Obituary of Samuel Gordon Goldberg

Samuel "Sam" Gordon Goldberg, 80, born in Bronx, New York, passed away suddenly Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at the Methodist Hospital after a year long illness. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Helen Goldberg; and his brother, Jerry Goldberg. He is survived by his daughter, Stacy G London and husband Robert Sherman; son, Blake Goldberg; grandson, Jeremy London; and Jake the cat. His extended family included Jean, Chris and Brianna Sherman. He was deeply loved by family and friends. Sam was one of two sons of Polish Russian immigrants. He was a proud Air Force veteran, serving in the Strategic Air Command in Puerto Rico. After military service, he entered the entertainment field traveling the world, living in New York, Los Angeles and Houston. Under the stage name Sam Gordon, he was a self-taught left-handed drummer, songwriter, music publisher and talent manager. He drummed on many 60's records, including the pop hit "Sealed With A Kiss". He worked with a variety of artists and toured Europe and the US throughout the 60's and 70's. As tour manager for Janis Joplin in her final few years, she also recorded his song "One Night Stand"; and Sam was honored in many Janis biographies. Sam relocated to Houston in 1974 as Director of the new Houston Summit. He booked the opening acts from The Who to Elvis Presley, Queen, ZZ Top, Kiss, Bruce Springsteen, Houston Rockets and the Houston Aeros. Most recently, he was fundraising for the Houston Ballet. Sam enjoyed golf, Rockets and Astros games, sports memorabilia and concerts he attended with Stacy, Blake or Jeremy. In his final months, sports and arts brought him happiness, while working at the Ballet. Sam was easy going, well liked, vibrant and youthful. He was Jeremy's #1 fan in life attending every activity, sport and school function since his childhood. He never met a dog or cat that didn't like him instantly, adopting many rescue cats. Anecdotes of his life provided constant storytelling. His family extends sincere gratitude to his medical team of Dr. Stuart Solomon, Dr. Anna Kagan, Dr. Henry Pham, Dr. Josh Nguyen and therapist Carolyn Teague. A Military Honor Guard ceremony is scheduled for 2:15 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2015 at Houston National Cemetery. Donations in Sam's honor can be made to BARC Animal Shelter or Houston SPCA.