Kim Gordon is an American musician, singer, songwriter, visual artist, writer, and actress, best known as the bassist, guitarist, and vocalist of Sonic Youth, one of the most influential alternative rock bands of all time. She is also a pioneer in experimental rock, punk, and noise music, as well as a significant figure in feminist and avant-garde art movements.
Her career spans over four decades, from her work with Sonic Youth (1981-2011) to Body/Head, Free Kitten, and Glitterbust, as well as her solo music career. Gordon has also worked in fashion (co-founding X-Girl), acting, producing, and writing, making her one of the most versatile figures in music and art history.
In this article, we will explore Kim Gordon’s net worth, age, height, career, music, personal life, husband, books, influences, legacy, and more.
Kim Gordon Short Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Kim Althea Gordon |
Profession | Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Artist, Actress, Writer |
Hometown | Rochester, New York, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Date of Birth | April 28, 1953 |
Age (as of 2025) | 71 years old |
Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
Weight | 58 kg (128 lbs) |
Genres | Alternative Rock, Punk Rock, Experimental Rock |
Years Active | 1981–present |
Instruments | Vocals, Bass, Guitar |
Labels | SST, Geffen, Matador |
Former Bands | Sonic Youth, Free Kitten, Body/Head, Glitterbust |
Marital Status | Divorced (Thurston Moore, 1984–2013) |
Children | 1 Daughter (Coco Gordon Moore) |
Early Life and Education
Kim Gordon was born on April 28, 1953, in Rochester, New York, but grew up in Los Angeles, California. Her father was a professor at UCLA, and her mother worked as a seamstress and artist.
She attended Santa Monica College before transferring to York University in Toronto, but she soon returned to Los Angeles and enrolled at Otis College of Art and Design, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1977.
Gordon originally intended to be a visual artist but became interested in punk and experimental music after moving to New York City in 1980.
Sonic Youth and Music Career
Formation of Sonic Youth (1981–2011)
- Kim Gordon met Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo in New York City in 1981. They formed Sonic Youth, blending noise, punk, and alternative rock.
- The band released their first album, Confusion is Sex, in 1983, followed by Bad Moon Rising (1985), Evol (1986), and Sister (1987).
Breakthrough and Mainstream Success
- 1990: Sonic Youth signed with Geffen Records and released Goo, their first major-label album, featuring “Kool Thing” (a feminist anthem featuring Chuck D of Public Enemy).
- 1991: Daydream Nation (1988) became one of the most influential albums of the decade.
- 1992: Gordon produced Hole’s debut album Pretty on the Inside for Courtney Love, further cementing her legacy.
- 1995–2006: Sonic Youth continued to release critically acclaimed albums such as Washing Machine (1995), A Thousand Leaves (1998), and Murray Street (2002).
Dissolution of Sonic Youth (2011)
- Sonic Youth disbanded in 2011 following Kim Gordon’s divorce from Thurston Moore after 27 years of marriage.
Post-Sonic Youth: Solo Career, Art & Acting (2012–Present)
Music: Body/Head, Solo Work, and Nirvana Tribute (2012–2025)
- In 2012, Gordon formed Body/Head, an experimental duo with Bill Nace.
- In 2016, she formed Glitterbust with Alex Knost.
- In 2019, Gordon released her first solo album, No Home Record, praised for its raw and experimental sound.
- In 2024, she released her second solo album, The Collective.
- In 2025, Gordon performed with Nirvana’s surviving members (Krist Novoselic & Dave Grohl) and Joan Jett at the FireAid benefit concert, performing “School” and “All Apologies”.
Acting & Writing
- Appeared in films and TV shows, including Last Days (2005), I’m Not There (2007), Girls (2014), and Portlandia (2014).
- Released her memoir Girl in a Band (2015), which became a bestseller.
- Published art books and feminist essays.
Kim Gordon’s Net Worth and Income Sources (2025)
As of 2025, Kim Gordon’s estimated net worth is $10 million.
Income Source | Earnings |
---|---|
Net Worth (2025) | $10 Million |
Primary Income | Music (Sonic Youth, Solo Career) |
Book Sales | Girl in a Band and other publications |
Acting Roles | Films, TV Shows |
Fashion Brand | X-Girl (Co-Founder) |
Art & Exhibitions | Paintings, Installations |
Personal Life and Family
Family Member | Details |
---|---|
Ex-Husband | Thurston Moore (1984–2013) |
Daughter | Coco Gordon Moore (b. 1994) |
Kim Gordon was married to Thurston Moore, but they divorced in 2013 after his extramarital affair. Gordon later revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer around the same time but successfully recovered.
She is known for being a private person and remains dedicated to her art and music.
Lesser-Known Facts About Kim Gordon
- She once dated composer Danny Elfman in high school.
- She was friends with Kurt Cobain and was one of the first musicians to support Nirvana.
- She co-directed The Breeders’ “Cannonball” music video with Spike Jonze.
- She performed with Nirvana at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
- She produced Hole’s first album in 1991.
- She wrote about Lana Del Rey and Courtney Love in her memoir, sparking controversy.
- She considers herself more of an artist than a musician.
- Her first solo album came out in 2019, nearly 40 years after she started making music.
- She was honored with a doctorate from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 2018.
- She remains one of the most influential women in rock music history.
Conclusion
Kim Gordon is a legend in alternative rock and punk music. As a musician, artist, writer, and feminist icon, she has influenced generations of musicians and artists. Her legacy extends beyond Sonic Youth, as she continues to create groundbreaking solo music, art, and literature.
Despite personal struggles, she remains an unstoppable creative force, proving that authenticity and innovation are timeless.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only.