Sheila Jordan

Sheila Jordan
Jordan in 2011
Background information
Born
Sheila Jeanette Dawson

(1928-11-18)November 18, 1928
DiedAugust 11, 2025(2025-08-11) (aged 96)
New York City, U.S.
Genres
Occupation
  • Musician
  • singer
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
Labels
Spouse
(m. 1952; div. 1962)
Websitewww.sheilajordanjazz.net

Sheila Jeannette Jordan (née Dawson; November 18, 1928 – August 11, 2025) was an American jazz singer and songwriter. She recorded as a session musician with an array of critically acclaimed artists in addition to recording her own albums. Jordan pioneered a bebop and scat jazz singing style, with an upright bass as the only accompaniment. Jordan's music has earned praise from many critics, particularly for her ability to improvise lyrics; Scott Yanow described her as "one of the most consistently creative of all jazz singers". Charlie Parker often introduced Jordan as "the lady with the million dollar ears".