Sass Jordan cause of death: The Canadian singer died at age 63
Jordan rose from Montreal’s music scene to become a Juno winner and one of Canada’s most distinctive rock voices
Canadian rock singer Sass Jordan has died at the age of 63, her family announced, bringing to a close a career that made her one of the country’s most recognizable rock performers. She died on October 2 surrounded by members of her family.
“On Oct. 2 2026, surrounded by her loving family, Sass Jordan peacefully crossed over to the other side,” her family said in a statement shared on social media.
They described her as “an inimitable force of nature” and “an irreplaceable being of light and joy.”
No official cause of death has been released. Jordan had recently canceled several performances after an undisclosed medical issue and had been advised to step away from professional commitments for the remainder of 2026.
From Montreal clubs to national recognition
Jordan was born in Birmingham, England, in 1962 before moving with her family to Montreal as a child.
She began performing as a teenager and later became the vocalist and bassist for The Pinups , while also working as a session singer and songwriter.
Her solo breakthrough came with Tell Somebody in 1988. The album helped establish Jordan as a major new presence in Canadian rock, and she won the Juno Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist the following year.
Her profile grew further after the release of Racine in 1992, which included “Make You a Believer,” “I Want to Believe” and “Goin’ Back Again.” Billboard named her Female Rock Artist of the Year that year.
Jordan continued recording through the 1990s and beyond, later branching into blues with Rebel Moon Blues in 2020 and another blues project two years later.
She also reached a new audience as a judge on Canadian Idol beginning in 2003.
Fellow musicians remember a powerful presence
Tributes arrived quickly after news of Jordan ’s death became public.
“Love you, sweet lady. Love you forever,” singer Bif Naked wrote. Adam Gontier , co-lead singer of Three Days Grace, said: “She had such an incredible impact on Canada. Sending all my love to her family and friends.”
Singer Jully Black recalled working alongside Jordan on Canadian Idol, writing: “Gone too soon. Rest in peace.” Glenn Hughes offered a particularly personal remembrance.
“So suddenly, I’m heartbroken,” he wrote. “A true friend. We had so much love, joy and laughter, and music together. RIP, my Sasseroonie Girl.”
Jordan ’s career also intersected with another major rock name before his global fame. Taylor Hawkins toured as her drummer before later joining Foo Fighters.
Her husband, Derek Sharp , also worked closely with her musically, producing her 2009 album From Dusk ’til Dawn. Jordan’s family said she remains in their hearts.
The musicians paying tribute made clear that her impact extended far beyond her records, remembering a performer whose energy, humor and unmistakable voice made her a singular figure in Canadian music.
