Sass Jordan, the Canadian rock and blues singer, songwriter and longtime “Canadian Idol” judge, has died at 65. Her family confirmed that Jordan died peacefully on Oct. 2, 2026, surrounded by those who loved her. A cause of death has not been disclosed.

In a statement announcing her death, Jordan’s family remembered her as “an inimitable force of nature” and “an irreplaceable being of light and joy.” The family also highlighted her more than four decades in music and her influence on Canadian rock, particularly her role in opening doors for younger musicians and women in the genre.

Born Sarah Jordan on Dec. 23, 1960, in Birmingham, England, Jordan moved with her family to Montreal when she was three. She began singing and playing guitar as a teenager and was performing in Montreal clubs by the age of 16. She later became the singer and bassist for the Pinups before establishing herself as a session vocalist and songwriter.

Jordan released her debut solo album, “Tell Somebody,” in 1988. The title track became a Canadian hit, and the album helped establish her as one of the country’s leading rock voices. In 1989, she won the Juno Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist and went on to receive additional Juno nominations for Best Female Vocalist.

Her commercial breakthrough expanded with “Racine,” released in 1992. The album featured songs including “Make You a Believer,” “I Want to Believe,” “You Don’t Have to Remind Me” and “Goin’ Back Again.” “Make You a Believer” reached No. 11 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, while Jordan was named Billboard’s Top Female Rock Artist of 1992.

Jordan also became known for her connections to other major musicians. During the early 1990s, a young Taylor Hawkins played drums in her touring band before later becoming the drummer for Foo Fighters. Jordan continued performing and recording across rock and blues throughout her career and also worked in theater and television.

In 2003, Jordan joined “Canadian Idol” as a judge and remained with the series for all six seasons through 2008. Her role introduced her to a new generation of Canadian performers and made her a familiar television personality beyond the rock music scene.

Jordan continued releasing music in later years, including the blues-focused album “Rebel Moon Blues” in 2020. She also continued performing live, although several appearances were canceled in 2026 amid health concerns. Her death has since prompted tributes from musicians, former “Canadian Idol” contestants and fans across Canada and beyond.