You may have heard us playing out Empty Chair by Jordan B Smith Jr recently – and we caught up with Jordan to find out a little bit more about him.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Most people when they hear my voice are shocked to find out I am a 67 year old math teacher, 20 year U.S. Marine Veteran (Major), Gulf War Veteran (1990-1991), Doctor of Educational Leadership, public speaker, who recently lost his loving wife of 16 years after losing her battle against cancer for two years just before the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in October 2020.
When did you first start to develop a passion for music?
I first begin singing at the United States Naval Academy in 1972-1976 with a gospel choir at a local church to get off campus in Annapolis, Maryland. I never sang again until 1980-1984 while stationed in Gotemba (Mount Fuji), Japan. I began singing Karaoke in Japanese. When I returned back to stateside I begin to sing Karaoke and won some contests, but singing was just a hobby. I always received complements whenever I sang. But a singing career was not a priority. Making a living and providing for may family was the priority. I began doing weddings as a DJ, host and wedding singer during the summers vacation breaks. After the wife passed away I would go out with some friends and then one night the lead singer of the band recognized me from some 20 years ago. She told the crowd that this guy can sing and she urged the crowd to get me to come up and sing. That was in November 2019, and every time I returned she would ask me to sing the song “Lionel Richies song,Hello” that I used to capture the heart of a lady in the crowd. I finally got tired of singing the same old song as well as someone else’s music.
But when the COVID-19 shutdown in March 2020 came I had no way to serenade her. I was all alone. My family sons and grandkids live 1800 miles a way. I felt isolated and so I used music as an outlet. I began searching for music rights. I could not play an instrument then, but I am learning now. But I wanted to record an original. I searched and found a source for music writers, and songs and recorded one song and then shared it with the neighborhood. They liked them and asked for more. Their encouragement now results in my working on music productions 4-5 days a week while still teaching fulltime mathematics in 3 schools. Alexa and the internet allowed this old man to serenade a woman in a very different way from a distance. She now plays my music on demand in her car, in her house, every where she goes. My passion for music is my messenger and delivery system to tell someone I love them each and everyday.
Which artists did you listen to while growing up?
I am from the midwest and was raised listening to R&B music. Temptations, Supremes, Four Tops, Isley Brothers, Jackson 5, etc. something to shake your body to and dance. At the Naval Academy (All Males 1972-1976) I listened to Queen, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kenny B, Tower of Power, something to study with and relax. After college it transitioned to Love songs and Ballads from Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Barry White, Usher, Montel Jordan, Keith Sweat, Al Green, Atlantic Star, George Michael, Lou Rawls, and Whitney Houston.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard you before?
Heart felt, love songs with clear distinctive lyrics, easy listening, smooth emotions, perfect for long drives, breath taking views of scenery, and finally made for holding someone in your arms close to you, waiting to hear the simple words “I Love You”. Perfect background music for learning mathematics, No Joke!
What music have you recorded and released to date?
This hobby has produced 77 plus song recordings since May 2020 and 8 more songs in productions soon to be released. Thus far I have 10 holiday songs, 10 covers, and the rest or original recordings not heard or made famous before. They include R&B,POP, LATIN, Contemporary Adult, and Country. No Explicit lyrics or Hip Hop, or rap. Best songs that I play every day “Here I Go, I Fall in Love Again, All Over My Soul, Perfect, Careless Whisper, Cry to Me, When I fall in Love Again, Unchained Melody, Lady”
This release ”Empty Chair” is a dedication to the memory of my wife, for her chair is still here at my home but now it is empty, a daily remembrance of the time we had together. Due to COVID-19, today in America and around the world many people have an empty chair in their home.
Which artists do you enjoy listening to at the moment – and do they influence your work?
Brian McKnight, I like his range. Ed Sheeran is a new addition because my lady loved it so much. I love the acoustic sounds and melodies. I use to listen to all of the same artist when I was growing up. But this hobby and the pandemic shutdown changed my singing in so many ways. My girlfriend now finds new songs for me to sing like an old time favorite “Cry to Me” by Solomon Burke.
I use to watch American Idol and America’s Got Talent. I tried to audition some 17 years ago and decided I would never go through that complete waste of time. But I did learn from “Simon” about taking ownership of the song. I have transitioned and now adopt the song as if it was meant for myself. My first recordings I tried to sing the song just like the original artist. So I was like a copy cat, a very good one on many songs. So I am my own worst critic. My girlfriend listens to every song I record prior to its release. I am 67 and have listened enough
Who would your dream collaboration be with? What are your plans for the future?
I would like to do a duet with Diana Ross! But something new, I can kill “Endless Love”, no doubt
Well, I am still teaching high school and adult education. I have a gift of helping students overcome obstacles that interfere with the learning of mathematics. I will continue to sing so that when school goes back to in person instruction, I now have music for my students to listen to that is not offensive to anyone. I will continue to produce music for learning mathematics and to enrich my loving new found relationship. I am not ready to retire and be complacent.
You can find out more about Jordan by visiting his official website http://www.jordanbsmithjr.com/ and you can also find him on Facebook and Spotify. Jordan’s music is on all major streaming services.
