Canadian rock singer Sass Jordan dies at 65
Sass Jordan, the raspy-voiced Canadian rock and blues singer and former "Canadian Idol" judge, has died at age 65. She won a Juno Award and had hits in the 1980s and 1990s. No cause of death was given in the reports.
Sass Jordan, one of Canada's best-known rock voices, has died at 65, Billboard and USA Today reported. She died on Oct. 2. No cause of death was given.
Jordan was known for a raspy, powerful voice that fit both hard rock and blues. Born in England and raised in Montreal, she rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with songs such as "Make You a Believer" and "High Road Easy." Her 1992 album "Racine" was a major hit in Canada. She also won a Juno Award, the country's top music honor.
Many Canadians also knew her from television. She was a judge on "Canadian Idol," the singing contest based on "American Idol," for several seasons in the 2000s. Her blunt but warm comments made her a fan favorite.
In later years, Jordan returned to the blues. She released albums of classic blues songs and kept touring in Canada and the United States, where she had a loyal following in clubs and at festivals.
Here is the background. Canadian rock had a strong run in the 1980s and 1990s, with stars such as Bryan Adams, Alanis Morissette and Sarah McLachlan. Jordan stood out as a woman fronting hard rock bands at a time when the genre was dominated by men.
Her music is available on major streaming services. Fans have been sharing favorite songs and live clips online.
What we know: Jordan died Oct. 2 at 65, and no cause was released.
What we don't: Plans for a memorial or tribute.
Where outlets agree Billboard and USA Today both report that Sass Jordan, a Juno-winning rock singer and former "Canadian Idol" judge, has died at 65.
Where they differ Some fans remember her most for her rock hits, while others say her later blues work and TV role mattered just as much.