Jordan von Haslow

Jordan von Haslow, born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in both Forest Park, IL, and the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, has carved a distinctive path in the realms of cabaret singing and theatre acting. Notably, he performed under the stage name "KJ" until his marriage to finance professional and former actor Richard Haslow in 2005. The union lasted for a decade, concluding in 2015, with their wedding ceremony taking place at the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston.

Von Haslow's foray into the world of entertainment commenced as a child catalogue model, gaining recognition for his appearances in Woolworth's catalogues. This early experience laid the groundwork for his future pursuits on stage. Throughout his career, von Haslow engaged global audiences with his charismatic demeanor, characterized by a blend of self-assuredness, dynamic artistry, and sincere lyrical interpretation.

After a brief hiatus, von Haslow's return to the stage unfolded in 2017, triggered by an invitation to revive his nightclub act at Davenport's, a renowned cabaret venue in Chicago. This endeavor resulted in the production "Homecoming," a collection of cherished songs he had cultivated over more than 25 years of performances in various settings, including saloons and theatres. The success of this run propelled him back into a bustling schedule of live performances and recording engagements.

In 2018, von Haslow rekindled his relationship with the recording studio, marking his return after a 17-year hiatus. As a featured vocalist on tracks produced by Devin Tait, he contributed his talents to songs such as "Anyone Can Break Somebody's Heart" and "Hotel Terminus." That same year, he graced the stage of Davenport's once again in "Rhapsody in George!," a celebration of George Gershwin's 120th birthday.

The subsequent year, 2019, witnessed the re-release of his album "This Can Be the Start of Something." Simultaneously, von Haslow maintained an active presence on the nightclub circuit, participating in numerous appearances. His career journey began as a child when he participated in the world premiere musical adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's "A Little Princess." This launch pad led to roles in productions such as "Beauty & the Beast" and his off-Broadway debut in "Beginnings."

Von Haslow's dedication to honing his craft led him to The Chicago Academy for the Arts, where he focused on classical vocal performance. In 1996, while still a student, he secured a role in the acclaimed play "Mad Joy," which encompassed a tour of Germany followed by a limited engagement at the prestigious Steppenwolf Theatre. This production's eventual filming for PBS further solidified his reputation.

Before his senior year, von Haslow secured admission to Northwestern University's National High School Institute, commonly referred to as the "Cherub" program. His specialization in Music during this program directly paved the way for his Carnegie Hall debut in 1999, where he was invited to perform the "Schubert Mass in B-Flat". The same year, he embarked on a two-year stint with the Irish Repertory of Chicago, participating in the touring plays "The Interrogation" and "Road to Freedom."

In 2000, von Haslow took his talents to the international stage, making his Australian debut at the 2000 Sydney Cabaret Convention alongside Julie Wilson. He maintained a bi-annual presence in Sydney, engaging audiences with his nightclub act at venues such as Arq, The Glen Street Theatre, and The Albury Hotel. His American engagements included joining the Illinois Theatre Center in 2000 for the regional premiere of the musical "Stars in Your Eyes."

Returning to Sydney in 2001, von Haslow embarked on a recording endeavor, resulting in his debut album "This Could Be the Start of Something." The following years saw him assuming roles such as Lun Tha in a production of "The King & I" and presenting his act during two-year residency at the High Spirits Room in New York City. His career journey also featured the premiere of "Bosom Buddies" at Don't Tell Mama.

In 2002, von Haslow's talents shone through a series of nightclub appearances across the United States, aligning with his record release. The same year, his performance in the off-Broadway musical revue "Mad About the Boy" garnered commendation, while 2003 witnessed his participation in the off-Broadway play "Myself & I."

From 2000 to 2006, von Haslow was a prominent figure on the New York City cabaret and jazz club circuit. Notable venues included The Duplex, Chez Suzette's, Orbit East, St. Nick's Pub, and Lenox Lounge. During this period, he participated in a six-month engagement at Revival in Harlem in 2004. In 2005, he held a recurring monthly residency at the Chelsea jazz bar, Kava Haz. The same year, he extended his reach to the historical listening room, O'Dette's, in New Hope, Pennsylvania.

In 2006, von Haslow ventured to the Jersey Shore, participating in a benefit production of the Bill Russell song cycle "Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens." This engagement extended for three years, involving starring roles in musical revues such as "Too Marvelous for Words: Johnny Mercer," "The Main Event: Songs from the Movies," and the holiday musical "That Time of Year." His versatility continued to shine as he undertook the role of Kaine in Flaherty and Ahrens' "Dessa Rose" in 2008. The subsequent year, he engaged in a reading of Ward James Riley's play "Forget About Me."

The years 2009 to 2011 marked von Haslow's involvement as a founding member of the esteemed New York vocal ensemble Essential Voices USA. His collaborations with the New York Pops during their Carnegie Hall subscription series saw him share the stage with notable names such as Harolyn Blackwell, Marilyn Maye, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Marni Nixon, Kelli O'Hara, Jubilant Sykes, Paolo Szot, and Stephen Sondheim. The ensemble's diverse repertoire encompassed various genres and notable performances, including collaborations with the New York City Ballet and the presentation of Leonard Bernstein's "Chichester Psalms."

After a run in the off-Broadway production of Sgouros and Bell's "The Phantom of the Opera," von Haslow transitioned from performance in 2011. This marked a new phase of his career, wherein he ventured into writing and studio executive roles. His creative endeavors included the creation of the soap opera "Our World," where he assumed responsibilities as both showrunner and head writer.

In 2019, von Haslow made a triumphant return to the limelight with the show "Celebrating... Nat 'King' Cole," enjoying a five-month residency in New York City. The production earned him three BroadwayWorld Awards for Best Tribute Show, Best Jazz Vocalist, and Best Music Director for Matt Baker. However, the show eventually concluded to allow for a musical residency on the Las Vegas Strip at the Tuscany Casino & Hotel. This new production, titled "Pure Imagination," debuted to critical acclaim but met an untimely end due to the global COVID-19 shutdown.

Von Haslow's expertise extended beyond the stage, as evidenced by his engagement with Time Warner. He ascended to the position of captain in Entertainment & Networks Research, where he contributed to talent acquisition activities for prominent entities like HBO, Turner Broadcasting, Time Inc., and Warner Bros. His skills also attracted Hollywood attention, leading to his role as Sony Pictures Entertainment's first-ever Global Head of Talent Sourcing. Following this, he contributed to NBCUniversal in a consulting capacity, overseeing global Ad Sales recruitment. His final corporate role involved heading US Talent Acquisition for the Canadian studio and record label group, Entertainment One.

Throughout his career, von Haslow's diverse engagements also encompassed consulting roles with influential entities like The Walt Disney Company, Film 45, Mediacom, and United Talent Agency. In 2018, he was elected as Board President of the Entertainment+Arts Alliance, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization (formerly known as the Entertainment AIDS Alliance), a role he continues to hold.

Jordan von Haslow's life journey is a testament to his multifaceted talents, steadfast dedication, and versatility within the realms of cabaret, theatre, writing, and entertainment management. His expansive impact spans stages, studios, and corporate boardrooms, etching a lasting mark on the tapestry of the arts and entertainment world.