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STORIES / Jackie Shane

Jackie Shane

Jackie Shane was a transgender pioneer of 1960s soul music. Putting on emotionally compelling performances, Shane was an icon in the Toronto music scene for her commitment to authenticity in life and art.

A portrait illustration of Jackie Shane.

R&B Singer
1940-2019

Jackie Shane rose to prominence in Toronto during the 1960s as a talented R&B singer. Her electrifying performances captivated audiences and challenged societal norms. She became a beloved figure in the Toronto music scene, performing at renowned venues like the Sapphire Tavern. Despite stepping away from the limelight in the 1970s, Shane’s influence endured, inspiring future generations of 2SLGBTQ+ artists.

Her lasting impact on Toronto lies in her fearless authenticity and the profound way she reshaped perceptions of gender and identity through her music.


Explore more women who transformed Toronto.

Further Resources
Read more about Shane’s life and impact on Toronto
Read more about Shane’s story in this NPR article
Listen to this award-winning CBC audio documentary about Shane (56min)
Learn about the Yonge Street mural that honours Shane and other artists
Read Shane’s entry in The Canadian Encyclopedia

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