Blind artist Gordon Mote to perform at Cornerstone

At the young age of 3, Gordon Mote sat down at a piano and played “Jesus Loves Me” with both hands. What made it extraordinary was Mote had been blind since birth. Now a Christian, southern gospel and country singer, he performs around the world.

Cornerstone Bible Fellowship will be hosting Mote in a free concert from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 20 at its 1000 E. 12th St. S. location.

“I was just passionate about music,” Mote said.

An Attalla, Ala. native, Mote became one of the first blind students in the country mainstreamed into the public school system. He later received a full scholarship to Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Ala. where he studied for three years. Mote then transferred to Nashville’s Belmont University and graduated with honors.

Following graduation, country music legend Lee Greenwood asked Mote to join his band. Since then, he has toured with Trisha Yearwood, Porter Wagoner and Gaither Vocal Band.

As a studio musician, Mote’s big break came when Mote filled in for Country Music Hall of Fame keyboardist Pig Robbins, who is also blind. That day Alan Jackson happened to cut what became Mote’s first No. 1 single, the 9/11 tribute “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?”

Since then, Mote has played with country music heavy hitters including Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Lionel Richie, Alison Krauss and many others. His skills in the studio earned him the Music Row Magazine’s instrumentalist award in 2009 and 2011, which recognizes the musician who played on the most top ten albums.

“I always try to bring my creativity and do the very best I can,” Mote said.

Mote also works as a solo artist and has recorded three instrumental and six vocal albums including “If You Could Hear What I See” in 2004, “Don’t Let Me Miss the Glory” in 2007 and “Songs I Grew Up Singing” in 2012.

“My music is so eclectic today, because I listened to every album I could get my hands on growing up. As kids, my brother (who is also blind) and I traveled and sang in churches of all sizes and denominations,” Mote said.

On his latest album, “All Things New,” Mote flipped the script and invited notable artists to perform with him. Trace Adkins, Darius Rucker, Josh Tuner, Sheryl Crow and Scotty McCreery are among the artists who contribute to the album.

“I’ve played for every one of these artists on their records. For them to sing on mine was a real honor,” Mote said.

When he is not in the studio or on the road, Mote is home with his family, including his wife Kimberly and three children, Samantha, Parker and Ashton.

For more information about the concert contact Cornerstone Bible Fellowship at 641-792-4650.