as a “Fave Rave,” with its rarity and raw energy making it a prized spin at underground dance halls.
After 1968, Skip joined the Donald Watts Sextet/Don Watts Band as the saxophonist. The Donald Watts Sextet played behind greats like Sam & Dave, The Jive Five, The Clovers, Earl Lewis and the Channels, Carla Thomas, Maxine Brown, Shirelles, Eddie Floyd, The Drifters, The Platters, Brook Benton, Chuck Jackson, Etta James, The Marvelettes, The Inkspots, Mary Wells, and Bo Diddley to name a few.
Skip also played twice for the nationally known radio personality and activist Petey Greene. He had two television appearances, performing on the popular Petey Greene Show for New Year’s Eve in 1979 and 1980. Esteemed performances continued as Skip played at the Kennedy Center, Constitution Hall, Howard University, the Warner Theatre, the Carter Barron Amphitheatre, and the National Guard Armory.
After 31 years at Metro, Skip retired and returned to Madison, where he was the contractor in personally building his home. At that time, he also retired from playing the saxophone professionally. He donated his alto saxophone to George Washington Carver Regional High School, where it is currently on display.
WHAT A RIDE! Thank you, Mr. Edward S. “Skip” Gordon, for giving back to your community and sharing your amazing story!
Skip graduated from Carver Regional High School in 1959.
Skip’s sweater with the Continentals.
Skip’s high school yearbook, the “Hawk.”
Skip’s first paycheck from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, where he worked for more than 30 years.
Skip played saxophone for several bands in the D.C. area.
The Jazz Hoppers played at the Red Rooster Juke Joint in Madison County.
The Continentals’ single “Need I Say More” was released in 1967.
Skip was part of the marching band at Carver Regional High School. He appears just to the right of the band director, at left.
The corner of the Red Rooster Juke Joint where the Jazz Hoppers played, today.
Skip was a member of the Virginia All Star State Band in high school, along with his long-time friend, John “Dykes” Hunter.