Draft:Jordan Ward (musician)


Jordan Ward
Born
Jordan Alexander Ward

(1996-03-25) 25 March 1996 (age 28)
St. Louis, Missouri, United State
Other names
  • J W
CitizenshipUnited States
Occupations
  • Singer
  • Dancer
  • songwriter
Years active2017–present
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • Keyboard
Labels
Websitejordanward.world

Jordan Alexander Ward (born 25 March 1996), known professionally as Jordan Ward, is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer.[1][2] he started his career as a dancer. Ward began his professional music career in 2017 with the release of his debut single, Tapas He followed up with another single LalaLand (2017) and nissanVersacoupe (2019).[3] He gained recognition in 2022 with the release of his single, "Lil Baby Crush".[4][5][6]

Jordan Ward's second studio album, FORWARD, released in 2023, achieved commercial success.[7][8]

Early life & Career

edit

Jordan Ward was born on 25 March 1996 and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. From a young age, he exhibited a strong passion for the arts, particularly dance and music.[9] His early exposure to diverse musical genres and dance styles greatly influenced his artistic development.[10]

Dancing Career

edit

Jordan studied dance, including ballet, jazz, and hip-hop, throughout his teens. Before venturing into music, Jordan Ward established himself as a talented dancer.[10] He trained and performed with various dance companies and in numerous stage productions. He eventually worked as a professional dancer, performing with popular artists and on significant platforms.[11] Right out of high school, he moved to Los Angeles, where he found work as a backup dancer, touring with Justin Bieber, Becky G, and others.[12]

Music career

edit

Ward's transition from dance to music was marked by his desire to explore new creative outlets. Drawing on his performance experience, he began writing and recording his songs in 2017[12]. His background in dance significantly influenced his musical style, allowing him to incorporate it into his performances.[13][14] In 2017, Jordan Ward released his debut project, A Peak at the Summit. The project garnered attention. Following this, he released several singles and EPs, including MUSTARD featuring 6LACK establishing his presence in the music industry.[15][16]

One of his notable singles, "FORWARD," showcased his lyrical prowess and received positive reviews from both fans and critics. Ward continues to release new music and collaborate with other artists.

FORWARD Album: 2022–23

edit

After releasing his EP Remain Calm,[17] , Ward released his second album, FORWARD, in 2023 under Interscope Records. The album features 14 tracks, including collaborations with Joyce Wrice, Lido, Ryan Trey, Gwen Bunn, and Joony. Upon its release, FORWARD charted on the US Billboard R&B Chart in its debut week.[12][18] Rolling Stone included FORWARD in its list of The 100 Best Albums of 2023.[19]

Musical Style and Influences

edit

Jordan Ward's music blends elements of R&B, hip-hop, and pop, characterized by smooth vocals,and introspective lyrics.[20] He draws inspiration from diverse artists and genres, reflected in his sound's eclectic nature.

Discography

edit

EPs and Albums

edit
  • A Peak at the Summit (2017)
  • Valley Hopefuls (2019)
  • Remain Calm (2021)[21]
  • FORWARD (2023)

Singles

edit
  • LalaLand
  • Lil Baby Crush
  • Okok (hibachi)
  • MUSTARD featuring 6LACK
  • White Crocs featuring Ryan Trey[9]
  • Waiting In Vain[22]

Tours

edit

Headlining[23]

  • TOUR WARD 23 (2023)[24]
  • Music at the Intersection (2024)
  • Yussef Dayes Presents: Summer Dayes (2024)

Supporting

References

edit
  1. ^ "Jordan Ward Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More..." AllMusic. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  2. ^ Johnson, Kevin C. (2021-12-08). "After dancing with the stars, St. Louis native Jordan Ward makes music of his own". STLtoday.com. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  3. ^ "Meet Jordan Ward, the St. Louis Hopeful Who Is Making Himself His Top Priority". DJBooth. 2019-08-26. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  4. ^ Robles, Jonathan (2021-09-09). "We're addicted to Jordan Ward's new single 'Lil Baby Crush'". Variance Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  5. ^ "Jordan Ward is St. Louis proud even after 8 years — and dance success — in LA". STLPR. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  6. ^ Barlas, Jon (2023-03-13). "Jordan Ward Interview: 'I just want the music to speak for itself'". Our Generation Music. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  7. ^ Griffin, Marc (2023-04-12). "Jordan Ward's 'FORWARD' Is Best Understood When Going Backward". VIBE.com. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  8. ^ "5 Minutes with Jordan Ward: The St. Louis R&B star on his deluxe album, 'moreward(FORWARD)'". hungermag.com. 2023-10-27. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  9. ^ a b "Who Is Jordan Ward? Meet The 'White Crocs' Singer". UPROXX. 2023-10-25. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  10. ^ a b "Ward Is in His Jordan Year". Office Magazine. 2023-07-05. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  11. ^ "Jordan Ward". www.abconcerts.be. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  12. ^ a b c Lee, Cydney (2023-03-13). "Meet Jordan Ward, The Dancer-Turned-Musician Bringing a New Wave to Hip-Hop". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  13. ^ ""We're Not Even At Chapter One Of The Story" – An MM Exclusive With Jordan Ward". Mixtape Madness. 2023-09-22. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  14. ^ "JORDAN WARD [@JORDANWARD] ON HIS DANCE BACKGROUND, BEING ON TOUR AND HIS ALBUM FORWARD - GUAP". guap.co. 2023-11-23. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  15. ^ "Jordan Ward Taps 6LACK For New Track 'MUSTARD'". Mixtape Madness. 2023-08-08. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  16. ^ "2024 NAACP Image Awards: Jordan Ward's Collaborative Brilliance: 5 Unforgettable Features with Fellow Artists". BET. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  17. ^ Folk, Antwane (2021-10-29). "Jordan Ward Releases New EP 'Remain Calm'". Rated R&B. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  18. ^ Armstrong, Sam (2023-03-05). "R&B Standout Jordan Ward Releases Debut Album 'FORWARD'". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  19. ^ Stone, Rolling (2023-11-30). "The 100 Best Albums of 2023". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  20. ^ "Jordan Ward (Interscope)". HITS Daily Double. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  21. ^ Bolden, Janeé (2021-10-08). "We Got A Lil Baby Crush: R&B Newcomer Jordan Ward Releases His New EP 'Remain Calm'". Bossip. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  22. ^ Horvath, Zachary (2024-02-19). "Jordan Ward Beautifully Covers Bob Marley & The Wailers' "Waiting In Vain" For Spotify Singles". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  23. ^ Frazier, Kevin. "Jordan Ward [REVIEW]". The Spectator. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  24. ^ Schube, Will (2023-09-12). "Jordan Ward Announces European Tour". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2024-07-31.