MAXINE GORDON (bio)

Maxine Gordon's journey is a chronicle of unwavering dedication to Jazz, its history, and its transformative role in society.  Her story begins in the late 1950s in New York City, where as a teenager she discovered her passion for Jazz on Sunday afternoons at The Village Vanguard in Greenwich Village. This early exposure was more than an introduction; it was the seed that grew into a lifetime of advocacy and scholarship in Jazz.

In the 1970s, Maxine's career took a professional turn. She worked as a road manager and tour manager spending significant time touring in Europe and the U.S. with bands, gaining invaluable insight into the music industry. This experience honed her skills in managing and understanding the nuanced needs of musicians, setting the stage for her influential role in the decades to follow.

She had extraordinary mentors in the music business including legendary agent Jack Whittemore (agent for Art Blakey, Ahmad Jamal, Stan Getz, and Horace Silver), Jim Harrison (promoter, publisher, musician’s advocate), and Max Gordon (owner of The Village Vanguard).

From 1975 into the 80s, her work was marked by her substantial contribution to the Jazz world, particularly in managing and guiding the career of her husband, the legendary saxophonist Dexter Gordon and, and in partnership with legendary record producer Michael Cuscuna, Maxine became Executive Producer of albums by Dexter Gordon, Woody Shaw, and Shirley Scott.. Her role was pivotal in managing Dexter's cinematic appearance in the Bertrand Tavernier film "Round Midnight," where she ensured the authenticity of the film by advocating for the inclusion of Jazz musicians who also performed in the film. Her work extended to producing concerts at iconic venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and prestigious academic institutions including Columbia and Harvard University, showcasing her deep commitment to promoting Jazz in various spheres.

The 1990s and beyond saw Maxine delving into archival research and historical preservation, particularly following Dexter Gordon's passing in 1990. Her seminal work, Sophisticated Giant: The Life and Legacy of Dexter Gordon (University of California Press) not only chronicled Dexter's life but also highlighted the broader narrative of Jazz and its impact on society. This period solidified her position as a leading figure in Jazz historiography, earning her accolades like the Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Award and the Jazz Journalists Association Best Jazz Book of the Year in 2019 with rave reviews in the New York Times and other international publications. Maxine traveled over 65,000 miles touring with book talks internationally including Madagascar.

Maxine's current project, Quartette: Stories from the Lives of Four Women Jazz Musicians, focuses on the lives of Maxine Sullivan, Velma Middleton, Melba Liston, and Shirley Scott. This work underscores her commitment to bringing to light the often-overlooked contributions of women in Jazz. Her involvement in projects like the Bronx African American History Project and her role as a senior interviewer and Jazz researcher further exemplify her dedication to preserving and disseminating the rich heritage of Jazz.

Throughout her career, Maxine has been a trailblazer and a role model, especially for women in the arts. Her work transcends mere documentation; it is a celebration of the resilience and creativity of Jazz musicians. By preserving their stories, she ensures that their contributions are recognized and honored, thus influencing a new generation of artists and historians. Her approach to Jazz history, particularly through the innovative lens of Jazz geography, has reshaped the way we understand the music's cultural and social impact. 

Maxine's global travels, her lectures, and her presentations at symposiums and universities worldwide have not only spread the gospel of Jazz but also emphasized the genre's role in championing social change and equality. Her efforts as an archivist for three Library of Congress Dexter Gordon collections and her leadership roles in various Jazz-related organizations, including the Dexter Gordon Society and the Mary Lou Williams Foundation, highlight her tireless work in ensuring that Jazz, a music born out of struggle and resilience, continues to be a force for empowerment and representation.

Maxine Gordon's work in African Diaspora historical research stands as a testament to her profound commitment to uncovering and preserving the rich tapestry of Jazz history and its deep roots in African American culture. Her academic journey, marked by a Master’s Degree in African Diaspora History from New York University, signifies her dedication to understanding the complex narratives that form the backdrop of Jazz. Her mentor, the legendary Robert Farris Thompson, gave her the road map to approach her work in Jazz history from an innovative lens through which she analyzes her subjects. Maxine's scholarship not only contributes to the academic discourse but also serves as a powerful tool for social change, highlighting the significant impact of African American musicians and the importance of preserving their legacy. 

Maxine Gordon's story is not just about her achievements but also about her role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable narrative in the arts. Her life's work serves as a beacon, guiding and inspiring those who seek to preserve the integrity and truth of art. As she continues her research and writing, especially through her work at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University, Maxine stands as a testament to the power of passion, knowledge, and advocacy in transforming societies. Her legacy is a reminder that the arts are not just a reflection of society but a powerful tool for shaping its future, particularly for women and underrepresented groups. Maxine Gordon remains an unparalleled figure in Jazz history, a pioneer whose influence extends far beyond the music itself, embodying the spirit of Jazz in its purest form.