Ricky Ian Gordon was born in Oceanside, New York, and was raised on Long Island. After studying piano, composition, and acting at Carnegie Mellon University, he settled in New York City, where he quickly emerged as a leading writer of vocal music that spans art song, opera, and musical theater. His songs have been performed and recorded by Renée Fleming, Dawn Upshaw, Nathan Gunn, Judy Collins, Kelli O'Hara, Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, and many others. His works include Orpheus and Euridice, Morning Star, The Grapes of Wrath, 27, Green Sneakers for Baritone, String Quartet, Empty Chair and Piano, The Garden of the Finzi-Continis, Ellen West, and Intimate Apparel.