Sass Jordan, Birmingham-born rock singer and 'Canadian Idol' judge who toured with the Rolling Stones, dies at 65

From the Newshound archive · first published 4 October 2026 · last updated 5 October 2026.

Sass Jordan, the blues-rock powerhouse who carved out space for women in Canadian rock over four decades, died on 2 October surrounded by her family, aged 65. Born Sarah Jordan in Birmingham, she fronted bands in Montreal clubs at 16 before becoming one of Canada's most recognisable rock voices.

Jordan's 1992 album 'Racine' sold 450,000 copies worldwide and earned her Billboard's top female rock artist crown that year.

Future Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins played in her touring band, and she duetted with Joe Cocker on the Kevin Costner film 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack.

Deep Purple's Glenn Hughes posted he was 'heartbroken', calling Jordan 'My Sasseroonie Girl' — while her publicist remembered her as 'one of the funniest, most foul-mouthed people I've ever met'.