Paul Christian Gordon, a 1981 graduate of Rogers High School and member of the legendary rock band the B52’s, passed away early Thursday in Nashville, Tennessee after an illness at the age of 52.

The B52’s took to their Facebook page Thursday night to announce the heartbreaking news.

Paul Gordon’s career in the music industry has included live performance at the highest level, musical direction, studio recording, production, and composition for television and film.

As a player, producer or writer, Paul has worked with Goo Goo Dolls, B52’s, Lisa Marie Presley, Natasha Bedingfield, New Radicals, Charles and Eddie, Prince, Danielle Brisebois, Carly Smithson, Nona Hendryx, Brenda K. Starr, Noel, Chaka Kahn, Mandy Moore, John Gregory, Eran DD, Wild Orchid, David Yazbek, Anna Wilson and many others.

Several years ago, Paul turned his attention to composition for television and film.. Paul has written or co-written and produced over 1,000 pieces of music for television and film, including the themes for Digimon (Digital Monsters), Transformers Robots in Disguise, Wild Force Power Rangers and Stripperella to name a few, as well as numerous soundtrack contributions.

Paul had been doing double duty as keyboardist for Goo Goo Dolls and keyboardist/guitarist for Lisa Marie Presley before playing keyboards and guitar for the legendary B52’s

He had been keyboardist and guitarist with The B-52’s since 2007.

Gordon leaves behind his wife Jennifer Lysak Gordon and two young sons.

Rest in peace, Paul.