This week's track is inspired by loss and sadness. I had been having a hard time picking something for this week, and some news I got today made it an easy choice.
In October 1997, my mother lost a 12 year battle with cancer. I was heartbroken and devastated. Soon after I sought out a new tattoo artist to do a memorial piece of one of my favorite images of my mom as a child. I found a local artist, Erika Stanley, who had a shop close to me and we began working together on the picture. It went great and she continued tattooing me for the next 23 years, my last visit was this February.
During that time in '97 I was listening to a lot Stevie Wonder, the Fulfillingness' First Finale album was my favorite at that point and still has a special place in my heart today. The stand out track for me was/is “Please Don't Go.” It talks about the loss of someone dear and being heartbroken, it still makes me think of my mom and I cry often when I listen to it.
I found out today that Erika passed away following heart surgery. I am shocked, and heartbroken again. I spent countless hours in her chair laughing and talking about our families, life, and music. Her shop a safe place for me and I will miss her. She leaves behind her husband and their young son. She meant a lot to so many people and will be missed.
So in honor of Erika and her work which covers a lot of my upper body, my mother, and the genius of Stevie here is "Please Don't Go." RIP Erika and Thank You.
You can learn more about Stevie Wonder here:
About The Curator - Danny Gordon
Danny's love affair with music started around the time he could walk. He spent countless hours in front of the record player going through his parents collection and experimented with playing violin, piano, and guitar before finding his voice on the bass in his teens.
Danny began playing in local bands in Los Angeles while studying music, eventually landing at Berklee College of Music in 1998. Following his graduation in 2001 Danny returned home and continued his career as a recording and touring bassist, most notably working with former STP singer Scott Weiland.
Danny continues to stay active in the local scene and is a devoted father teaching his children about the music he loves.
