From Church Choir to R&B Star: Jordan Cordel's Musical Journey

Growing up in Port Arthur, Texas, Jordan Cordel Washington's path to music began where many great voices do – in the church. Now based in Austin and going by his stage name Jordan Cordel, he's carved out his own lane in R&B while staying true to those roots that first sparked his love for music.

"I don't just like or love music, I am a musical being," Cordel says, speaking with the kind of conviction that only comes from someone who's found their true calling. His earliest memories revolve around music – flipping through his parents' vinyl collection, absorbing melodies from car ride CDs, and being moved by the powerful voices that filled his church every Sunday.

By age eight, he was already adding his own voice to that Sunday chorus. From there, his journey took him through talent shows, UIL competitions, and college performances, eventually leading to band experience and now, a flourishing independent R&B career. But what sets Cordel apart isn't just his God-given talent – it's his relentless drive to perfect it.

"I'm not a singer, I'm a sanger," he declares with a smile, emphasizing that last word with the kind of pride that comes from years of dedication to his craft. It's more than just clever wordplay – it's a philosophy that guides his approach to music. Whether he's in the studio or on stage, Cordel pours everything he has into each performance.

This dedication shines through in tracks like "Vicious Games," where he transforms personal struggle into musical motivation. The song, featured on his project "The Reintroduction," came during a challenging period when he was grappling with management issues and trying to break through in the industry. A collaboration with Atlanta legend Zaytoven provided the perfect backdrop for Cordel to turn his challenges into affirmations: "All the hard times that you been thru / It brought the beast and the dawg out you."

Now, Cordel stands at the threshold of his most ambitious project yet – his debut album "You Made Me This Way," set to release in Spring 2025. The album promises to be a deeply personal journey through his twenties, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, friendship, and healing. But music isn't his only pursuit; he's also mere months away from earning his MBA from The University of Texas at Austin, proving his determination extends beyond the recording studio.

As a composer, writer, producer, and curator, Cordel embodies the modern renaissance artist. "I wear many hats," he explains, "I have the ear, I have the voice, I have the confidence; I was made to do this." His competition? Nobody but himself. "I'm in the mental space of me versus me, always striving to outdo myself."

For those eager to discover Jordan Cordel's music, his work is available at jordancordel.com, where fans can find his EPs, singles, and music videos. His presence extends across social media platforms, where he regularly connects with his growing audience and shares updates about his musical journey.

From those early days in Port Arthur to his current status as a rising R&B star in Austin, Jordan Cordel's story is one of passionate dedication to craft and unwavering self-belief. As he prepares to share "You Made Me This Way" with the world, it's clear that this is just the beginning of a much larger musical legacy.