Jordan, Sheila (1928–)

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Jordan, Sheila (1928–)

American jazz singer. Born Sheila Jeanette Dawson, Nov 18, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan; studied with Lennie Tristano and Charles Mingus; m. Duke Jordan (African-American pianist), 1952 (div. 1962).

In early teens, performed in Detroit clubs; greatly influenced by Charlie Parker, formed vocal trio, Skeeter, Mitch and Jean (taking stage name Jean), and sang versions of Parker's solos; moved to NY (1951), where she became increasingly involved with jazz scene; made 1st recordings (early 60s), gaining popularity for 10-minute version of You Are My Sunshine on album Outer View with George Russell, and also recording solo album Portrait of Sheila (1962); performed on recordings with pianist Steve Kuhn (becoming member of Kuhn's quartet), as well as on album Home (Robert Creeley's poems set to music); with bassist Harvie Swartz, recorded Old Time Feeling (1982); received critical acclaim for tribute to bebop roots, Lost and Found (1989). Recordings include Songs from Within (1993), Hear Strings (1994), Jazz Child (1999), I've Grown Accustomed to the Bass (2000) and Little Song (2003).

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