Spotlight Around Town: The Voice That Moves You – A Conversation with Rae Gordon
An interview by Sherry Merideth
When Rae Gordon walks into a room—or a blues club—you know it. There’s a rhythm to her energy, an honesty in her laughter, and a voice that can stir even the most stubborn of souls. For those lucky enough to have heard her perform live, Rae Gordon isn’t just a singer—she’s an experience.
I sat down with Rae for an impromptu conversation that felt more like catching up with an old friend than a formal interview. The kind of raw, candid exchange that only happens when someone is as real off-stage as they are under the lights.
We were short on time
“Let’s hit record now—before the real magic escapes us,” Rae said with a smile, as we both scrambled to set up. She was heading out for a drive soon, so time was precious. But even in a short window, Rae gave us a glimpse into what makes her voice and presence such a force in Oregon's music scene.
“I think the blues chooses you,” Rae shared when asked about her connection to the genre. “It’s a storytelling music. It’s about truth. It’s about getting back up even when life knocks you down. And I’ve had a lot of stories to tell.”
Rae’s performances are legendary not just because of her vocal power, but because of the emotion she pours into every note. She doesn’t just sing the blues—she lives them, channels them, and transforms them into something joyful, defiant, and deeply human.
And she’s not just a performer—she’s a builder of community. Through the Rae Gordon Band and her ongoing involvement in the local music circuit, she’s helped spotlight emerging talent while keeping the heartbeat of Pacific Northwest blues alive and thriving.
What you can expect at her next show
“When people come to one of our shows, I want them to leave feeling seen,” she explained. “Maybe they cried a little, maybe they danced their heart out—but most of all, they know they’re not alone in whatever they’re going through.”
Spotlight Around Town was created to amplify voices just like Rae’s—local artists whose work doesn’t just entertain, but connects. Her story reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful stage is the one set in a neighborhood bar, a street festival, or a local fundraiser—where music becomes medicine, and the crowd becomes family.
Final thoughts
As Rae pulled away from our chat, off to her next gig or errand or moment of mischief, we were left with the kind of warmth only a soul like hers can offer.
“Thank you for doing this,” she said, “Even if it’s short—it means a lot.”
It means a lot to us too, Rae. And the next time you see her name on a marquee, don’t walk—run. Because with Rae Gordon, the blues feel a little brighter, and the world sings a little louder.
