© Vangie Gunn-Goodwin 2026
Vangie Gunn-Goodwin Is Carrying Forward Gordon Goodwin’s Extraordinary Musical Legacy With Purpose, Passion, and the Big Phat Pod
In the history of great musical partnerships, few stories embody devotion, artistic vision, and enduring legacy quite like that of Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and the late Gordon Goodwin. Following the heartbreaking passing of her husband and lifelong creative partner, Vangie has transformed profound personal loss into an inspiring mission—one dedicated not only to preserving Gordon Goodwin's extraordinary body of work, but to ensuring that his influence continues to resonate with musicians, educators, and audiences around the world.
Rather than allowing one of contemporary jazz's most celebrated voices to fade into history, Vangie Gunn-Goodwin has embraced the responsibility of carrying his artistic vision into a new era. Her commitment extends beyond remembrance. It is an active, ambitious effort to expand Gordon Goodwin's legacy, introducing new generations to the brilliance of his compositions, his remarkable educational contributions, and the creative philosophy that defined one of modern jazz's most influential careers.
Central to that mission is Vangie Gunn-Goodwin's Big Phat Pod, a project inspired by an idea Gordon himself envisioned only months before his cancer diagnosis. Today, that dream has become reality, evolving into a deeply personal and historically significant podcast that celebrates not only Gordon's music, but also the stories, friendships, creative discoveries, and unforgettable moments that shaped his remarkable career.
For longtime fans, the series offers something truly invaluable—a rare opportunity to experience the human side of a legendary composer. For newcomers, it serves as an inviting gateway into the world of Gordon Goodwin, revealing the artistic brilliance, relentless curiosity, and joyful spirit that made him one of the most respected voices in contemporary big band music.
Gordon Goodwin's accomplishments remain nothing short of extraordinary. A 25-time GRAMMY® nominee and four-time GRAMMY® Award winner, he earned worldwide acclaim as a composer, arranger, pianist, conductor, and educator whose work consistently pushed the boundaries of jazz while remaining accessible to audiences of every generation. His internationally syndicated radio programme, Phat Tracks with Gordon Goodwin, further expanded his influence by sharing his passion for musical diversity, outstanding artistry, and exceptional storytelling with listeners across the globe.
Today, that same spirit continues through The Big Phat Pod, released every Monday across major podcast platforms and YouTube. Co-hosted by Vangie Gunn-Goodwin alongside Andrew Kesler, the programme offers listeners unprecedented access to the stories behind Gordon's most celebrated compositions, film scores, and legendary arrangements for The Big Phat Band.
Each episode goes far beyond traditional music commentary. Through thoughtful conversations with renowned musicians, collaborators, and close friends, the podcast explores the creative process behind iconic recordings while uncovering the personal stories that helped shape Gordon's remarkable catalogue. Listeners gain an intimate understanding of the inspirations, technical craftsmanship, and artistic decisions that transformed his compositions into modern jazz standards.
Vangie's role extends well beyond that of host. Having spent decades alongside Gordon—both personally and professionally—she possesses an extraordinary understanding of his creative mind. Her insight into the development of each composition, rehearsal, performance, and recording session provides a level of authenticity few others could ever offer. Every conversation reflects not only deep musical knowledge but also genuine affection, respect, and a desire to preserve the integrity of Gordon's life's work.
The result is a programme that feels less like a retrospective and more like an ongoing conversation with one of jazz's greatest musical architects. It is educational without being academic, deeply emotional without becoming sentimental, and consistently engaging for musicians and music lovers alike.
Beyond the podcast, Vangie Gunn-Goodwin is also ensuring that Gordon's most celebrated creation continues to thrive on stage. Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band remains an extraordinary musical force, performing concerts that honour his legacy while celebrating the vibrant energy that has always defined the ensemble.
These performances have become heartfelt tributes as much as world-class concerts. Through archival video, recorded commentary, and carefully curated multimedia presentations, Gordon remains an unmistakable presence throughout every performance, allowing audiences to experience not only his music but also his unmistakable personality and leadership.
The ensemble continues to feature many of the musicians who helped establish The Big Phat Band as one of the world's premier jazz orchestras, including Wayne Bergeron on trumpet, Andy Martin on trombone, Brian Scanlon and Danny Kaneyuki on saxophone, Ray Brinker on drums, Joey DeLeon on percussion, Andy Waddell on guitar, Craig Gosnell on bass trombone, Kevin Axt on bass, alongside Vangie Gunn-Goodwin on vocals and numerous other distinguished performers who remain united by their admiration for Gordon's enduring artistic legacy.
Every performance stands as a powerful reminder that great music never truly disappears. Instead, it continues to evolve through those who dedicate themselves to preserving its spirit with authenticity and excellence.
What distinguishes Vangie Gunn-Goodwin's work is the profound sense of purpose behind every project she undertakes. This is not simply about honouring the past—it is about ensuring that Gordon Goodwin's influence continues to inspire future generations of musicians, composers, educators, and audiences around the world.
Her dedication has transformed grief into a remarkable act of stewardship, proving that artistic legacies are not preserved by memory alone, but through continued storytelling, education, performance, and unwavering commitment.
Reflecting on the mission that now defines her life's work, Vangie Gunn-Goodwin offers a statement that captures both the emotion and determination behind everything she continues to build:
"Just you wait—you will see. What Gordon brought to the world is not just a passing memory. I was put on this glorious earth to be Gordon's messenger and to keep his legacy alive. I mean... Big Phat Legacy Alive! This is my life's purpose."
Those words are far more than a personal promise. They represent the guiding vision behind a movement that continues to celebrate one of modern jazz's most extraordinary creative minds—ensuring that Gordon Goodwin's music, innovation, and inspiration will continue to resonate for generations yet to come.
Read on for our full interview with Vangie Gunn-Goodwin
Talk about your new project coming out?
VGG: 25 Years of Phatness is both a celebration and a legacy. Marking a quarter century of Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, this album showcases Gordon's final collection of new compositions and arrangements. Music that reflects his boundless imagination, unmistakable voice, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Every note embodies the joy, humor, passion, and brilliance that defined his career. More than an anniversary release, 25 Years of Phatness is a tribute to an artist whose music continues to inspire, challenge, and bring people together. Gordon's voice lives on in every chart, every solo, and every performance, ensuring that his legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Talk about your podcast? Who’s been on your podcast?
VGG: We have had all of the current band members on as guests as well as special guests including, Aubrey Logan, Matt Bates, Brian Kilgore, Ryan Mowrey, Singers Aria Gunn, David Loucks, Fletcher Sheridan, Alvin Chea, and more! Each future season will have more amazing guests.
What do you talk about?
VGG: Each episode focuses on one song from the album the season is about. Season 1 is exclusively about, 25 Years of Phatness. Season 2 will be another one of Gordon’s brilliant albums.
What inspired you to do a podcast?
VGG: This was Gordon’s dream in early 2025. We talked at length about starting the Big Phat Pod because he could break out a bit more on the pod than on his radio show. Sadly, due to his diagnosis the Pod never got off the ground with him. So, after the dust settled in life I decided to take up the mantel and get this podcast going to honor Gordon.
Do you think Gordon Goodwin would have loved this podcast?
VGG: Very much! He was a talker. I am a talker. We are both educators, musicians, and visionaries. He would love that I took his vision and ran with it to continue his life’s goals.
What’s the plan for the podcast?
VGG: I have at least 13 seasons already in the works! This will go on for a very long time focusing on the brilliance of Gordon’s music, mind, life and legacy along with amazing interviews and stories of his musical journey.
Who are some future guests that you are excited about?
VGG: Herb Alpert, Eric Marienthal, Take 6, Eddie Daniels, Brian McKnight, Lee Ritenour, Dave Gruson and more.
What is the plan for touring?
VGG: We are currently booking into 2027 all over the world.
What is the plan for local shows?
VGG: We will continue to perform twice a year at our home venue, Catalina Jazz Club, with an occasional showing at Vibrato and in San Diego.
Do you love performing live?
VGG: Yes, more than anything else that I do. Especially getting to stand and sing alongside the world’s greatest musicians in the Phat Band. What an honor, and Gordon opened the door for me which I will be eternally grateful.
What are your vocal techniques?
VGG: That is a broad question! Bottom line my technique is “trained” alongside “natural” and “real” to keep my voice working until I am very old! This means that I vocalize every day, I eat correctly, I drink correctly (water, tea) to stay hydrated, I have vocal therapy (manual manipulation) regularly, and I am constantly aware of how and what is impacting my voice. It is a lifestyle. I am a vocal athlete and take the routines extremely serious. Sleep is vital too! I also am very aware of how much I am talking as talking can be hard on a voice. That includes never yelling on rides or at a game. My voice is my life, so I must protect it at all times.
What’s a typical day for you?
VGG: Oh, my days change consistently being a free-lance musician and business owner, but what remains the same is vocalizing daily to keep my chops ready, working on the Big Phat Pod’s many details, booking the band, which is a huge responsibility, and continuing to look towards the future at what needs to be done in the next few months and years. I set goals and markers to hit each month and each quarter to keep the train moving smoothly.
I have the occasional recording session as a singer and vocal contractor for film, TV, and Video games, which I love to do and keeps me busy. I am also writing music daily as well including lyrics, arrangements, and more. That is pure joy, not work. I have a few things that are normal for me - I work out all the time (advanced Pilates, Barre, HIT, Heavy Weights, etc.), I sit in my backyard and drink tea with my puppy, I hang with my amazing 4 kids (Lexi, Emma, Levi and Aria) and their partners AND occasionally play with my wonderful grandkids (4 & 3). I have amazing friends who check in on me regularly. I am blessed! Then I try to get to the beach and hike here and there. I stay busy.
Talk about your music?
VGG: The music that is written and being finished for my album is a mix of jazz, R&B, Funk and Rock. It screams both Gordon and me. We were a wonderful team and combination musically. Can’t wait to get it done and get it out!
Talk about your inspiration for your music?
VGG: I grew up in gospel music. I sang in the church from age 5-45! It really shaped me. I also grew up listening to and loving jazz, vocal jazz, funk, R&B, black gospel, rock, and disco. My biggest vocal influences are Chaka Kahn, Janis Siegel, Pauline Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Michael McDonald, and Al Jarreau.
How has life changed since Gordon Goodwin’s passing?
VGG: It has been devastating, horrible, so sad, so lonely, and I want him back every day. And yet, through this unfathomable experience, I have found my purpose. My whole life and my whole life’s purpose is Gordon, his legacy and his music. It’s an amazing thing how one’s life starts to line up when you find its purpose, and that is exactly what is happening. During Gordon’s treatment we started to face the reality of what might happen, which was awful. It was at that time he asked if I would consider carrying on the Phat Band. I didn’t hesitate and yelled out a resounding, yes. Actually, I said, HECK YES. I watched the relief cross his face. He told me he knew I could handle it, and that I would take good care of all of it. So, I take that responsibility seriously with honor and focus. I want to honor Gordon in every way possible which means keeping the band strong and gigging, releasing new music every year, recording the Podcast, keeping his charts published, and growing all of it in whatever way possible. It is my honor and my joy to do all of this. Plus, I love it! Truly, my whole life has trained me for this. I am more than ready and more than capable to take this baton and role. And almost every day, I thank Gordon for everything he has given me.
Talk About Gordon Goodwin’s music?
VGG: The best way for me to talk about Gordon’s music is to say it In Gordon’s own words:
“The Big Phat Band has always been about taking the tradition of big band jazz and giving it a contemporary voice. I never wanted to recreate the past—I wanted to build on it. Whether drawing from swing, funk, film scores, rock, or modern production techniques, my goal has always been to write music that's exciting, unexpected, and alive with content. At the heart of it all are extraordinary and world class musicians whose artistry brings these compositions to life. If the music is hard to categorize and pin down, that's exactly the point.”
Who is your mentor?
VGG: I don’t have a Mentor necessarily, but I do have a very small circle of close friends and family that I trust to fall apart to and discuss life decisions. I am very grateful for them.
Who was the first recording artist that you remember hearing?
VGG: My mom’s piano playing, plus - Andrae Crouch, Earth Wind and Fire, and Michael Jackson.
What’s on your playlist right now?
VGG: Big Phat Band, 70’s Funk, Jacob Collier, Dirty Loops, Israel Houghton, Michael McDonald, and Chaka Khan.
Talk about some of the producers you have worked with?
VGG: Oh, lots! Gordon Goodwin (My favorite of all time!), Tommy Vicari, Michael Lloyd, John Debney, Russell Brower, Danny Jacobs, Charlie Brissette, Scott Erickson, Nelson Kole, Michael Giacchino, Jeff Kryka, Nami Malamud, Charley Pollard, Wayne Bergeron, Gregg Fields, and Mark Kibble.
Talk about your podcast?
VGG: This has been a labor of love and purpose. About a year and half ago Gordon and I were approached about starting the Big Phat Pod. Both of us were very excited about the prospect and wanted to get it going. Sadly, Gordon got sick before we could really get it up and running. A few weeks after my love passed, I started working on all the Phat Band items I promised I would do for him including releasing 25 Years of Phatness. I began thinking about ways to promote it more effectively than the podcast idea popped back into my mind. Within an hour I had mapped out 13 seasons of this incredible Podcast with each season focusing on one of Gordon’s perfect albums. So far it has been very fun, a lot of hard work, and very successful. I love creating the show and honoring my sweet Gordon all while keeping his music and the history alive.
How did you get involved with Gordon and The Phat Band?
VGG: Many years before Gordon and I fell in love I worked for him as a session singer working on his films, Disney parades, and more. I always enjoyed working for him in the studio. His writing, arranging, communication skills, and more were evident in those recording days too. Plus, the sessions were just fun. One day a few years into working for him, I told him that I should and would love to sing with the Phat Band. He completely agreed and I ended up singing on a gig soon after that. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It changed my life, and to this day is the most joyful time I have in music. I am grateful for my extra family with the Phat Band.
How does the Phat Band carry on without him?
VGG: I promised Gordon that I would continue the Phat Band while he was going through chemo. When we had to face the reality of his prognosis, he looked at me and asked me if I would be willing to carry the Phat and on. I Immediately responded with a strong, YES. So, it has become my life’s purpose. We keep Gordon’s spirit alive in every performance not only through his music, but through video, spoken word and more. It is really beautiful and the audience feels his presence in every concert.
How do you prepare for a show?
VGG: Preparation starts weeks in advance. I make sure we have the set list. I make sure the charts are in order, I make sure we have the proper amount of merchandise. I also have to make sure all of the players are secure for each gig. If they cannot make it to one of them, they must provide an approved sub for the gig weeks ahead so that we are not missing any seat. Ryan, our sound and tech guy, and I speak regularly to make sure we are on track for all things sound, video, and tech. This is a complicated part that takes a great deal of time to dial in. And all of this is only just a fraction of what we have to do to guarantee a smooth and solid show. it truly is a full-time job.
Where do you see your music going in the next 5 years?
VGG: We will continue in the journey we are on, but I also have new recordings planned for release for at least the next 5 years. It is exciting. We will also continue to tour around the world.
When did you know you wanted to be a musician as a career?
VGG: I am lucky. I knew from a very young age. For a while however, I thought about being a doctor because I excelled at school, love being a “healer”, and had a science and math brain which contributed to the desire to be a doctor. After a great deal of thought and reflection, however, I decided that music was the driving force in my life. I am glad for my choice though it has been more difficult financially, I am sure. Music is in my DNA. I sang my entire childhood and adult life and have pursued all things music. It has been an incredible life filled with challenges and excitements, sacrifices and rewards, and so much more. I have no regrets at all and am thankful I chose this path.
If you were able to say one thing to Gordon Goodwin now, what would it be?
VGG: Thank you, my love, for changing my life, for encouraging me, for lifting me up, for protecting me, but mostly for loving me full hearted and without question. You are everything to me. I love you, forever.
As Gordon Goodwin's remarkable legacy enters a new chapter, audiences around the world have more opportunities than ever to experience the music, stories, and creative vision that continue to shape contemporary jazz. Discover The Big Phat Pod for exclusive weekly episodes, follow Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and the Big Phat Band across their official social platforms, and visit the band's website for concert dates, news, and upcoming projects. Whether you're a lifelong jazz enthusiast or discovering Gordon Goodwin's artistry for the first time, this is an invitation to become part of a legacy that continues to inspire musicians across generations.
Explore More
- Big Phat Pod on YouTube
- Instagram: @bigphatpod • @bigphatbandhq • @vangiegunn
- Official Websites: Big Phat Band • vangie.me
- Listen & Connect: SoundCloud, Facebook, and YouTube
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