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#2 - Gordan Mote

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What are your dreams like if you're blind from birth? What's it like to play on Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson, and hundreds of other hit records? Hit songwriter and bestselling author Aimee Mayo sits down with legendary piano player Gordon Mote for a fascinating conversation. In this episode of Wait. What?! Gordon reveals what it's actually like to experience the world without sight, tells the unbelievable story of his seeing-eye dog, Atlas, who saved his life more than once, and demonstrates live Meta glasses that instantly describe the room around him in real time. They also talk about why AI music can never replace real musicians, what separates great singers from true communicators, and why Gordon tells every young musician the same brutal truth — if you have a Plan B, go do that. This conversation is funny, emotional, philosophical, and full of moments that will make you see the world differently. Subscribe for more wild stories, unforgettable guests, and the unbelievable moments in life that make you stop and say... Wait. What? Gordon Mote Bio Most people have never heard of Gordon Mote. But they've heard him play piano. Blind since birth, Alabama-born musician Gordon Mote has spent three decades becoming Nashville's secret weapon. A pianist, singer, songwriter, and producer, he has played on hundreds of hit records, released 15 albums, won three Academy of Country Music Awards for Keyboard Player of the Year, and earned multiple Grammy and Dove nominations. He holds an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Jacksonville State University. His story is just as extraordinary and inspiring as his music. He was one of the first blind students in the country to mainstream into the public school system. Mote received a full scholarship to Jacksonville State University before transferring to Belmont University in Nashville, where he graduated with honors. Just two days after graduation, he was hired by Lee Greenwood, launching a career that would take him into studios and onto stages around the world. His social media info here Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialgordonmote

Highlights

In this episode, host Aimee Mayo interviews Gordon Mote, a blind pianist who has played on countless hit records for artists like Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani. They explore his unique experiences, from the role of his seeing-eye dog Atlas to how technology like Meta glasses helps him navigate the world.
00:00
Atlas saved my life.
01:25
Playing with musicians he grew up listening to was surreal.
02:03
Shared love for Rick Springfield and Gordon's early move to Nashville
06:17
Musicians praise his speed and accuracy
07:09
I wish I could drive.
09:32
If you have a Plan B, you should pursue it
12:31
Do music for passion, not awards.
18:37
Authentic storytellers communicate directly and believably.
25:23
Ideas are the core of songwriting.
27:13
Blindness taught me to depend on my hearing.
33:35
Dreams rely on sound and smell, not sight
34:38
Floating through clouds in the pool
39:05
Genuine music is emotionally felt
43:44
Everyone seeks a 'palate cleanser' to renew their faith.
46:47
Atlas saved his life twice by pulling him out of the way of cars.
55:21
Best ideas come when relaxed.
59:35
Technology has leveled the playing field
1:00:34
Meta glasses describe surroundings for practical tasks.
1:04:29
Bringing joy and laughter to counter the darkness.
1:04:32
Choose love over division intentionally.
1:06:41
My favorite song is about my favorite subject matter.
1:07:20
A dog failed every test to become a service dog
1:11:26
A lonely dog kept entering a neighbor's house through their dog door.
1:11:50
Each dog has a unique personality that cannot be replicated by cloning
1:13:36
Gratitude for the opportunity

Chapters

Introduction
00:00
Meet Gordon Mote And His Credits
01:16
Rick Springfield Nostalgia And Vocal Production
02:01
Muscle Shoals Mentor: Jimmy Johnson’s Push
03:55
Faith Hill Session Story And “One Take” Myth
07:09
Tenacity, Plan A Only, And Industry Grit
09:28
Producing Psychology: Burn the Boats
12:28
Real Singers Who Communicate
18:34
Self Taught
22:48
Being Blind: Senses, Dreams, And Energy
27:10
Blind Dreams
33:32
Camp Stories
34:38
Good Vibes at the Studio And Good Work Ethic
36:20
Gordans favorite records
41:12
Atlas The Seeing Eye Dog: Training And Heroics
44:20
Seeing Eye Dog Stories
50:17
Blind Tech That Levels The Field: Movies, iPhones And Glasses
57:01
Meta Glasses Test
1:00:32
Gordans Instagram Series
1:03:36
Gordans Views for the World
1:04:29
Can't see my Wife
1:06:37
What a blind man hears during tennis
1:07:15
Seeing Eye Dog Stories Part 2
1:08:46
Love Battle: Dogs or Husbands?
1:11:50
Final Thank You to Gordan
1:13:28

Transcript

Gordon Mote: I wish I could drive. Aimee Mayo: When you dream at night, how are your dreams? You have smells in your dreams? Sure, He said, are you white or black? Gordon Mote: Atlas was my seeing eye dog's name, and he would do so many things. He saved ...