Sass Jordan, the rock singer who grew up in Montreal and had a music career that lasted almost forty years, has passed away at the age of 65. The news of her death was confirmed by family spokesperson Eric Alper on Friday, although the cause of her death has not been disclosed.
Described as a remarkable force of nature and a unique source of light and happiness, Jordan made her mark with her debut album “Tell Somebody” in 1988, which earned her the Juno Award for most promising female vocalist in 1989. Her second album, “Racine,” released in 1992, featured popular tracks like “Make You a Believer.”
Throughout her career, Jordan received multiple nominations for the Juno Award for best female vocalist and also served as a judge on all six seasons of the reality TV show “Canadian Idol.”
Born on December 23, 1960, in Birmingham, England, and raised in Montreal, Jordan’s talent was recognized by Geoff Kulawick, the former president of Stony Plain Records, who praised her as a fearless, beautiful, and courageous artist. She collaborated with her husband Derek Sharp on her 2020 album, “Rebel Moon Blues,” and her 2022 album, “Bitches Blues,” while signed with Stony Plains.
Kulawick, a long-time admirer of Jordan’s work, emphasized her exceptional ability to convey deep emotions through her voice, which garnered her a large following of fans.
Derek Downham, a Canadian producer and songwriter, fondly remembered his connection with Jordan, describing her as a beacon of light and humor. He expressed deep sadness over the loss of her infectious laughter, recalling their performance together at a charity concert in Montreal.
As one of the few women in the rock music scene during her early years, Jordan played a pivotal role in paving the way for other female artists in a predominantly male-dominated industry. Downham commended her for breaking barriers and setting an example for aspiring performers.
In her legacy, Jordan leaves behind a trail of inspiration for young musicians, with Downham hoping that she will be remembered for her influential role in championing love and inclusivity in the music industry.