Jordan Blake, the original vocalist of the post-hardcore band A Skylit Drive, passed away at the age of 36 on May 2, 2023. The news of his death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and fellow musicians, who paid tribute to his legacy and influence on the emo scene. But what was the cause of Jordan Blake’s death, and what was his life story?
A Trailblazer in the Emo Scene
Jordan Blake was born on June 14, 1986, in Lodi, California. He developed a passion for music at an early age and joined several bands in his hometown. In 2005, he became the vocalist of A Skylit Drive, a band that he formed with his friends Nick Miller, Joey Wilson, Brian White, and Cory La Quay.
A Skylit Drive quickly gained popularity in the emo and post-hardcore scene with their energetic and melodic sound. They released their debut EP, She Watched the Sky, in 2007, which featured songs such as “Knights of the Round” and “This Isn’t the End”. Blake’s high-pitched vocals and emotional lyrics were a distinctive feature of the band’s style.
However, Blake left A Skylit Drive in 2007 due to personal reasons. He was replaced by Michael “Jag” Jagmin, who became the band’s vocalist for their five studio albums. Blake later revealed that he struggled with addiction, diabetes, obesity, and liver problems, and received a liver transplant in 1994, which was controversial due to his addiction issues.
A Reunion and a Farewell
In 2017, A Skylit Drive announced their breakup after several lineup changes and hiatuses. However, in January 2022, the band surprised their fans by reuniting with their original lineup, including Blake. They celebrated the 15th anniversary of their debut EP by releasing a remastered version of She Watched the Sky and performing several live shows.
Blake seemed to be happy and excited about his return to music. He also worked as a realtor and planned to start a new project with his former bandmates. He shared his stories, hardships, successes, and ideas with his fans and friends on social media. He was working hard on improving, healing, and forgiving himself.
Unfortunately, his comeback was cut short by his untimely death. On May 1, 2023, A Skylit Drive confirmed that Blake had died early that morning. They did not reveal the cause of his death but asked for privacy and respect for his family. Some sources speculated that he might have committed suicide, but this has not been verified.
A Legacy That Lives On
Jordan Blake’s death left a void in the hearts of many who loved him and his music. His former bandmates expressed their grief and condolences on social media. Jagmin, who replaced him as A Skylit Drive’s vocalist, wrote a heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram. He said that he admired Blake’s light spirit, positive outlook, and impact on the history of music.
Many fans also shared their memories and appreciation for Blake on social media. They thanked him for his music, his voice, his lyrics, and his passion. They said that he was a trailblazer in the emo scene who inspired many other musicians and listeners. They said that he will always be in their hearts.
Jordan Blake may be gone but not forgotten. His legacy lives on through his music and through those who loved him. He will always be remembered as a talented singer who had a story to tell and a voice to express it.
