As Sean and I were on our way to meet his parents for dinner last night, we heard that Jeff Healey had died. Shocked is pretty much how you'd describe our response, as we hadn't been aware his cancer had come out of remission. We are big, big fans of his - Sean even interviewed him about 20 years ago for his Limestone City Blues show on CFRC when Jeff was in town for a concert.
Those of you not familiar with his extensive body of work are missing out on some of the greatest music ever. He played everything - Blues, Rock and Roll, Jazz and was so talented. And his voice, wow, his voice - it can make you melt. Lost in Your Eyes is one of my faves.
Here are some of the others. And if you notice he's playing with his guitar across his lap, it's because he's blind. The cancer that killed him, took his sight at age 1, but he'd learned to play guitar by the time he was 3.
Angel Eyes (recorded last year while he was being treated - he continued to tour, regardless)
I got a Line on You
Cruel Little Number
And then there's his cover of While My Guitar Gently Weeps. With apologies to the late George Harrison and The Beatles, I've always preferred this version:
I get tears just listening to him sing. Cancer is such a hideous disease and takes so many people way too early. My heart goes out to Jeff's wife, daughter, son and the rest of his family and friends. They are the ones who will miss him most.
RIP, Jeff - and may you continue to play on through eternity.
Teresa
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Now playing: The Jeff Healey Band - Highway of Dreams
via FoxyTunes
2 comments:
I couldn't believe it when I heard it. I just stood there staring at the paper like the headline was suddenly going to change. It's so sad. He was an amazing musician.
I love his song Angel Eyes - such a wonderful love song. May he rest in peace.
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