BIO

Born blind and weighing only one pound, Jordan Scheffer entered the world defying every odd. She was the only blind student to pass through the Asheville school system in the past twenty years, and she has met every challenge with resilience and triumph.

Her musical gifts emerged early—piano at three, clarinet soon after, and performances with the YMI Jazz Band by age six. By eight, singing had become her passion. Today, she blends American roots with West African and Afro-Caribbean funk influences, creating a unique and compelling musical style that continues to earn recognition.

Jordan’s first major break came in 2017 when she entered—and won—the prestigious Blind Idol competition in Raleigh, NC. That victory opened the door to one of the most storied stages in American music: the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem. After her debut performance, she was invited back to compete in the iconic “Amateur Night at the Apollo,” where she earned an impressive second-place finish—an extraordinary accomplishment for any artist, let alone one at the very beginning of her career.

A Cum Laude graduate of UNC–Asheville, Jordan earned her degree in Afromusicology, a field that perfectly reflects her artistic curiosity and passion. She is deeply inspired by West African funk traditions and is a skilled and dedicated practitioner of the Talking Drum, bringing rare authenticity and technical mastery to her performances.

Since then, Jordan has continued her upward climb, performing on some of the region’s most respected stages. She has appeared on the Main Stage at the LEAF Global Arts Festival for three consecutive years, captivated audiences at ISIS Music Hall and the Diana Wortham Performing Arts Center, and brought her vibrant energy to venues like the Carolina Theatre in Durham and the Columbia Festival of the Arts in Baltimore.

In October of 2021, Jordan released her debut album, Until We Try, a heartfelt and soulful collection that showcases her unmistakable vocal character. The album marked a major milestone in her artistic journey and laid the groundwork for her evolution as a recording artist. Her upcoming album, About Me, is dominated by songs she has written—an intimate, personal, and confidently crafted body of work that reflects her continued growth as both vocalist and songwriter.

Both of Jordan’s albums were produced by the sensational Daniel Seriff, her longtime musical director and lead guitarist. His virtuosity on the guitar is second to none, and his creative partnership with Jordan has played a defining role in shaping her sound, both onstage and in the studio.

Jordan has also developed a meaningful creative partnership with world music star Chinobay, who has become both a mentor and collaborator. Together, they have co-written music and performed live, forming a musical dialogue that bridges continents and traditions. Their collaboration continues to evolve, and the new album—featuring Jordan’s original music, contributions from Chinobay, and multiple African artists from across the African continent—is currently in development. Many of these artists, deeply impressed by Jordan’s African musical knowledge and her instrumental prowess, have reached out to collaborate with her. This next project promises to be a powerful fusion of cultures, traditions, and shared musical passion.

What truly sets Jordan apart is her voice: an unmistakable blend of smoky warmth, soulful precision, and emotional depth that feels far beyond her years and small stature. Onstage, she radiates a rare combination of vulnerability, power, and joy. Her deep love for music is palpable, and her presence has a way of reaching directly into the heart—lifting the spirit, moving the room, and leaving audiences with the unmistakable feeling that they’ve witnessed something genuine and unforgettable.