Beloved jazz vocalist Sheila Jordan passes away at the age of 96
Sheila Jordan, Pioneering Jazz Vocalist, Passes Away at 96
Sheila Jordan, a trailblazing figure in the world of bebop and scat jazz singing, has passed away at the age of 96. The news was announced by her daughter Tracy Jordan on Monday, August 11.
Jordan, who was known for her unique style that often featured an upright bass as the only accompaniment, will always be remembered as one of the earliest and greatest female jazz singers. Her influence on the genre is substantial, having broken ground as one of the first female vocalists signed to Blue Note Records and being revered for her uncompromising artistic integrity and innovation in jazz vocalization.
In her final moments, Jordan was listening to a bebop tune called "Bill for Bennie," played by her friend Joan Belgrave. This poignant moment highlights Jordan's deep connection to her music, a passion that spanned nearly eight decades.
Throughout her career, Jordan collaborated with some of the most renowned names in jazz, including George Russell, Steve Kuhn, Harvie Swartz, Cameron Brown, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Roswell Rudd, Aki Takase, Arild Andersen, and many more. She worked across various jazz circles, from bebop to free jazz and avant-garde jazz, participating in complex projects such as George Gruntz's Cosmopolitan Greetings jazz opera and settings involving Beat poet Allen Ginsberg.
Jordan's mentorship helped guide younger musicians, and her style—including the frequent, unexpected sweeping pitch changes—contributed a unique voice to jazz that continues to inspire vocalists. She took great pride in her contribution to the jazz community, including paving the way for artists like Norah Jones and Diana Krall.
Tracy Jordan shared a heartfelt tribute to her mother on Instagram, and a memorial service will be planned for Sheila Jordan at Saint Peter's Church in New York City. The funds raised on Sheila Jordan's GoFundMe page will be used to pay off her medical debt and secure a plot for her at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Jazz Corner.
Sheila Jordan released her latest studio album, Portrait Now, on Valentine's Day, and her last stage appearance was on the same day at The Green Mill in Chicago. Her passing marks the end of an era in jazz, but her legacy as a trailblazer and her profound impact on jazz vocal music remain widely recognized.
[1] All About Jazz [2] JazzTimes [3] NPR Music [4] The New York Times [5] DownBeat
- The world of jazz has lost one of its pioneers, Sheila Jordan, who passed away at 96, leaving behind a significant impact on jazz vocal music.
- Although Sheila Jordan, the trailblazing jazz vocalist who collaborated with renowned names in jazz, has passed on, her unique style and uncompromising artistic integrity will continue to inspire upcoming vocalists.
- As revered jazz media outlets such as All About Jazz, JazzTimes, NPR Music, The New York Times, and DownBeat pay tribute to Sheila Jordan, her legacy will live on as a symbol of strength and innovation in the world of music and entertainment.
