Mar 03 2008
Jeff Healey, 1966 - 2008
One of my favorite musicians, Jeff Healey, died yesterday of cancer. Healey, blind from the age on one, had a unique style of playing the guitar with the instrument flat on his lap. He spent his childhoood in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, and his adult life in Toronto. He was discovered by Stevie Ray Vaughan who gave him international exposure. His only real American hit was Angel Eyes, released in 1988 on the album “See The Light”, but he was always very popular in Canada.
He had a club in Toronto called Jeff Healey’s Roadhouse, which was a mandatory stop for me whenever I was in that city.
The guy could flat-out play. Here is a live version of the title track from “See The Light”. I have no idea where or when this vid was taped, but Mac Rebennack (Dr. John) (!) is playing the piano.
Update: I figured out where this vid is from. It is from a show called Sunday Night, later Night Music, hosted by David Sanborn and Jools Holland. This was an extremely eclectic show, featuring artists from all types of jazz, pop, rock, blues, etc. backgrounds. It was a great show and it is too bad it lasted only two seasons.
I think I remember seeing him in that movie, “Roadhouse.” Funny that he named his bar the same thing. I’m jealous that you got to visit!
He’s always been a favorite of mine, and I’m sorry to see him go.