Sass Jordan, Juno-winning rock singer and Canadian Idol judge, dies at 65

Rock singer Sass Jordan, a Juno Award winner and fixture on Canadian Idol, has died at the age of 65. Her family said she passed away on Friday while surrounded by loved ones. A spokesperson described the Montreal-raised artist as an inimitable force of nature and an irreplaceable being of light and joy. No cause of death was provided. Jordan launched her career with the 1988 album "Tell Somebody," which earned her the Juno for most promising female vocalist the following year. Her 1992 follow-up, "Racine," produced hits including "Make You a Believer." She received multiple subsequent Juno nominations for best female vocalist and served as a judge for all six seasons of the television show Canadian Idol.

Geoff Kulawick, the former president of Stony Plain Records, said Jordan was "bold, beautiful and brave." His label released her final two albums, 2020's "Rebel Moon Blues" and 2022's "Bitches Blues," which she recorded with her husband Derek Sharp. Kulawick said he was a longtime fan who convinced her she could "really belt out the blues" on those records. "Her voice really stood out and the way she was able to connect emotionally … brought her tons of fans," he said.

Canadian producer Derek Downham recalled meeting Jordan at Toronto's Massey Hall years ago, saying they "really hit it off." He played drums with her last December at Andy Kim's holiday charity concert in Montreal. "She was a ray of light and a really hilarious person," Downham said. "That's the biggest heartbreak for me is that I won't get to see that laugh again."

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Downham noted that as one of the few women in rock during her early career, Jordan helped create space for others in a male-dominated field. "She was coming up in a time where it wasn't easy," he said. "It's nice to see a strong female poke through and really show people how it's done." He called her an inspiration to young performers and expressed hope that people would remember her for leading with love.

Born in Birmingham, England on Dec. 23, 1960, Jordan was raised in Montreal. News of her death prompted tributes from across the music community. American singer Jeff Scott Soto said he was "gutted" by the loss of a "very talented woman and artist." The Ottawa band The Cooper Brothers wrote that she was a life force who would be deeply missed.

With files from The Canadian Press, CityNews and CBC News