Sass Jordan Rock Singer and Judge Dies at 65
Sass Jordan, Voice of the Blues, Peacefully Crosses Over at 65
The music world is mourning the loss of Sass Jordan, the incomparable rock and blues singer whose voice resonated across decades and defined an era of Canadian music. Jordan passed away peacefully on October 2nd, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 65.
Her passing, confirmed by her family in a recent post, was met with profound sadness. The family described her as an inimitable force of nature, an irreplaceable being of light and joy, leaving a massive void in the hearts of musicians and fans alike.
Born Sarah Jordan in Birmingham, England, in 1960, Jordan’s journey from a French-Canadian background to global rock stardom was marked by relentless passion. After moving to Montreal as a child, she picked up the guitar early and quickly found her voice in the vibrant downtown music scene. By sixteen, she was already fronting bands in Montreal, honing the talent that would soon explode onto the international stage.
Jordan’s sound was a powerful fusion, drawing inspiration from legends like David Bowie, Bonnie Raitt, Aretha Franklin, and Aerosmith. This soulful blend fueled her recording career, starting in 1986. She released her solo debut, Tell Somebody, two years later, establishing herself as a major talent in the industry.
Her talent was recognized early on, earning her a Juno Award in 1989 for most promising female vocalist, and further nominations throughout the years. For over four decades, Jordan provided Canadian rock with one of its most recognizable and powerful voices, successfully carving out space for women in a genre long dominated by men.
Her impact extended beyond music; Jordan was a collaborator and a mentor. She toured alongside giants such as the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and Van Halen, often sharing the stage with legendary musicians like Taylor Hawkins. Her collaborative spirit shone brightly, notably when she recorded “Trust in Me” with Joe Cocker for the soundtrack of The Bodyguard.
As a judge on Canadian Idol for six seasons, Jordan shared her wisdom and musical insight with aspiring artists, citing figures like Carly Rae Jepsen and Melissa O’Neil as favorites among the contestants.
Later in her career, Jordan explored deeper musical roots, diving into the blues. In 2020, she released the eight-track album Rebel Moon Blues, recorded with the Champagne Hookers. This blues exploration found success, reaching No. 5 on Billboard’s Blues Albums chart that year, proving that the bluesy voice she naturally possessed was one she was uniquely equipped to own.
Jordan leaves behind a rich legacy of unforgettable songs and enduring influence. She is survived by her husband, Derek Sharp of The Guess Who, and her family, including daughter Stella Jordan-Sharp, stepdaughter Brianne Sharp, and brother Daniel Jordan. Her spirit remains an unforgettable force of light and joy.
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