Jazz world mourns Sheila Jordan

The jazz world is paying tribute to Sheila Jordan, the trailblazing vocalist whose intimate, improvisational style made her one of the genre's most revered figures. She died peacefully at her home in New York at the age of 96, according to family members.

Jordan, born Sheila Jeanette Dawson in Detroit in 1928, carved out a unique place in jazz history by combining bebop precision with deeply personal storytelling. She began performing in her teens, inspired by Charlie Parker, and quickly earned the respect of the New York jazz scene after moving there in the early 1950s.

She worked with Parker, Charles Mingus, and George Russell, among others, developing a sound that was as fearless as it was tender. Her career was not without its challenges. In a male-dominated industry, Jordan faced resistance for her refusal to conform to commercial trends.

She often performed with just a bass accompaniment, creating an intimate, stripped-back sound that allowed her voice and emotional expression to take centre stage. Critics once dismissed her for being unconventional, yet over time she became celebrated for exactly that.

Jordan's 1963 debut album 'Portrait of Sheila', released on Blue Note Records, is now considered a landmark recording. She continued to perform well into her nineties, captivating audiences with her ability to turn a song into an emotional conversation.

Social media has been flooded with tributes from fellow musicians and fans alike. Jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater called her a "fearless innovator who taught us all the power of vulnerability in music." Younger artists credited Jordan with inspiring them to find their own voice without compromise.

Her passing marks the end of an era in jazz, but her influence will live on through countless singers who carry her spirit of honesty, risk-taking, and deep connection with the audience.