A Gospel Voice Ascends

A famous vibraphonist gave a boy named Jordan Watson some tips. Like: Center your body when you perform. Always be conscious of the theme, even when you’re improvising.

Jordan Watson picked up those tips from Jay Hoggard while growing up in Middletown and immersing himself in the music scene at Cross Street AME Zion Church.

Decades later, New Haven saw the results, when Watson, now 29, planted himself on the stage of Hillhouse High School and brought down the house at the New Year’s Day mayoral inauguration with a powerful rendition of Sam Cooke’s ​“A Change Is Gonna Come.” He set the tone for the whole event, and for a new era in New Haven.

The grandson of a gospel performer, Watson himself is pursuing some change in his own budding career as a singer. He issued a single of ​“Lamb Song,” which he wrote, venturing into solo territory on top of his career performing and singing with family members (including in a duo called The Watsons). He’s also getting married.

Watson spoke about all that — about his musical development, his acting in musicals, his study of music theory at Southern Connecticut State University, his day job in behavioral health, the connection between gospel and secular music, his growing connection to New Haven — during an appearance Tuesday on WNHH FM’s ​“Dateline New Haven.” You can watch the interview in the video below — and watch him soar at Mount Hope Temple on Dixwell Avenue and at other venues as his career takes off.