{{Short description|American singer-songwriter (born 1995)}} {{Infobox person | name = Jordan Ward | image = | alt = | caption = | alias = | birth_name = Jordan Alexander Ward | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1995|02|01}} | birth_place = St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. | occupation = {{hlist|Singer|dancer|songwriter}} | years_active = 2017{{ndash}}present | works = | children = | relatives = | awards = | website = {{URL|jordanward.world}}<!-- or {{Official URL}} --> | signature = Jordan Ward sig.svg | module = {{Infobox musical artist | embed = yes | genre = {{flatlist| * R&B * hip hop }} | label = {{flatlist| * Interscope }} | }} }}
'''Jordan Alexander Ward''' (born February 1, 1995) is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer.<ref name=":2" /> 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 February 1, 1995{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}} and raised in St. Louis, Missouri.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Kevin C. |date=2021-12-08 |title=After dancing with the stars, St. Louis native Jordan Ward makes music of his own |url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/after-dancing-with-the-stars-st-louis-native-jordan-ward-makes-music-of-his-own/article_92714719-6b5e-5d92-9e2f-d6ec0a47756f.html |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |language=en}}</ref> From a young age, he exhibited a strong passion for the arts, particularly dance and music.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Aaron |date=2023-10-25 |title=Who Is Jordan Ward? Meet The 'White Crocs' Singer |url=https://uproxx.com/music/who-is-jordan-ward/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Uproxx |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Mowatt |first=Robyn |date=2023-07-05 |title=Ward Is in His Jordan Year |url=https://officemagazine.net/ward-his-jordan-year |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Office Magazine |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nixon |first=Khari |date=August 28, 2023 |title=Jordan Ward's Wings Have Spread |url=https://www.spin.com/2023/08/jordan-wards-wings-have-spread/ |access-date=August 6, 2024 |website=Spin}}</ref>
==Career== ===Dancing career=== Jordan studied dance, including ballet, jazz, and hip-hop, throughout his teens.<ref name=":0" /> Before venturing into music, Jordan Ward established himself as a dancer, training and performing with various dance companies and in numerous stage productions.<ref name=":0" /> 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, Usher, and Beyoncé.<ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine |last=Lee |first=Cydney |date=2023-03-13 |title=Meet Jordan Ward, The Dancer-Turned-Musician Bringing a New Wave to Hip-Hop |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/jordan-ward-interview-forward-dancer-1235285305/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jordan Ward |url=https://www.abconcerts.be/en/agenda/jordan-ward/a105J0000071Ix5QAE |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Ancienne Belgique |language=en}}</ref>
===Music career=== Ward began writing and recording his songs in 2017.<ref name=":2" /> His background in dance significantly influenced his musical style, allowing him to incorporate it into his performances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simpson |first=Joe |date=2023-09-22 |title="We're Not Even At Chapter One Of The Story" – An MM Exclusive With Jordan Ward |url=https://www.mixtapemadness.com/blog/music/jordan-ward-mm-exclusive-interview |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Mixtape Madness |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Friar |first=Kat |date=2023-11-23 |title=Jordan Ward [@JORDANWARD] on his dance background, being on tour and his new album Forward |url=https://guap.co/jordan-ward-jordanward-on-his-dance-background-being-on-tour-and-his-album-forward/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=guap.co |language=en-GB}}</ref> In 2017, Jordan Ward released his debut project, ''A Peak at the Summit''.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2019-08-26 |title=Meet Jordan Ward, the St. Louis Hopeful Who Is Making Himself His Top Priority |url=https://djbooth.net/features/2019-08-26-meet-jordan-ward-interview-valley-hopefuls/ |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=DJBooth |language=en-US}}</ref> Following this, he released several singles, including "Mustard" featuring 6LACK.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Simpson |first=Joe |date=2023-08-08 |title=Jordan Ward Taps 6LACK For New Track 'MUSTARD' |url=https://www.mixtapemadness.com/blog/music/jordan-ward-6lack-mustard |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Mixtape Madness |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Perkins |first=Njera |date=March 12, 2024 |title=2024 NAACP Image Awards: Jordan Ward's Collaborative Brilliance: 5 Unforgettable Features with Fellow Artists |url=https://www.bet.com/article/km3dty/2024-naacp-image-awards-jordan-wards-collaborative-brilliance-5-unforgettable-features-with-fellow-artists |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=BET |language=en}}</ref>
In October 2021, he released an EP titled ''Remain Calm.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Folk |first=Antwane |date=2021-10-29 |title=Jordan Ward Releases New EP 'Remain Calm' |url=https://ratedrnb.com/2021/10/jordan-ward-releases-new-ep-remain-calm/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Rated R&B |language=en-US}}</ref> Ward released his debut album, ''Forward'', in March 2023 under Interscope Records.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Sam |date=2023-03-05 |title=R&B Standout Jordan Ward Releases Debut Album 'FORWARD' |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/jordan-ward-forward/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=uDiscover Music |language=en-US}}</ref> The album, which was executive produced by Lido, features collaborations with Joyce Wrice, Ryan Trey, Gwen Bunn, and Joony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Folk |first=Antwane |date=2023-03-03 |title=Jordan Ward Moves 'Forward' on Debut Album: Listen |url=https://ratedrnb.com/2023/03/jordan-ward-moves-forward-on-debut-album-listen/ |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=Rated R&B |language=en}}</ref> Upon its release, ''Forward'' charted on the US Billboard R&B Chart in its debut week.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}} ''Rolling Stone'' included ''Forward'' in its list of The 100 Best Albums of 2023.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last= |first= |date=2023-11-30 |title=The 100 Best Albums of 2023 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-2023-1234879538/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> In August 2023, he released a deluxe edition to the album, titled ''Moreward(Forward)''.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-27 |title=5 Minutes with Jordan Ward: The St. Louis R&B star on his deluxe album, 'moreward(FORWARD)' |url=https://hungermag.com/music/5-minutes-with-jordan-ward-the-st-louis-rb-star-on-his-deluxe-album-morewardforward |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Hunger Mag |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schube |first=Will |date=2023-08-30 |title=Jordan Ward Releases Music Video For ‘Zoomies’ |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/jordan-ward-zoomies-video/ |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=uDiscover Music |language=en-US}}</ref>
In the fourth quarter of 2023, he toured throughout Europe.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Schube |first=Will |date=2023-09-12 |title=Jordan Ward Announces European Tour |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/jordan-ward-european-tour/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=uDiscover Music |language=en-US}}</ref> Ward was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist at the 55th NAACP Image Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fabian Brathwaite |first=Lester |date=March 17, 2024 |title=2024 NAACP Image Award winners: See full list |url=https://ew.com/2024-naacp-image-award-winners-see-full-list-8609542 |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=EW.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> Ward performed at the 2024 BET Experience festival, held at the Crypto.com Arena on June 28, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lamarre |first=Carl |date=2024-06-29 |title=Cardi B, Gunna, Sexyy Red & Davido Light Up L.A. for 2024 BET Experience Concert Series |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/cardi-b-gunna-sexyy-red-2024-bet-experience-concert-series-1235720820/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> Ward also performed at the Music at the Intersection Festival in St. Louis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Preezy |date=2024-09-24 |title=7 Best Moments From Music At The Intersection Festival 2024 |url=https://www.vibe.com/lists/best-moments-music-at-the-intersection-festival-2024/jordan-wards-energy-proves-kinetic/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Vibe |language=en-US}}</ref> In April 2024, he released the single "Player Two" from the soundtrack for ''Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=12 April 2024 |title=Jordan Ward is heading to the movies with "Player Two" song featured in "Don't Tell mom the Babysitter's Dead" Film |url=https://www.universalmusic.ca/press-releases/jordan-ward-is-heading-to-the-movies-with-player-two-song-featured-in-dont-tell-mom-the-babysitters-dead-film/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Universal Music Canada}}</ref>'' On September 11, 2025 Ward released the single 'JUICY’ produced by Michael Uzowuru and Teo Halm.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Interviews |first=Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & |last2=Hussain |first2=Shahzaib |date=2025-09-10 |title=Jordan Ward Returns With New Single 'JUICY' {{!}} News |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/jordan-ward-returns-with-new-single-juicy/ |access-date=2025-09-12 |website=Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Musical style and influences== Ward's music is inspired by funk, alternative rock, and hip hop.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=2023-08-17 |title=Jordan Ward (Interscope) |url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/the_bside&id=337216&title=Jordan-Ward-(Interscope) |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Hits Daily Double |language=en}}</ref>
==Discography== ===Studio albums=== * ''Forward'' (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Chad |date=2023-05-09 |title=Rising R&B singer Jordan Ward comes home to St. Louis to promote debut album 'Forward' |url=https://www.stlpr.org/arts/2023-05-09/rising-r-b-singer-jordan-ward-comes-home-to-st-louis-to-promote-debut-album-forward |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=STLPR |language=en}}</ref>
*''Backward'' (2026)
===Mixtapes=== * ''Valley Hopefuls'' (2019)<ref name=":2" />
===EPs=== * ''A Peak at the Summit'' (2017)<ref name=":5" /> * ''Remain Calm'' (2021)<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Bolden |first=Janeé |date=2021-10-08 |title=We Got A Lil Baby Crush: R&B Newcomer Jordan Ward Releases His New EP 'Remain Calm' |url=https://bossip.com/2045078/jordan-ward/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Bossip}}</ref> * ''JRNY'' (with Joony) (2024)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Samuels |first=Keithan |date=2024-10-08 |title=Jordan Ward and Joony Take a Quick 'JRNY' on New EP: Stream |url=https://ratedrnb.com/2024/10/jordan-ward-and-joony-take-a-quick-jrny-on-new-ep-stream/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Rated R&B |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Singles=== * "Tapas" * "Lalaland" * "Candid" * "Holdin Me Back" * "Okok" (Hibachi)<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Griffin |first=Marc |date=2023-04-12 |title=Jordan Ward's 'FORWARD' Is Best Understood When Going Backward |url=https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/jordan-ward-forward-interview-1234740477/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Vibe |language=en-US}}</ref> * "Sandiego"<ref name=":11" /> * "Lil Baby Crush"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robles |first=Jonathan |date=2021-09-09 |title=We're addicted to Jordan Ward's new single 'Lil Baby Crush' |url=https://www.variancemagazine.com/sights/12403-lil-baby-crush |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=Variance |language=en-gb}}</ref> * "IDC" featuring Joony<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rouhani |first=Neena |last2=Lee |first2=Cydney |date=2022-10-18 |title=R&B Fresh Picks of the Week: Central Cee, Rini, Kirby & More |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/best-new-hip-hop-central-cee-rini-1235157012/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> * "White Crocs" featuring Ryan Trey<ref name=":1" /> * "Cherimoya"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rouhani |first=Neena |last2=Lee |first2=Cydney |date=2023-02-13 |title=R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: Central Cee, Daniel Caesar, Kash Doll & More |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/best-new-rb-hip-hop-central-cee-daniel-caesar-fresh-picks-1235214001/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> * "Mustard" with 6lack<ref name=":6" /> * "Waiting in Vain"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Horvath |first=Zachary |date=2024-02-19 |title=Jordan Ward Beautifully Covers Bob Marley & The Wailers' "Waiting In Vain" For Spotify Singles |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/765445-jordan-ward-waiting-in-vain-spotify-singles-hip-hop-news |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref> * "Player Two"<ref name=":8" /> * "Juicy"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Interviews |first=Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & |last2=Hussain |first2=Shahzaib |date=2025-09-10 |title=Jordan Ward Returns With New Single 'JUICY' {{!}} News |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/jordan-ward-returns-with-new-single-juicy/ |access-date=2025-09-12 |website=Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews |language=en-GB}}</ref> * "Smokin Potna" featuring Sailorr<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hussain |first1=Shahzaib |title=Jordan Ward Links With SAILORR On 'SMOKIN POTNA' |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/jordan-ward-links-with-sailorr-on-smokin-potna/ |website=Clash |access-date=November 14, 2025 |date=October 15, 2025}}</ref>
==Tours== '''Headlining''' * TEURWARD (2023) (EU)<ref name=":4" />
'''Supporting''' *6LACK - "Since I Have a Lover" Tour (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Aaron |date=2023-10-02 |title=Here Is 6lack’s ’Since I Have A Lover Tour’ Setlist |url=https://uproxx.com/music/6lack-since-i-have-a-lover-tour-setlist/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=Uproxx |language=en-US}}</ref> *Smino - "Louphoria" Tour (2023) (EU)<ref name=":9" /> *JID & Smino - "Luv Is 4Ever" Tour (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barlas |first=Jon |date=2023-03-13 |title=Jordan Ward Interview: 'I just want the music to speak for itself' |url=https://ourgenerationmusic.com/exclusive/forward-jordan-ward-interview/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Our Generation Music |language=en-US}}</ref> *Duckwrth - "SuperGood" Tour (2021)<ref name=":10" />
==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable" !Year !Event !Category !Result !Ref |- |2023 |NAACP Image Awards |NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist |{{nom}} |<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-25 |title=Nominees Announced for the 55th NAACP Image Awards |url=https://naacp.org/articles/nominees-announced-55th-naacp-image-awards |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=NAACP |language=en}}</ref> |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ward, Jordan}} Category:1995 births Category:21st-century African-American male singers Category:21st-century American male singers Category:American contemporary R&B singers Category:American male singer-songwriters Category:Interscope Records artists Category:Living people Category:Singers from St. Louis