Sheila Jordan

Sheila Jordan
Background information
Birth nameSheila Jeanette Dawson
Born (1928-11-18) November 18, 1928 (age 95)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
GenresJazz, free jazz
Occupation(s)Musician, singer, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano
LabelsBlue Note, SteepleChase, HighNote, ECM, East Wind, Palo Alto, Muse, Justin Time
Websitewww.sheilajordanjazz.net

Sheila Jordan (born Sheila Jeanette Dawson; November 18, 1928)[1] is an American jazz singer and songwriter. She has 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.[2] Jordan's music has earned praise from many critics, particularly for her ability to improvise lyrics; Scott Yanow describes her as "one of the most consistently creative of all jazz singers."[3] Charlie Parker often introduced Jordan as "the lady with the million dollar ears."[4][5][2]

  1. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. pp. 1324/5. ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Detroit History was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference AllMusic Bio was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Saturday, March 21st: 10:30 – Focus on Women in Music". KPFA Folio. March 1981. p. 26. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  5. ^ "Lulu: Last 2 Nights! Sept. 20 & 21, Sheila Jordan & Steve Kuhn: '... million dollar ears!'". The Boston Phoenix. September 23, 1980. Retrieved May 10, 2022.