Sass Jordan, the rock vocalist from Montreal whose musical journey lasted almost forty years, has passed away at the age of 65.
Jordan passed on Friday, surrounded by her closest family and friends, as stated by family spokesperson Eric Alper. The exact cause of her death has not yet been disclosed.
The statement characterized Jordan as a unique force of nature and an irreplaceable source of light and happiness.
Her first album, Tell Somebody, debuted in 1988, and she received the Juno Award for most promising female vocalist in 1989. Her sophomore release, Racine, which came out in 1992, featured popular tracks such as Make You a Believer.
Throughout her career, she received multiple nominations for a Juno Award for best female vocalist. Additionally, she served as a judge on all six seasons of the reality competition show Canadian Idol.
‘Really belt out the blues’
Born on December 23, 1960, in Birmingham, England, she was raised in Montreal, as per the statement.
Geoff Kulawick, the former president of Stony Plain Records, which produced Jordan’s last two albums, described her as “bold, beautiful, and brave.”
Jordan recorded her 2020 album, Rebel Moon Blues, and her 2022 release, Bitches Blues, with her husband Derek Sharp while under contract with Stony Plain.
Kulawick noted that he was a fan of Jordan even before she joined his label, and he encouraged her to “really belt out the blues” on her last two albums.
“Her voice was incredibly distinctive, and the emotional connection she established with her audience … attracted many fans,” he remarked.
An inspiration to all young performers
Canadian producer and songwriter Derek Downham shared that they “really connected” when they first encountered each other at Massey Hall in Toronto a few years back.
“She radiated positivity and had a wonderful sense of humor,” Downham stated, recalling their collaboration last December when he played drums alongside Jordan at Andy Kim’s annual charity concert in Montreal.
“The most heartbreaking part for me is that I won’t have the chance to hear that laugh again.”
Sass Jordan performing at the 1992 Big Valley Jamboree. (CBC)
As one of the few female artists in rock music during her early career, Jordan played a significant role in paving the way for other women in a predominantly male field, he noted.
“She emerged at a time when it was quite challenging,” he explained. “It was inspiring to see a powerful woman break through and demonstrate how it’s done.”
Downham expressed that Jordan served as a role model for aspiring performers.
“I hope she is remembered for her trailblazing spirit and the love she brought to everything she did.”