Tracey Jordan Receives Sheila Jordan Trailblazer Award

Mount Sinai Hospital’s Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine has established the Sheila Jordan Trailblazer Award, an honor created to commemorate the legacy of the esteemed jazz singer Sheila Jordan, who passed away in 2025. The inaugural recipient of this distinguished award is her daughter, Tracey Jordan, a prominent figure in the music industry. Tracey Jordan's extensive career includes significant work with the Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammy Awards, and de Passe Entertainment, a production company known for its work in film and television. The award ceremony, which will present this accolade to Tracey Jordan, is scheduled to take place at the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine. This center is dedicated to exploring the therapeutic and rehabilitative benefits of music, aligning with the broader mission of Mount Sinai Hospital to advance medical research and patient care through innovative approaches. The establishment of the Sheila Jordan Trailblazer Award specifically recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of music and its intersection with health and medicine, embodying the spirit and dedication of Sheila Jordan herself. Sheila Jordan was a celebrated jazz vocalist known for her distinctive style and her significant impact on the jazz genre throughout her career. Her passing in 2025 marked the end of an era for many music enthusiasts and fellow musicians. The award aims to perpetuate her influence by celebrating those who continue to break new ground in music and its application to well-being. Tracey Jordan's selection as the first honoree underscores her own substantial achievements and her commitment to advancing the music industry, potentially through her roles at the Recording Academy and de Passe Entertainment. The Recording Academy is a global leader in the music industry, dedicated to nurturing the music of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. De Passe Entertainment has a history of producing impactful content across various media platforms. This award not only honors Sheila Jordan's memory but also highlights the ongoing importance of music in therapeutic contexts, a field championed by the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine. The center's work often involves research into how music therapy can aid in recovery from illness, manage chronic conditions, and improve overall quality of life for patients. The presentation of the Sheila Jordan Trailblazer Award to Tracey Jordan signifies a recognition of her personal and professional journey, linking her to her mother's enduring musical legacy and the forward-thinking initiatives of the Louis Armstrong Center.