Daily Inspiration: Meet Jordan Black

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Black.

Jordan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My mom and dad were both worship leaders at a mega church in NYC. As a child, I’d watch them do their thing week in and week out. Performance from an early age started seeping its way into my psyche. But I actually didn’t start singing until I hit my early 20s and battled with so much imposter syndrome and self doubt. There was a lot of trauma connected to creativity for me (that I’ll write about in a memoir when A few more people know my name LOL) It wasn’t until my early 30s where I was able to take full ownership. I think there’s a difference between being gifted in a specific area, and EMBODYING it. At 34 years old, I can finally say that I am embodying who I am as a singer, songwriter and overall entertainer. I believe in myself even if no one else does. Thankfully I have a strong community that believes in me and shows it with their words, deeds, actions. My tribe PULLS tf up!!!!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been anything but smooth. From rejection to closed doors to empty promises and delays. But I’m just now realizing that delay does not always equate to denial. I’ve also had to do a lot of growing vocally to get to where I am now. But I consider myself a student above all else, and choose to learn and honor my gift as best as possible. I absolutely despise clichés, but rejection really is protection and redirection in most cases. Had everything been handed to me, there would be no fight and without a fight, there would be no value systems placed on this crazy dream of mine.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer, songwriter, and vocal producer. I’d like to also think that I am just an overall entertainer. But in terms of singing, I have done everything from session singing with my favorite producer of all time (Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins) to choirs, to Background vocals, lead vocals and my own commercial releases. I am the most proud of singing on the Jennifer Hudson show, and even with fear and trembling, I sang with her and pushed past all fear and self doubt. If a dream girl and EGOT winner tells you that you have the goods, you better believe her! I think what sets me apart from others is that I have no desire to play the industry games and jump through those weird Hollywood hoops. I just love music and want to serve people through my sound. For me, less is truly more.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?

I think the COVID-19 crisis taught me that what is of the most importance, is connection with other people. Family, chosen family and trusted friends. It revealed to me that sometimes we use the whole introvert and extrovert conversation as a scapegoat, as some of us tend to self isolate. But having a sense of belonging IS what it means to be human. We are biologically hardwired to require connection. So I definitely learned to not take it for granted, in any capacity. I think I also learned how divided we actually are as a nation, and I would hope that my music can bring back a form of Unity and a sense of belonging.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/JordanBlack
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@onejordanblack?si=egDVEZGDY2ZwtiX9

Image Credits
Melissa Carrillo Asher Hansow Jowaan Sullivan Ekeobong Utibe