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Simba’s musical story starts with his close-knit family ties. Growing up in the Columbus, Ohio area, his mother, a jazz singer who worked the area's clubs, first introduced him to music. “At home my brother and I would sing harmony with my mother to old jazz tunes, and then at my grandparents’ I would listen to albums by Kenny Rogers and Conway Twitty and watch TV shows like Dolly Parton and Hee Haw.” Simba has special memories of summer vacations spent with his grandparents traveling to state parks and listening to country music along the way. He absorbed and enjoyed all of the influences: Jazz, Motown, R&B, and Hip-Hop. But what he came to love the most was country. “I kind of consider myself an “Urban Cowboy,” Jordan says. “It was like a lot of parts of my life were country, but I grew up in the city.” It was Jordan’s grandfather, a proud black man, who named him Simba, a Swahili word meaning “young lion.” Simba regards himself fortunate for all the support and inspiration he has always received from family members. He feels they shaped his work ethic and his love and appreciation of music. He honed his singing skills on his own, while driving the many miles it took to get to his day job. With the radio on and the volume turned up, he made good use of the time singing along with some of his favorite entertainers: Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, Michael Jackson, Prince, LL Cool J and Randy Travis. “I’ve always liked a mixture of music, which includes upbeat songs, ballads, and songs about love, life, and good times!” These influences would later shape the themes of his music as well. In 1996, he learned of a country music singing contest to be held at a local nightclub in Columbus. There were over 60 singers in the preliminary round and more than a few stares, as well as a probing question, “You know this is a country music competition?” His reply was simple: “Cool, I’m here to sing.” He did and placed, won some money, and didn’t stop from there. Simba then entered the Colgate Country Showdown contests in Ohio and picked up victories in the North American Country Music Associations contests on state and national levels. Being a go getter, competitive and confident, he said to himself, “I can do this!” His loyal fans are quick to agree. Simba and his band are very popular at clubs around Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, and at summer festivals, which have included the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Buckeye Country SuperFest in Ohio, and the Country 500 Festival in Daytona. His performances are a fusion of dynamic vocals and energetic dance moves that project his heartfelt and empathic style. Three songs he recorded, “Country Thang,” “Hand Me Down Heart” and “Goodbye Eyes,” have become fan favorites. “Simba Jordan is one of the most talented entertainers I’ve ever worked with. His high energy and love for real country music makes his stage presence second to none,” says Lonnie Wilson, a top Nashville producer who has written songs for superstars Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson, and Tim McGraw. Not only is Simba a gifted country music artist, but he is also a very good cook and can serve up some mouthwatering dishes at home. A proud family man with three daughters, a day job, and his music, Simba knows goals are achieved when you believe in yourself, stay persistent, and do what you can for others. He takes time to coach girls’ basketball and supports a charity close to his heart, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Having a great respect for his fans, who he says define his dream, he vows to bring his “A” game to every performance. His fans will find it to be what they have come to know about Simba Jordan: energetic, distinct vocals, fun, freestyle dance moves, and that big smile! Parking available at The Livingston House and Overflow parking available at Reynoldsburg Community Church
