An interview with Jenny Jordan

This archived article was written by: Nathaniel Woodward

One of the most difficult challenges of college life is deciding on what you want to do with the rest of it. Many students pursue their interests while select few follow their dreams. Recently I was able to interview someone who made that decision and is living her’s today. In a series of personal emails performer Jenny Jordan (Frogley) spoke with me about her incredible career in entertainment.
Jordan is a Utah-born singer and performer who placed her stamp all over the entertainment industry. From her beginnings singing in school plays, performing jingles for commercials, to rocking the stage with her popular band The Party Crashers, Jenny Jordan is the epitome of the potential in anyone wanting to live their dreams.
After moving back to Utah from Iowa, Jordan’s career has taken her to amazing places, listing some of her most memorable experiences. “Singing on the TV show ‘Spartacus’, adding voices to the ‘Lord Of The Rings’ and ‘King Kong’ video games among others. Having dance hits placed on a few ‘Biggest Loser’ CDs as well as Jillian Michaels workout DVDs.
“Plus writing songs for ‘The Swan Princess 6’ for SONY. Performing in front of thousands with my band for the Microsoft World Convention three years in a row and ongoing and touring Europe singing classical for six weeks in an Oratorio with local symphony orchestras. Recording live with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and recording all backup vocals for the Donny and Marie Osmond Tour and for their live show in Las Vegas plus singing for thousands in arenas as a soloist for all kinds of conventions and shows.
“Also being the musical director at Lagoon for many years as well as musically directing shows at Tuacahn.”
Today as part of “The Party Crashers,” Jordan is living the dream as one of the most popular event-bands in the country giving her opportunities most of us only dream of. “We visit fabulous cities, amazing resorts and hotels and are a part of some amazing events. We’ve had Kardashians in our crowds, famous singers and actors,” she said.
Her advice for college students who may be interested in pursuing a career in entertainment, “there are many different types of jobs in the music industry. If you want a career in the music industry, you don’t have to be the star. There are many fulfilling careers in music where you don’t have the pressure and aches and pains of being front and center.
“Find what you are good at, what you can offer the world and then work your butt off to bring it to the world in your own unique way. Discover how you are different, what is unique about you, and offer that.
“Don’t fall into the trap of doing what others do or have done, because that is usually a dead-end road. Start where you are, instead of dreaming of the record deal, or the tour someday or recording a single, etc. Start singing and performing or writing for people around you. In your college choir, band, local coffee shop, family, anywhere you can play and experiment with your craft. Freaking YouTube.
“Believe in what you are and what you do and don’t hesitate. If you’re good, you’ll get noticed. If what you do connects with people, that is what brings success. Work to connect to your audience with your way. Connect and synergize with people who are doing what you want to do. Hang out in places of learning like recording studios, movie sets whatever it is.
“Be a sponge. With those I’ve met who’ve been successful, they devote their entire life and all their time to being the best they can be. When I’m doing symphony gigs with amazing players, they take their breaks and practice, not sit around.Constantly honing their craft.
“If you’re a singer/writer, be constantly writing and collaborating and experimenting. Throw stuff out there even if it’s not perfect. Don’t wait for perfection as you achieve small levels of success, you will expand and network and be guided to newer experiences and different people who can offer you different jobs and ideas and projects. In short – never stop working, trying, experimenting, networking and moving.”