Canadian Rock Singer Sass Jordan Dies at Age 65

Passing of a Canadian Music Icon

The family of Sass Jordan announced her death in a social media post on Saturday, October 3, confirming that she "peacefully crossed over to the other side" on **October 2** while surrounded by loved ones. Her publicist, Eric Alper, stated that the singer was 65 years old. While Source 1 notes the announcement occurred on a Saturday, Source 2 specifies the year of her passing as **2026**. Her family remembered her as a "force of nature" who brought light and joy to everyone she encountered.

"She remains in our hearts, an inimitable force of nature. An irreplaceable being of light and joy!"

— Jordan Family

Alper honored her legacy in a statement, noting that she provided one of the most recognizable voices in Rock and opened doors for female artists in a genre long dominated by men.

"Over four decades, she gave Canadian rock one of its most recognizable voices, carved out space for women in a genre long dominated by men, and opened doors for the young musicians who came through her band."

— Eric Alper

At the time of the announcement, an official cause of death had not been disclosed.

From Montreal Clubs to International Charts

Born Sarah Jordan on **December 23, 1960**, in Birmingham, England, she was the daughter of Albert Jordan, a French literature professor at Concordia University, and Jean Lanceman, a former ballerina. Her family moved to Montreal when she was three years old. Growing up in a household filled with classical music, her life changed after hearing The Band on the radio and attending a David Bowie concert. By age 16, she was fronting bands in downtown Montreal and later became the singer and bassist for local favorites **The Pinups**.

Jordan’s solo recording career launched in **1988** with the release of **Tell Somebody** through Atlantic Records. The title track rose to **No. 11** in Canada, and the album earned her the **1989 Juno Award** for Most Promising Female Vocalist. She would later receive Female Vocalist of the Year nominations in **1990**, **1993**, and **1995**.

In **1992**, she released her career-defining album, **Racine**, through MCA Records. The album sold an estimated **450,000 copies** worldwide and **100,000** in Canada. It featured the hit "**Make You a Believer**," which peaked at **No. 11** on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. That same year, Billboard named her the top female rock artist of 1992. She also contributed the duet "**Trust In Me**" with Joe Cocker to **The Bodyguard** soundtrack, an album that spent **20 weeks** at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over **45 million copies**.

Touring Legacy and Mentorship

Throughout her career, Jordan toured alongside legendary acts including **Aerosmith**, **The Rolling Stones**, **AC/DC**, and **Van Halen**. A significant part of her legacy involved the young musicians she mentored, most notably a then-22-year-old **Taylor Hawkins**, who served as her touring drummer before joining the Foo Fighters. Hawkins, who died in **2022**, credited Jordan with his professional start.

"Sass taught me how to be in a rock and roll band and gave me my first rock and roll check."

— Taylor Hawkins

In **2015**, Jordan joined the Foo Fighters on stage in Toronto to perform "Stay With Me." During the show, Dave Grohl told the crowd:

"If it weren't for Sass Jordan, Taylor Hawkins wouldn't be in FOO FIGHTERS."

— Dave Grohl

Television Success and Blues Renaissance

In **2003**, Jordan joined the judging panel of **Canadian Idol**, remaining with the show for all six seasons. The role reunited her with series creator Simon Fuller, who had lived in her Montreal basement for two weeks in **1981** after being stranded while managing a touring act. Jordan cited **Carly Rae Jepsen** and **Melissa O’Neil** among her favorite contestants from the series.

In her later years, she explored her interest in blues music, releasing the cover album **Rebel Moon Blues** in **2020**, which reached **No. 5** on Billboard’s Blues Albums chart. Her tenth and final studio album, **Bitches Blues**, was released on **June 3, 2022**, and reached **No. 15** on the same chart.

"I love this music, and it made sense that I do this. I have a bluesy voice. I’ve always been called bluesy. So I was like, ‘Alright, let’s own this,’ and we had a blast doing it."

— Sass Jordan

Reflecting on her transition to the blues, she noted the genre's presence throughout her entire discography:

"There's been an undercurrent of blues throughout my whole career, the music that I have mostly been drawn to has always had that gritty, rootsy vein running through it, and that's why I'm enjoying making these records so much."

— Sass Jordan

Personal Life and Survivors

Beyond music, Jordan served as the honorary colonel of **417 Combat Support Squadron** from **2012 to 2016**. She also launched her own beverage brands, including **Rebel Moon Whiskey** and **Kick Ass Sass Wine**. She is survived by a large family:

• Her husband, **Derek Sharp** (vocalist for The Guess Who)

• Her daughter, **Stella Jordan-Sharp**

• Stepdaughter, **Brianne Sharp**

• Brother, **Daniel Jordan**

According to verified artist data, Jordan's career has roots dating back to **1962**, and she leaves behind a catalogue that helped shape the landscape of Canadian rock through the late '80s and '90s.