Have you heard about this petition?
A petition has been created to be considered by the California Parole Board at the upcoming hearing of drumming legend Jim Gordon (check out the discography on the Jim Gordon MySpace Tribute site – The sheer number of hit songs he played on is literally hard to believe).
Despite being diagnosed as an acute paranoid schizophrenic by five separate psychiatrists, he was sentenced to 16 years to life in 1984.
The judge agreed at sentencing that the Mr. Gordon was "suffering from a profound mental illness," but was unable to find him not guilty by reason of insanity due to the State of California's tightening of the legal definition a couple of years earlier (in reaction to the notorious "Twinkie defense," by the way).
This petition is completely legitimate – It has already been signed not only by fans, but by several of Jim Gordon's contemporaries. In addition, many of the living legends that he has worked with have written letters for the Board's consideration.
The Board's decision will obviously be based on a review of several factors such as medical evaluations, but the petition is intended to show the degree of support that still exists for this brilliant musician and songwriter.
The author will also forward a copy to Jim Gordon himself to assure him that he has by no means been forgotten.
The petition can be accessed by clicking this link
Please sign petition
If you'd like to help get the word out, please feel free to pass this message along.
Thanks,
Jim Gordon Tribute Page
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
April 2, 2012
July 15, 2011
Seeing the count hit one hundred signatures feels incredibly heavy given how much Jim has been through. I am going to make sure he hears about every single one of you who signed because he needs to know he has not been cast aside.
Reached 100 supporters
July 14, 2011
July 11, 2011
We are approaching the one hundred signature mark and I need your help to push us over that threshold. Jim needs to know that his talent is still remembered by those of us who grew up listening to his work.
22 Comments
I am a fan of Steely Dan, and knew of the sad situation of Jim Gordon. He was a true professional, and worked very hard. Alas, I think tiredness, over worked, and drugs, and an existing mental illness problem created the problem. I believe Jim has been in prison, and at time would not take his medication, and to me this is a concern. The amount of time he has been institutionalized, might mean he may need 24hr care if he was released and to lead a life, he would have to be supervised re. medication. This is the reason why I would sign the petition, but does Jim Gordon wish to be released, it has been a long time, would he adapt to the outside parameters.
You have not been forgotten Jim. There are so many people that say a prayer for you. We thank you for the beauty you have given us in your incredible work.
He should never have been put there in the first place. He has emotional issues & needs HELP, not jail.
A most influential musician who should be given an opportunity to start a new journey. Jim made a huge contribution to my enjoyment of so much great music
I worked with Jim @ Olympic studios in London...He was just a wonderful man and I loved his talent and contribution to my musical life. He. Is so well loved globally, I would be so delighted if he was released from incarceration
Jim is born to play the drums!
Thank you Rita.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
Have you heard about this petition?
A petition has been created to be considered by the California Parole Board at the upcoming hearing of drumming legend Jim Gordon (check out the discography on the Jim Gordon MySpace Tribute site – The sheer number of hit songs he played on is literally hard to believe).
Despite being diagnosed as an acute paranoid schizophrenic by five separate psychiatrists, he was sentenced to 16 years to life in 1984.
The judge agreed at sentencing that the Mr. Gordon was "suffering from a profound mental illness," but was unable to find him not guilty by reason of insanity due to the State of California's tightening of the legal definition a couple of years earlier (in reaction to the notorious "Twinkie defense," by the way).
This petition is completely legitimate – It has already been signed not only by fans, but by several of Jim Gordon's contemporaries. In addition, many of the living legends that he has worked with have written letters for the Board's consideration.
The Board's decision will obviously be based on a review of several factors such as medical evaluations, but the petition is intended to show the degree of support that still exists for this brilliant musician and songwriter.
The author will also forward a copy to Jim Gordon himself to assure him that he has by no means been forgotten.
The petition can be accessed by clicking this link
Please sign petition
If you'd like to help get the word out, please feel free to pass this message along.
Thanks,
Jim Gordon Tribute Page
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
April 2, 2012
July 15, 2011
Seeing the count hit one hundred signatures feels incredibly heavy given how much Jim has been through. I am going to make sure he hears about every single one of you who signed because he needs to know he has not been cast aside.
Reached 100 supporters
July 14, 2011
July 11, 2011
We are approaching the one hundred signature mark and I need your help to push us over that threshold. Jim needs to know that his talent is still remembered by those of us who grew up listening to his work.
22 Comments
I worked with Jim on many projects back in the day and he was not only one of the best drummers on the planet but one of the nicest people I have ever worked with. I noticed changes back then but will leave it up to you on rehabilitation. Would loved to free him.
I am a fan of Steely Dan, and knew of the sad situation of Jim Gordon. He was a true professional, and worked very hard. Alas, I think tiredness, over worked, and drugs, and an existing mental illness problem created the problem. I believe Jim has been in prison, and at time would not take his medication, and to me this is a concern. The amount of time he has been institutionalized, might mean he may need 24hr care if he was released and to lead a life, he would have to be supervised re. medication. This is the reason why I would sign the petition, but does Jim Gordon wish to be released, it has been a long time, would he adapt to the outside parameters.
You have not been forgotten Jim. There are so many people that say a prayer for you. We thank you for the beauty you have given us in your incredible work.
He should never have been put there in the first place. He has emotional issues & needs HELP, not jail.
A most influential musician who should be given an opportunity to start a new journey. Jim made a huge contribution to my enjoyment of so much great music
I worked with Jim @ Olympic studios in London...He was just a wonderful man and I loved his talent and contribution to my musical life. He. Is so well loved globally, I would be so delighted if he was released from incarceration
Jim is born to play the drums!
Thank you Rita.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 500 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
I worked with Jim on many projects back in the day and he was not only one of the best drummers on the planet but one of the nicest people I have ever worked with. I noticed changes back then but will leave it up to you on rehabilitation. Would loved to free him.