Alan Lee Gordon (April 22, 1944 – November 22, 2008[1]) was an American songwriter best known for songs recorded by the Turtles, Petula Clark, and Barbra Streisand. Many of his songs were co-written with Gary Bonner, including the Turtles' "Happy Together" and Three Dog Night's "Celebrate".
He worked with various popular musicians, including Blues Magoos, Alice Cooper, the Archies, the O'Jays, Lynn Anderson, Flo & Eddie, Frank Zappa, Helen Reddy, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Tammy Wynette, the Lovin' Spoonful, Bobby Darin, and Freddy Fender.
Gordon was born in Natick, Massachusetts. In 1965, he and Garry Bonner formed the Magicians, a group which would also include Allan "Jake" Jacobs and John Townley. They released a single in November 1965, "An Invitation to Cry". It met with some success, but their popularity was confined primarily to the New York and New England area.[2]
Gordon co-wrote, with Bonner, "Happy Together", originally recorded by the Turtles. In 1967, the Turtles version followed The Beatles' "Penny Lane" into the
Songs from Alan Gordon's catalogue have been featured in film, television, commercials and video games. Some of the films that featured Gordon-penned songs include The Naked Gun, Muriel's Wedding, Shrek, The Simpsons Movie, 27 Dresses, and Freaky Friday. Television programs include The Simpsons, That '70s Show, ER, Scrubs, The Wonder Years, and American Idol.
Gordon died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona on November 22, 2008, after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 64 years old.