Jackie Shane

Image: Museum of Toronto.

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.

1940 - 2019 | R&B Singer

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.

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