Native Son
When I noticed that a former colleague had recently written several stories on Leslie Jordan’s renewed time in the limelight, spurred by his social media stardom during lockdown, I reached out on a whim.
“Do you think your new bestie would be up for one more interview?” I half joked.
It turns out they’re actually old friends.
“I’ve known him since childhood because we grew up on the same street, went to the same Baptist church and same high school,” she replied.
I can’t think of a better story for this month’s “Homegrown Issue.” Jordan’s star shines bright over his native city, and the story’s unfolding is a testament to the often lifelong bonds that get forged in a small hometown.
– Jennifer Bardoner, editor