Jeff was one of the sweetest, most humble and talented artists I’ve met. He had a truly unique and soulful style of guitar playing, was a great singer and such an incredible fan of a wide range of music, all of which he seemed to be able to ace. I was floored to hear his Trad Jazz band and find out that was him on Trumpet and Trombone. He gave us so much in way too short a life.
One of my favorite memories of our touring together in the early 90’s, was when we both went on the swinging chair on chains ride before one of our State Fair gigs. His drummer had to take off from our line and go back to sound check and just left me with Jeff to get him safely on the ride.
I was so nervous but he put me at great ease and I loved seeing the huge grin, hearing him laugh as we swung way high above the crowd. Fearless and like a kid. Just like he was in his music.
– Bonnie Raitt=
Jeff Healey & Bonnie Raitt – San Francisco 1990 (courtesy the Joe Rockman Archive)
Best-selling artist, respected guitarist, expressive singer, and accomplished songwriter, Bonnie Raitt has become an institution in American music. Born to a musical family, the nine-time Grammy winner, who Rolling Stone named one of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time,” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March of 2000.
For more on this music legend, please check here – www.bonnieraitt.com
Love Jeff and Bonnie it’s great to hear they got on so well and the great memories she has. Great blog. Many thanks
These are the best stories! Jeff never lost his inner child, and that story so captures the joys of being around him and how infectious his energy was – thanks so much for taking the time to share, Ms. Raitt!
Tuve la suerte de recordar el nombre de Jeff, el guitarrista que detrás de una reja de un bar de carretera, para mi pinsipal protagonista de esa película. Y hoy atrvez de la red logra despejar las nubes del corazón iluminandome el día con su musica y alegría. Gracias Jefe y amigos por ser.
What great article. Two greats in blues, sounds like they have a wonderful time, and thanks for the sharing of a personal story by Bonnie.
Thanks Bonnie, Jeff was loved by so many talented individuals. What a great story!
really great to see bonnie raitt comment about jeff,two amazing blues rock artists,have the utmost respect for bonnie,even more so now,didnt know she knew jeff great story,thanks
Always have loved his laugh! My first time seeing him live was when he opened up for Bonnie Raitt at (formerly) Great Woods and it went from there. 🙂
Thanks, Bonnie, when I think of Jeff, I think of his laugh….man, He loved to laugh…and beat my ass in cards.His musical well ran deep, too!!
Thanks for sharing. Lovely story
God Bless Jeff and his family. His legacy lives on forever!
I want to be there when he gets inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! His life, his legacy, and his music, needs to be celebrated. RIP