From the days of his classic mullet to his appearance in 'Roadhouse' to his unique playing style, Jeff Healey was an unassuming Canadian cultural icon
by Constance Droganes
Isn't it ironic, not to mention so, so sad? "Mess of Blues," Jeff Healey's first rock and blues album in eight years, will debut in Europe on March 20 and in Canada and the United Stated on April 22. But Healey won't be around to hear his diehard fans' praise.
Healey's Roadhouse a Toronto mainstay
In recent years the name Healey’s has become synonymous to the aura of classic rock in the city of Toronto. For year’s his eponymous Roadhouse (named after the 1980s Patrick Swayze movie in which he appeared and earned quite a bit of celebrity) was an icon in the edge of the Queen and Bathurst neighbourhood before moving last year to its new digs in the Entertainment District across from Wayne Gretzky’s Restaurant.
While Healey’s true love was classic American Jazz, his establishment, that has been the seeding ground of many local acts, is in many ways the last bastion of a bygone era in which rock reigned supreme. Real devil-horn saluting Rock ‘N Roll.
Played among the giants of rock
Dying yesterday at a Toronto hospital at just 41, Healey finally succumbed to his life-long battle with cancer. But in those remarkable years this gifted musician shared the stage with such greats as George Harrison, B.B. King and legendary jazz guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan.
In fact, Vaughan himself discovered the irrepressible blind talent playing in a Toronto bar in 1982. The rest, as they say, was musical history.
Juno Awards
No wonder. In a sea of "wanna be" music idols Jeff Healey was unique. From his deep, smoky croons to his guitar slapped across his lap, his passionate signature sound earned the Jeff Healey Band a Juno Award, an international audience and platinum record sales with the 1988 album "See the Light."
But as unforgettable as Healey's three-decade career was how he ended it was just as memorable. Weakened by his worsening cancer, this Grammy nominee still had it in him to play one final gig on February 2 in Sarnia, Ontario. Hard though it was bandmate Colin Bray (bass player with Jeff Healey's jazz Wizards) said, "At the end of it, I can’t believe how much better he looked. It was like blood to him."
Yes, "inspirational" is one word that gets tossed around a lot today. Who knows? Maybe it's because we need to be reminded of some touch of human greatness in these tough times we live in. But if one man fit that bill it was Jeff Healey. From his passion to play jazz to his courage to live out his dream, this guy's inspirational quotient flew off the charts.
So here's looking at you Jeff. If there's a little club in heaven with your name on it those "Angel Eyes" looking on will like what they hear.
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GMC
The world has lost a true musical icon. Jeff Healy was the best!! My best to his family.
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Darrel
Unreal..I can't believe he's passed. I grew up listening to his music and never got the chance to see him live...His music will live on..my sympathies go to his family and bandmates...Rock on Jeff!!!
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Bil
Guitar God!!
He will be missed.
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Jamie Lepper
Can't believe that there are so few comments... a truly inspirational performer and a class act. You never saw the guy doing anything that could bring his name, the industry, or anyone else into disrepute... too bad that such a great role model gets so little press as opposed to the many disreputable or infamous characters that we see so frequently publicised in the media today. Sorry that I never got to see him live!
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Roger
The first rock concert I ever attended was the Jeff Healey Band at the Timmins Sportsplex when I was 11 or 12 in either 1990 or 1991. Few other musicians have been able to measure up to the standard that he set. His musicianship and his energy have rarely been equalled. He's one of the reasons why decided to pick up the guitar and have been playing ever since.
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Gis Bun
Condolences to the family. A true Canadian rock/blues/jazz hero will be missed.
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Jackie
In one word...shocked!He was a Canadian icon for many, his music was the best and will still be in the hearts of many. He will be missed. Heartfelt condolences to his family at this time
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Bill Shannon
I saw Jeff in Grossman's over 20 years ago on a Sunday afternoon and a musician said this kid will be famous. He was the only performer that everyone actually stopped and listened too that afternoon. Well he was famous and he will definitely be missed.
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Jeff L
I used to frequent his club at Bathurst/Queen every Thursday to hear him play with his special guests. Even his bar maid Wendy, kept a reserve sign at a front table for us each week. I can't believe he is gone, but his spirit and his music will live on forever. Thanks Jeff for sharing your music with us. My heart goes out to his family and all his fans.
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Huy Nguyen
He was such an amazing musican and a wonderful human being.
He'll be sorely missed!
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Adam
I had the immense pleasure of meeting twice at festivals in Ottawa, as I used to work in TV there. His talents seemed to know few boundaries, and his attitude towards his (non-)disability inspired everyone around. We have lost one of the few true "Good Ones." I hope his life and legacy is taught to our youth as part of their musical curriculum, and serves as inspiration for the next lot.
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Deann
I am really stunned. What a huge loss. I did't really know his story and had no idea he was battling cancer. I have always loved his music! My condolences to his family, let them be confident that Jeff is jazzing-it-up in heaven with Stevie Ray!
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darer
he was awseome.
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Julia Tassone
My sympathies go out to Jeff's wife and children. Know this,he is at peace and in Heaven making wonderful music.
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David Kuhn
I saw Jeff play this past summer in Kitchener and also in Port Dover, Ontario. I’ve been a fan of Jeff ever since seeing him in Roadhouse and will continue being one. He was a real inspiration to me personally and I will miss him and his music. Peace be with you Jeff!
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Jeff
Jeff, I remember seeing Jeff in a bar in Hamilton, Ont, nearly 20 years ago, just after "see the light" came out. It was a small place, and we were standing near the front row and he was mostly sitting for the concert, til one point when he just got lost in one of his solos, he stood up and started moving around, each step taking him closer to the edge of the stage - i thought, my God, he's going over! But he was fearless. Watching him flail around and pull off and amazing solo while having no idea where he was in time and space was an other-worldly experience for me that has stood out as one of the most memorable and inspiring concert moments for me. I realize now that Jeff was other-worldly. He did not allow this world's limits to quell his passion for music making. He overcame major obstacles in this life in order to make art, to be true to his calling to be a great musician, and in the process he inspired artists to fearlessly do the same. Thanks Jeff.
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Nadia
My thoughts go out to the family of Mr. Healey. Jeff, you will be missed by so many. I loved your music....and you were wonderful in Road House! You were in inspiration to the world.
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Sharon
A terrible loss. He was a very gifted musician and will be missed.
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Peter M
I learned how to play 'Angel Eyes' with my guitar on my lap like Jeff. He was truly an inspiration when I was learning to play in my early teens. RIP Jeff! Thank you!!
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Patty Martel
Jeff has always been inspirational to me and i am going to misss him badly.my heart goes out to his family and all his fans like me.
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