By Gary Johnson, Host/Executive Producer (Calculations Talk Show)
Publisher Note: This article was originally posted on January 8, 2022.
Ivana Céspedes Jordan, professionally known as Vi (pronounced Vee) Jordan, is a proud Cuban-Mexican studio vocalist with expertise in performing both as a soloist and as part of a group across genres such as Latin, Jazz, R&B, Classical, and Gospel. Vi is also an accomplished classical pianist, teacher, and accompanist.
I cannot take credit for discovering Vi—Scott Frankfurt deserves recognition for developing her as an artist and giving her the opportunity. Vi, however, deserves credit for her readiness when the opportunity arose and for her relentless hard work. I’m proud to have joined the “Vi Train” early, contributing—alongside others—to her growing exposure on YouTube, an investment that has paid off.
Simply put, this woman can sing! Pay attention to her “Vi-isms,” a term I use to describe her signature vocal runs.
In this follow-up to our feature on Vi last year, when she captivated YouTube audiences with her stunning rendition of “If I Ever Lose This Heaven,” originally recorded on Quincy Jones’ Body Heat album featuring Minnie Riperton, Leon Ware, and Al Jarreau, I had the chance to catch up with her once again.
Here are some of the “life lessons” that I got from Vi’s interview:
- Differences are not negatives, they’re just differences
- Let people know what you want and what you need
- Leadership comes at all levels. Vi is not be a Platinum selling artist (yet), but she was the “leader” in that music video
- Work hard and be ready when opportunity comes your way
- Be humble, be thankful and be kind
Listen To These New Song Covers by Vi
Vi performed the Saint Saens Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Santa Clarita Philharmonic as the featured soloist at just nineteen years old. Amongst many other projects, she has performed live at Grammy MusiCares behind Mavis Staples and Leon Bridges. Her most recent project was singing for Disney’s new movie “Encanto.”
When she isn’t singing in studio, Vi is working as a vocal coach, mentoring new talent into the music industry on film sets, in recording studios and through her own virtual studio. It is Vi’s ambition to dive deep into the entertainment industry and to be the catalyst for other people, particularly Latina women, to thrive in their musical careers.
Click Here to Book Vi for a FREE 15-Minute Consultation
Check out Vi singing “Hard Place,” by H.E.R. This is from Vi’s Instagram page.
Click Here To Watch An Exclusive Interview with Vi Jordan
“I really like this video and I love singer Vi Jordan and her vocal arrangements on this classic song. She and Scott Frankfurt have a winner with this single. The musicians are an all-star ensemble including bassist Verdine White, drummer John Paris, saxophonist Scott Mayo (Earth, Wind & Fire), guitarists Serg Dimitrijevic and Jack Majdecki, and electronic producer Mika Mutti.”
Watch the video below and download the single to your playlist.
— Gary Johnson – Black Men In America.com
Click here to download the single “If I Ever Lose This Heaven, by Vi and Scott Frankfurt.
Click here to check out our Music page for more music videos and exclusive interviews.
Click here to visit Vi’s official website.
Photo credits: Courtesy of Scott Frankfurt Studio
Comments