We asked Gordon Mote to take us though a calendar year and what each month sounds like to him musically. Watch and listen as you feel the seasons go by!

Gordon Mote is back! This time, he’s playing some of his favorite licks from Billy Joel, Lionel Richie, and Elton John—plus discussing what makes each of those artist’s sound and style so unique and distinct. And why they mattered so much to him!

How often does it happen…? We admire someone from afar…then, when we meet them, not only do they live up to our expectations, but become a personal mentor as well? Not very often, right? Well…it happened to Gordon Mote!

Have you ever awakened with words on your mind? What about a song? After getting engaged to his wife, Kimberly, Gordon Mote woke up in the middle of the night one night with the entire chorus of a song on his mind. Six months later, on the day of his wedding rehearsal, he still hadn’t written the rest of the song — though he had committed to sing it during the wedding. (It was already in the wedding program!) Tune in to hear what Gordon wrote under pressure, and hear the song he rarely performs.

Listen as Gordon talks about working with Michael McDonald and why he’s not just recognizable for his playing, but also for his singing. Gordon also goes on to talk about and play Billy Preston—who is often regarded as “The 5th Beatle.” Plus you’ll hear the hilarious story about the time Gordon asked Michael, “Are you some kind of idiot?”

8th grade…an awkward year for some. Most kids just want to fit in with a group of friends, maybe play some sports, or find someone to take to the school dance. For Gordon, growing up blind posed its own challenges, but at an early age, he realized that playing the piano was an easy way to get noticed and make friends. Here’s how Gordon remembers the 8th grade!