Juno-winning Canadian rock singer Sass Jordan has died, her family announced on Instagram. The longtime “Canadian Idol” judge died on Friday, surrounded by loved ones.
Her family described her passing as peaceful and shared a photograph of Jordan holding a cat. “She remains in our hearts, an inimitable force of nature,” the family wrote.
Jordan joined “Canadian Idol” in 2003 and served as a judge throughout its six seasons. Alongside her television work, she toured with Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC and Van Halen.
Her solo debut, “Tell Somebody”, arrived in 1988. The following year, she won the Juno Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist. She received further nominations for Best Female Vocalist in 1990, 1993 and 1995.
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Meanwhile, publicist Eric Alper credited Jordan with creating opportunities for women in rock and supporting younger musicians who joined her band.
Born in England, Jordan moved to Montreal at age three, according to Alper. As a teenager, she played guitar with friends in Westmount Park before fronting bands in downtown clubs at 16.
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Earlier this year, Jordan cancelled her remaining performances because of a medical condition, her team said. Her last performance was at Peterborough Musicfest in July.
Alper identified her surviving family as husband Derek Sharp, daughter Stella Jordan-Sharp, stepdaughter Brianne Sharp and brother Daniel Jordan. Her family requested privacy and thanked fans for their support.
