Jazz Vocalist Sheila Jordan, Celebrated Improviser, Passes Away at 96

Sheila Jordan, a revered figure in jazz known for her fearless vocal improvisations, passed away on Monday in New York City at the age of 96.

Her passing was confirmed by her daughter, Tracey Jordan.

Renowned for a lyrical voice that responded intuitively to her creative impulses, Jordan often seemed to sing primarily for fellow musicians. Her impeccable artistic judgment and refusal to compromise set her apart, though these qualities, along with personal life choices, kept her from widespread public recognition. Nevertheless, she maintained a devoted fan base that cherished her performances.

In 2012, at 84 years old, she was honored as a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, a testament to her enduring influence and expanding global audience.

Immersed in the jazz scene from her teenage years, Jordan was familiar with many of the genre's legends and supporting musicians, although she recorded with relatively few. Her debut album as a bandleader, "Portrait of Sheila," was released in 1963 when she was 34. Issued by the prestigious Blue Note label—which until then had never signed a vocalist—it marked the emergence of a distinctive new voice in jazz.

The album received enthusiastic reviews, with Billboard magazine awarding it four stars and noting its commercial promise. Despite this acclaim, Jordan did not record another album under her own name for over a decade.

Several factors contributed to this hiatus, including her own admitted struggles with self-confidence. Equally important was her decision to prioritize raising her only child as a single mother, which limited her club performances. During this period, she worked as a secretary at a New York advertising agency, a job she maintained for 25 years.