Sass Jordan Dies at 63, Just Months After Performing at Peterborough Musicfest

By Scott Arnold

Canadian rock singer Sass Jordan, whose powerful voice made her one of the country's most recognizable performers, has died at the age of 63.

sass jordan waves to crowd at del crary park during her July 8th, 2026, performance at peterborough musicfest (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest, via david pickering)

Jordan’s death was announced on her social media on Saturday. According to the announcement, she passed away peacefully on Friday, October 2nd, surrounded by her family. No cause of death has been released.

For Peterborough music fans, Jordan’s passing hits close to home. She played one of her final concerts at Peterborough Musicfest on July 8th at Del Crary Park, marking her third appearance at the summer concert series.

Jordan previously performed at Musicfest in 2000 and again in 2015.

Born Sarah Jordan in Birmingham, England, and raised in Montreal, Jordan became one of Canada’s best-known rock singers. Her debut album, Tell Somebody, was released in 1988, with the title track earning her a Juno Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist in 1989.

Her career would span more than four decades and include hit songs such as “Make You a Believer,” “High Road Easy” and “So Hard,” as well as acting and television work. She was also a judge on all six seasons of Canadian Idol.

Jordan continued performing and recording throughout her career, most recently releasing Live in New York Ninety-Four, a live album recorded during a 1994 tour that featured Taylor Hawkins on drums.

She leaves behind a legacy as one of Canada's most recognizable rock voices, and for those who saw her at Del Crary Park this summer, a final Peterborough performance to remember.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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