Jordan Davis is an American country music singer and songwriter who first gained attention with the release of his debut single “Singles You Up” in 2018. Since then, Davis has become one of the most popular up-and-coming stars in country music known for his traditional-leaning sound and soulful voice.
Early Life and Career
Jordan Davis was born on April 23, 1988 in Shreveport, Louisiana. From an early age, Davis was immersed in country music and classic rock through his father’s record collection. Davis learned to play guitar as a teenager and began writing his own songs. After high school, he attended and graduated from Louisiana State University in 2010 with a degree in Environmental Engineering.
During his college years, Davis continued to hone his songwriting skills and play local shows. He eventually made the move to Nashville after graduation to pursue a career in country music full-time. Davis spent years playing small clubs and honky-tonks in Nashville and working odd jobs while attempting to land a record deal. His humble origins and long road to success have become an integral part of his public persona as an artist.
Breakthrough Success
In 2018, Davis finally achieved his breakthrough when he signed with MCA Nashville, which is a division of the Universal Music Group Nashville record label. His debut single for the label, “Singles You Up,” was released in March 2018 and became an instant hit on country radio. The upbeat, playful ode to single life showcased Davis’ smooth vocals and knack for catchy songwriting.
“Singles You Up” reached #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart as well as #21 on the all-genre Hot 100 chart. It also accumulated over 200 million on-demand streams. The song’s popularity propelled Davis’ debut album Home State to #2 on the Top Country Albums chart after its release in March 2018. Home State has been certified Platinum by the RIAA for sales of over 1 million equivalent units.
Continued Success in the 2020s
In January 2020, Davis released his sophomore album Home State Part II, which debuted at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart. The record featured Davis’ second career #1 single “Slow Dance in a Parking Lot.” His soulful vocals and lyrical storytelling on the bittersweet ballad earned him comparisons to country legend Vince Gill.
Davis scored his third #1 single with “Almost Maybes” in August 2020. The reflective track once again highlighted Davis’ ability to convey emotional depth through his expressive voice. Throughout 2020 and 2021, Davis continued releasing popular singles like “What My World Spins Around,” “Next Thing You Know,” and “Buy Dirt” featuring Luke Bryan. Each track from Davis’ upcoming third studio album showcased musical maturity while remaining grounded in his traditional country roots.
In 2022, Davis is primed to reach even greater heights. His single “What My World Spins Around” became his first to crack the all-genre Top 40 of the Hot 100. He also earned his first Grammy nomination for Best Country Solo Performance for “Buy Dirt.” As Davis gears up to release his third album, he has proven himself as one of today’s premier voices carrying on traditional country music with a contemporary feel.
Record Label Information
So who exactly is Jordan Davis signed to? Here are the key details about his recording contracts:
- In 2018, Davis signed with MCA Nashville, which is under the umbrella of Universal Music Group Nashville.
- MCA Nashville has remained Davis’ label home throughout his entire career so far.
- Universal Music Group is one of the “Big Three” major record labels along with Sony Music and Warner Music Group.
- UMG houses Davis alongside other top country stars signed to its labels like Luke Bryan, Eric Church, and Kacey Musgraves.
- Davis’ management team is Jason Owen and Lesly Simon at Sandbox Entertainment.
In summary, Jordan Davis is signed exclusively to MCA Nashville, which is under the Universal Music Group label system. UMG is one of the most prominent labels in the music industry with the resources to promote Davis’ music to a mass audience. Davis has found a supportive home there as he continues to thrive as a hitmaking country artist.
Notable Albums and Singles
Here is an overview of Jordan Davis’ discography as a recording artist for MCA Nashville:
Notable Album Releases
Album | Release Date | Peak Chart Position | RIAA Certification |
---|---|---|---|
Home State | March 23, 2018 | #2 Billboard Top Country Albums | Platinum |
Home State Part II | January 24, 2020 | #1 Billboard Top Country Albums | Gold |
Notable Single Releases
Single | Release Date | Peak Chart Position |
---|---|---|
“Singles You Up” | March 2018 | #1 Billboard Country Airplay |
“Take It from Me” | July 2018 | #1 Billboard Country Airplay |
“Slow Dance in a Parking Lot” | January 2020 | #1 Billboard Country Airplay |
“Almost Maybes” | August 2020 | #1 Billboard Country Airplay |
This table highlights Davis’ success at country radio with 4 #1 hits as well as his album certifications. He has quickly become a hitmaking force in the country genre as an MCA Nashville artist.
Awards and Nominations
Although a relatively new artist, Jordan Davis has already accrued a number of prestigious award nominations. Here are some highlights:
- Won New Artist of the Year at the 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards
- Nominated for Best New Artist at the 2019 Grammy Awards
- Won Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist at the 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards
- Nominated for Best Country Solo Performance for “Buy Dirt” at the 2022 Grammy Awards
These honors from both the ACM and Grammy awards show Jordan Davis gaining recognition from country music’s leading institutions. Given his young career, he is likely to accrue many more nominations as he matures as an artist.
Future Outlook
At only 34 years old, Jordan Davis has ample time to further develop his career. Some possibilities for his future include:
- Continuing to release hit albums and singles for MCA Nashville/UMG
- Headline tours at larger venues as his popularity expands
- Increase crossover appeal on pop radio and streaming playlists
- Collaborations with artists from other genres
- Acting roles on TV/film as his fame grows
- Hosting awards shows or TV appearances
Davis seems poised for longevity, with his classic country sound being a welcome throwback in the contemporary landscape. Regardless of what’s to come, MCA Nashville will surely continue to be his label home as long as he’s releasing new music.
Conclusion
In summary, Jordan Davis’ record deal is with MCA Nashville, under Universal Music Group’s label umbrella. He has exploded in popularity since first signing with them in 2018, becoming one of today’s biggest rising stars in country music. With 4 #1 hits already under his belt, Davis has proven that MCA Nashville was the perfect label to help launch his career as modern traditionalist country artist. Still just in his early 30s, Davis has plenty of time to further develop his sound while remaining signed to MCA Nashville for years to come.