Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Cordel.
Jordan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Jordan Cordel Washington, and my journey in music started when I was 8 years old singing in church back home in Port Arthur, Texas. Music has been my passion ever since. About seven years ago, I decided to pursue it seriously, which led me to move to Austin in 2020 to chase my dreams while continuing my education.
Since then, I’ve been blessed to find success in both music and academics. I became a Top 10 artist globally for Coast to Coast Live, performed at The Grammy Museum in LA during BET Award Weekend, won the Texas Revue Talent Show at UT, worked with Detroit’s Sada Baby, and had the privilege of collaborating with Atlanta legend Zaytoven on my debut album. Right now, I’m competing in a local Austin talent show called Austin Idol, performing over the next two months for a shot at the title of Best Singer in the City.
Beyond performing, I’m also a songwriter. In 2025, I earned my MBA from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business and even had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem for Texas Athletics—including basketball, baseball, softball, and track. In November of that same year, I released my debut album, You Made Me This Way, and I’m currently working on the highly anticipated part two titled Jordan vs JC.
Today, I balance my day job as an accountant with my buzzing career as an R&B artist, continuing to grow, create, and chase the calling I’ve had since childhood.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Making your dreams come true has a funny way of revealing people’s true colors. You’ll lose the people closest to you when you stop fitting into the box they tried to place you in, or when you no longer look like a peer in your rise to success. Sometimes your growth feels like a direct attack on their ego — because how can two people come from the same place but end up with two completely different outcomes?
I’ve lost managers, close friends, and gone through failed relationship after failed relationship. But one thing I never did was give up. I’m a child of God, and He did not give me a spirit of fear, so every challenge placed in front of me, I face head‑on. I’m still striving to reach the next level in my career, but I know I’m moving in the right direction.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my day job, I work for the State of Texas as an accountant, and my department has a direct impact on how every teacher in Texas gets paid. It’s honestly a full‑circle moment for me — I’ve had amazing teachers and professors pour into my life, and now I get to play a part in making sure they’re taken care of.
On the flip side, I’m a singer‑songwriter at night, performing wherever I’m asked to. One of the things I’m most proud of is releasing my debut album. I spent five years creating it, and having legendary Atlanta producer Zaytoven cosign the project made it even more special. Sharing that work with the world felt incredible, and now I’m excited to keep creating more bangers and killing every stage I’m blessed to step on. Music is truly my happy space.
What sets me apart from others is my live performance. No autotune, no filters — just raw talent and passion. When I’m on stage, it comes naturally because I genuinely love what I do. And even after all these years, I still get nervous sometimes performing for new people or large crowds. But I’ve learned to embrace that feeling; it’s just my conscience reminding me that I’m alive, that I care deeply about my craft, and that I always want to show up as the best version of myself.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me or support me really easily — just reach out on social media. All my platforms are @jordancordel. I’m always down to collaborate with new artists; just bring your budget, lol.
If you want to support me, come out to one of my Sunday performances for Austin Idol at Highland Lounge at 8 PM over the next two months, stream my debut album, or check out my latest videos. Even the small things — sharing my music, showing up, streaming a song — go a long way. Every bit of support helps push the vision forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jordancordel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordancordel/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT7wjhjqs_kF76Spq6vk4hw
