Sheila Jordan, a pioneer of bebop, scat jazz singing, and bass-voice duos, has died.

Jordan passed away peacefully on Monday in New York City, her daughter, Tracey Jordan, announced in an Instagram post. She was 96.

“Her friend Joan Belgrave was playing her a bebop tune called Bill for Bennie, by her late husband Marcus Belgrave…my mom fell asleep listening to the music she loved and helped define,” Tracey wrote alongside a snapshot of her holding her mother’s hand.

“Thank you for your support and generosity. The money raised on her GoFundMe page will be used to pay off medical debt and secure a plot for her at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Jazz Corner…a memorial service will be planned in the future at Saint Peter’s Church in New York City. Love, Tracey,” she added.

Jordan, named a Nationa

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