One might say that Richard Jordan’s life and life in music have mirrored the narrative of the prodigal son. From grade school to high school Richard embraced the diverse world of music, performing in musicals, dancing, and singing in numerous choirs. As a teenager he also embraced the Christian gospel and began to explore ways in which he might integrate his love for music with his new love for the risen Christ. This search initially reached fruition during his freshman year at Ashland University in Ohio. Richard continued to hone his vocal skills by joining the college’s concert choir, but he also began drumming for the university Jazz band. When a mentor in the faith and student leader in F.C.A learned of his skills in percussion, he invited Richard to assist him in the formation of a worship band for the campus ministry association. He threw himself into the task and for the next two years was ‘instrumental’ in the growth and development of both the band and F.C.A itself.
Midway through college, however, spiritual struggle led to a starkly different use of Richard’s musical talent. Overworked and lacking Christian fellowship during the summer break, Richard’s love for the Lord was choked by worldly cares. He returned to college in the fall, but chose not to participate in the worship band or any other Christian activities. At this time, he stumbled upon a way to indulge his love for music and his growing love for human accolade. Richard was invited to join a hip-hop/pop a cappella group who performed at the university’s homecoming festivities. They were in need of a replacement bass vocalist, and Richard’s sonorous voice and dance talent easily won him the position. He withdrew from college and eagerly joined them on their national tour.
Performing at major venues and rubbing shoulders with leaders in the music industry, fame seemed immanent for Richard and the group. Yet the sovereign Lord had alternative plans for Richard, a different sort of success with which to bless him. On Easter Sunday 2002, Richard returned to church empty and weary from years of sin. It soon became clear that fully rectifying his life and relationship with God entailed leaving the group and finishing his degree at Ashland University. Richard returned to college, changed his major to religious studies, and changed his choice instrument to the acoustic guitar. He also began to manifest a genuine gift for music composition, and through the encouragement of fellow Christians at A.U. Richard started pursuing Christian music as a vocation. Since 2003 Richard Jordan and his guitar have frequented cafes, festivals, church services, and conferences across Ohio and the Midwest. His distinctive fusion of soul, pop, funk, and beatbox together with his winsome stage presence unfailingly endear Richard to his audiences. But it is his fervor for the message of divine grace and his ability to communicate the lessons learned as a prodigal that make his performances truly memorable. For Richard music now concerns nothing other than the exaltation of his heavenly Father, the one who has mercifully welcomed him ‘home’.
With the assistance of veteran producer Rick May, Richard is currently working on an independent self-titled album to be released in the spring of 2007. Look for it at his upcoming shows or for download at Richard’s myspace page.
I got my background from 123backgrounds.com
