Jordan Ward

Jordan Ward
Born
Jordan Alexander Ward

(1995-03-25) 25 March 1995 (age 29)
St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Occupations
  • Singer
  • Dancer
  • songwriter
Years active2017–present
Musical career
Genres
Labels
Websitejordanward.world

Jordan Alexander Ward (born March 25, 1995), known professionally as Jordan Ward, is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer.[1] He began his career as a dancer before transitioning to music. Ward launched his professional music career in 2017. In 2023, Ward released his debut studio album, Forward. Ward was nominated in 2024 for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist at the 55th NAACP Image Awards.

Early life

Jordan Ward was born on 25 March 1995[citation needed] and raised in St. Louis, Missouri.[2] From a young age, he exhibited a strong passion for the arts, particularly dance and music.[3][4][5]

Career

Dancing Career

Jordan studied dance, including ballet, jazz, and hip-hop, throughout his teens.[4] Before venturing into music, Jordan Ward established himself as a dancer, training and performing with various dance companies and in numerous stage productions.[4] After graduating from high school, he moved to Los Angeles, where he worked as a backup dancer, touring with artists including Justin Bieber, Becky G, Janet Jackson, and Beyoncé.[1][6]

Music career

Ward began writing and recording his songs in 2017.[1] His background in dance significantly influenced his musical style, allowing him to incorporate it into his performances.[7][8] In 2017, Jordan Ward released his debut project, A Peak at the Summit.[1][9] Following this, he released several singles, including "Mustard" featuring 6LACK.[10][11]

In October 2021, he released an EP titled Remain Calm.[12] Ward released his debut album, Forward, in March 2023 under Interscope Records.[13] The album, which was executive produced by Lido, features collaborations with Joyce Wrice, Ryan Trey, Gwen Bunn, and Joony.[14] Upon its release, Forward charted on the US Billboard R&B Chart in its debut week.[citation needed] Rolling Stone included Forward in its list of The 100 Best Albums of 2023.[15] In August 2023, he released a deluxe edition to the album, titled Moreward(Forward).[16][17]

In the fourth quarter of 2023, he toured throughout Europe.[18] Ward was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist at the 55th NAACP Image Awards.[19][20] Ward performed at the 2024 BET Experience festival, held at the Crypto.com Arena on June 28, 2024.[21] Ward also performed at the Music at the Intersection Festival in St. Louis.[22] In April 2024, he released the single "Player Two" from the soundtrack for Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead.[23]

Musical style and influences

Ward's music is inspired by funk, alternative rock, and hip hop.[24]

Discography

Studio Albums

Mixtapes

  • Valley Hopefuls (2019)[1]

EPs

  • A Peak at the Summit (2017)[9]
  • Remain Calm (2021)[26]
  • JRNY (with Joony) (2024)[27]

Singles

Tours

Headlining

  • TEURWARD (2023) (EU)[18]

Supporting

Awards and nominations

Year Event Category Result Ref
2023 NAACP Image Awards NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist Nominated [20]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Lee, Cydney (2023-03-13). "Meet Jordan Ward, The Dancer-Turned-Musician Bringing a New Wave to Hip-Hop". Billboard. 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". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  3. ^ a b Williams, Aaron (2023-10-25). "Who Is Jordan Ward? Meet The 'White Crocs' Singer". Uproxx. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  4. ^ a b c Mowatt, Robyn (2023-07-05). "Ward Is in His Jordan Year". Office Magazine. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  5. ^ Nixon, Khari (August 28, 2023). "Jordan Ward's Wings Have Spread". Spin. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  6. ^ "Jordan Ward". Ancienne Belgique. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  7. ^ Simpson, Joe (2023-09-22). ""We're Not Even At Chapter One Of The Story" – An MM Exclusive With Jordan Ward". Mixtape Madness. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  8. ^ Friar, Kat (2023-11-23). "Jordan Ward [@JORDANWARD] on his dance background, being on tour and his new album Forward". guap.co. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  9. ^ a b "Meet Jordan Ward, the St. Louis Hopeful Who Is Making Himself His Top Priority". DJBooth. 2019-08-26. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  10. ^ a b Simpson, Joe (2023-08-08). "Jordan Ward Taps 6LACK For New Track 'MUSTARD'". Mixtape Madness. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  11. ^ Perkins, Njera (March 12, 2024). "2024 NAACP Image Awards: Jordan Ward's Collaborative Brilliance: 5 Unforgettable Features with Fellow Artists". BET. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  12. ^ Folk, Antwane (2021-10-29). "Jordan Ward Releases New EP 'Remain Calm'". Rated R&B. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  13. ^ Armstrong, Sam (2023-03-05). "R&B Standout Jordan Ward Releases Debut Album 'FORWARD'". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  14. ^ Folk, Antwane (2023-03-03). "Jordan Ward Moves 'Forward' on Debut Album: Listen". Rated R&B. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  15. ^ "The 100 Best Albums of 2023". Rolling Stone. 2023-11-30. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  16. ^ "5 Minutes with Jordan Ward: The St. Louis R&B star on his deluxe album, 'moreward(FORWARD)'". Hunger Mag. 2023-10-27. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  17. ^ Schube, Will (2023-08-30). "Jordan Ward Releases Music Video For 'Zoomies'". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  18. ^ a b Schube, Will (2023-09-12). "Jordan Ward Announces European Tour". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  19. ^ Fabian Brathwaite, Lester (March 17, 2024). "2024 NAACP Image Award winners: See full list". EW.com. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  20. ^ a b "Nominees Announced for the 55th NAACP Image Awards". NAACP. 2024-01-25. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  21. ^ Lamarre, Carl (2024-06-29). "Cardi B, Gunna, Sexyy Red & Davido Light Up L.A. for 2024 BET Experience Concert Series". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  22. ^ Brown, Preezy (2024-09-24). "7 Best Moments From Music At The Intersection Festival 2024". Vibe. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  23. ^ a b "Jordan Ward is heading to the movies with "Player Two" song featured in "Don't Tell mom the Babysitter's Dead" Film". Universal Music Canada. 12 April 2024. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  24. ^ a b "Jordan Ward (Interscope)". Hits Daily Double. 2023-08-17. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  25. ^ Davis, Chad (2023-05-09). "Rising R&B singer Jordan Ward comes home to St. Louis to promote debut album 'Forward'". STLPR. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  26. ^ a b 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.
  27. ^ Samuels, Keithan (2024-10-08). "Jordan Ward and Joony Take a Quick 'JRNY' on New EP: Stream". Rated R&B. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  28. ^ a b Griffin, Marc (2023-04-12). "Jordan Ward's 'FORWARD' Is Best Understood When Going Backward". Vibe. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  29. ^ Robles, Jonathan (2021-09-09). "We're addicted to Jordan Ward's new single 'Lil Baby Crush'". Variance. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  30. ^ Rouhani, Neena; Lee, Cydney (2022-10-18). "R&B Fresh Picks of the Week: Central Cee, Rini, Kirby & More". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  31. ^ Rouhani, Neena; Lee, Cydney (2023-02-13). "R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: Central Cee, Daniel Caesar, Kash Doll & More". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  32. ^ Horvath, Zachary (2024-02-19). "Jordan Ward Beautifully Covers Bob Marley & The Wailers' "Waiting In Vain" For Spotify Singles". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  33. ^ Williams, Aaron (2023-10-02). "Here Is 6lack's 'Since I Have A Lover Tour' Setlist". Uproxx. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  34. ^ Barlas, Jon (2023-03-13). "Jordan Ward Interview: 'I just want the music to speak for itself'". Our Generation Music. Retrieved 2024-07-31.