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Jeff Healey, the Canadian-born, blind, blues/jazz guitarist died on Sunday. He was only 41 years old. I saw a DVD recording of him playing live years ago and was overwhelmed by how good he was. I saw another recorded performance recently and Healy could barely play at all—it seemed apparent he was in poor health.
Jeff had been battling cancer for most of his life, it cost him his eyesight at age one. His unique style of playing solidbody electric face up on his lap while seated was amazing. While a lot of blues guitarists play like that when using a slide, he didn't, he learned to play everything "overhanded", chords, killer leads and all. I had occasion to speak to him on the phone once about 5 years ago, his wife was singing a few songs at a friends wedding and I was hired to back her up. I couldn't believe it, I kept thinking 'why did they hire me when her husband is Jeff Healey?'. Anyway, his wife had me talk to him about the music I was to play and he grabbed a guitar and played some ideas over the phone for me and told me what fingerings to use for the chords, he was very cool. I was very saddened to hear of his passing, I know they had at least one child. He was also a noted trumpet player and had a band that played jazz from the 30's and 40's, and he hosted a jazz radio show on CBC here in Canada for a few years featuring mainly music from his own extensive collection of 78 rpm records. He will be missed.
He was a monster player and a gift to the world of music. Evidently, the cancer that claimed his sight had finally caught up to him but he fought bravely.
Ya, guys, this hit me hard. He was a charismatic, disarming entertainer. He would emulate Louis Armstrong's trumpet and vocal styles very well, too, as he was an enormous early jazz fan and a superb player. I saw him just last year playing up a blues storm quite well still but I always loved his jazz touch. He would make endearing jokes about his condition and seemed to have a triumphant spirit. I met him once as well and he was very kind to me. Canada definitely loved Jeff and I'm glad to read that he's recognized abroad.
That really sux! One of my favorite movies is Road House with Patrick Swayze. Jeff's band is the house band in one of the bars. Ironically, Patrick Swayze is now battling cancer.
He died just before the release of a new album! It was suposed to be his first rock album in 8 years. Healey will be greatly missed.
He will be missed. Cancer is a bloody miserable thing. Jeff's only failing according to Jim Cuddy was he sounded like Brian Mulroney! Which reminds me of Reagan and Mulroney singing when Irish Eyes are Smiling.
Very sad news. I love Jeff's sound and style. I cant believe he's gone. Way too young. Hope he's having some good jams with Hendrix and co. now. Im glad i have some records, so i can still hear that great tone he had. R.I.P Jeff!! We love you!!
Side note: He played the guitar with the back flat across his lap, with the left hand over top of the fingerboard. I think this is alot of the reason for his very distinctive, and bright tone. Its interesting the way he's accepted as a "Real Blues player", even though his technique was not "traditional" or "conventional" blues technique.
In many musical traditions, they do not accept or acknowledge players who dont use the traditional technique.
Side note: He played the guitar with the back flat across his lap, with the left hand over top of the fingerboard.
I've always wondered why he played this way? I'm sure he could play the normal way. Perhaps it was in fact because of the tones he could get out of it this way.
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