Steve Jordan is an American drummer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his work across rock, blues, soul, R&B, and pop music. His career includes membership in the John Mayer Trio, extensive collaboration with Keith Richards and the X-Pensive Winos, and work with The Rolling Stones following the death of Charlie Watts.
Steve Jordan first gained national exposure through television bands and performances with artists including Stevie Wonder and the Blues Brothers. He later established himself as a session musician and producer, contributing to recordings by John Mayer, Robert Cray, Alicia Keys, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and numerous other artists.
Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Steve Jordan |
| Date of birth | January 14, 1957 |
| Age | 69 years old as of 2026 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, United States |
| Birth sign | Capricorn |
| Profession | Drummer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist |
| Primary instruments | Drums and percussion |
| Genres | Rock, blues, soul, R&B, and pop |
| Known for | The Rolling Stones, John Mayer Trio, and the X-Pensive Winos |
| Other notable association | The Blues Brothers |
| Spouse | Meegan Voss |
| Joint band with his wife | The Verbs |
| Recognition | Grammy Award-winning musician and producer |
Early Life and Background
Steve Jordan was born on January 14, 1957, in New York City. He developed an interest in music at a young age and attended the High School of Music and Art, graduating in 1974. The institution later became part of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.
Steve Jordan began gaining professional experience while still a teenager. One of his earliest significant opportunities came through his association with Stevie Wonder’s band, Wonderlove. This experience placed him in a professional touring environment early in his development.
His New York background also exposed him to the city’s active jazz, soul, rock, and studio-recording communities. These influences helped Jordan develop the adaptable style that later became central to his work as a touring and session drummer.
Career and Professional Journey
Television and the Blues Brothers
Jordan became a member of the Saturday Night Live band during the late 1970s. Performing in a television house band required him to work across multiple musical styles and adjust quickly to different performers.
He also played drums with the Blues Brothers, the musical group led by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Jordan toured with the band and appeared on its recordings, including Briefcase Full of Blues and Made in America. Although he performed with the group, he did not appear as the drummer in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers.
During the 1980s, Jordan joined Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band on Late Night with David Letterman. His television work strengthened his reputation as a precise and dependable musician capable of supporting guest performers in live settings.
Session Musician and Producer
Steve Jordan developed an extensive career as a session drummer. His recording credits include work with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Don Henley, Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, B.B. King, Neil Young, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, and James Taylor.
His approach emphasizes groove, timing, and service to the composition. Rather than relying on frequent technical displays, Jordan is known for selecting drum sounds and rhythmic patterns that reinforce a recording’s arrangement.
Jordan also became a successful record producer. His production work includes projects by Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, John Scofield, Boz Scaggs, Patti Scialfa, and John Mayer. His knowledge of performance and studio recording allowed him to contribute to both the technical and creative sides of album production.
Keith Richards and the X-Pensive Winos
One of Jordan’s most important professional relationships has been with Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. Their collaboration developed during the 1980s and expanded into songwriting, production, recording, and touring.
Jordan became a member of Keith Richards and the X-Pensive Winos. He played on and co-produced Richards’ solo albums Talk Is Cheap, Main Offender, and Crosseyed Heart.
Jordan also received songwriting credits on material created with Richards. Among their best-known compositions is “Almost Hear You Sigh,” which was recorded by the Rolling Stones for the 1989 album Steel Wheels. The partnership established Jordan as more than a supporting drummer, demonstrating his role in shaping songs and complete recordings.
John Mayer Trio
Steve Jordan joined guitarist and singer John Mayer and bassist Pino Palladino to form the John Mayer Trio in 2005. The group gave Mayer an opportunity to explore blues rock through a compact guitar, bass, and drums format.
The trio released the live album Try! in November 2005. It included original compositions, previously released Mayer material, and interpretations of songs associated with artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Ray Charles.
Jordan shared writing credits with Mayer and Palladino on songs including “Good Love Is on the Way,” “Vultures,” and “Try.” He also co-produced the album with Mayer.
The collaboration continued beyond the trio. Jordan produced Mayer’s 2006 album Continuum and contributed to its musical direction. The album included “Vultures” and “In Repair,” reinforcing the creative connection developed through the trio.
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The Verbs and Meegan Voss
Steve Jordan is married to musician Meegan Voss, who previously performed with the Antoinettes and the Poptarts. The couple created the band the Verbs, combining their personal and professional partnership.
The Verbs released music including And Now… The Verbs and Trip. Their recordings featured contributions from musicians such as Pino Palladino, Tamio Okuda, and Danny Kortchmar.
Jordan and Voss have generally kept details about their private family life outside the public spotlight. Available information focuses primarily on their musical work and shared involvement in arts-related initiatives.
The Rolling Stones
Jordan’s history with the Rolling Stones extends back decades through his relationship with Keith Richards. He contributed percussion to the band’s 1986 album Dirty Work before becoming more directly involved in later years.
In 2021, Charlie Watts was unable to participate in the Rolling Stones’ rescheduled No Filter Tour because of health concerns. Jordan was selected to perform in his place. Watts died in August 2021, before the tour resumed.
Jordan subsequently continued performing with the Rolling Stones. His role required him to support the group’s established sound while bringing his own rhythmic approach to its live performances.
He also played on the Rolling Stones’ 2023 studio album Hackney Diamonds. His participation expanded a professional connection that had begun through Richards and the X-Pensive Winos. Jordan has since continued as the band’s drummer for touring and recording work.
Major Achievements and Recognition
Steve Jordan’s longevity is one of the clearest measures of his professional standing. He has maintained a prominent career across television, touring, session recording, songwriting, and production for several decades.
The Recording Academy credits Jordan with two Grammy wins and four nominations. His recognized work includes John Mayer’s Continuum and Basie Swings the Blues. He also received nominations connected with Try!, Robert Cray’s Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm, and the Cadillac Records soundtrack.
Jordan’s major career achievements include:
- Performing with Stevie Wonder while still a teenager
- Playing in the Saturday Night Live house band
- Recording and touring with the Blues Brothers
- Performing with the World’s Most Dangerous Band
- Co-founding the John Mayer Trio with John Mayer and Pino Palladino
- Producing John Mayer’s Grammy-winning album Continuum
- Co-writing and co-producing music with Keith Richards
- Recording and touring with the X-Pensive Winos
- Performing and recording with the Rolling Stones
- Building a wide-ranging career as a session drummer and producer
Jordan and Meegan Voss have also served as artistic directors for the Jazz Foundation of America, an organization that supports musicians facing financial, medical, and professional difficulties. Their involvement reflects a continuing connection to the broader music community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Steve Jordan?
Steve Jordan was born on January 14, 1957. He turned 69 in January 2026.
What bands has Steve Jordan played with?
Jordan has performed with the John Mayer Trio, the Blues Brothers, Keith Richards and the X-Pensive Winos, the Verbs, and the Rolling Stones. He was also a member of the house bands for Saturday Night Live and Late Night with David Letterman.
Is Steve Jordan the drummer for the Rolling Stones?
Steve Jordan began performing with the Rolling Stones in 2021 after Charlie Watts became unable to tour. Following Watts’ death, Jordan continued playing with the group in concerts and on recordings, including the album Hackney Diamonds.
What songs did Steve Jordan write?
Jordan has co-written songs with Keith Richards, John Mayer, and other musicians. His notable songwriting credits include “Almost Hear You Sigh,” “Good Love Is on the Way,” “Vultures,” “Try,” and “In Repair.”
Who is Steve Jordan’s wife?
Steve Jordan is married to musician Meegan Voss. The couple performs and records together as the Verbs. They have also worked together in support of the Jazz Foundation of America.
Conclusion
Steve Jordan is a drummer, producer, and songwriter whose career connects several generations of American popular music. After beginning professionally with Stevie Wonder, he gained recognition through television bands, the Blues Brothers, and extensive studio work.
His collaborations with Keith Richards, John Mayer, and Pino Palladino produced significant recordings and songs. His later work with the Rolling Stones brought his career to another prominent stage while maintaining his established emphasis on rhythm, restraint, and musical collaboration.
Jordan’s verified record includes Grammy recognition, influential production work, membership in several notable bands, and contributions to recordings across rock, blues, soul, and pop.
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