Welcome one and all. Today, we remember musician Jeff Healey on what would have been his 55th Birthday, the Double-Nickel!
Jeff’s Birthday serves as a natural bookend to #MarchIsHealeyMonth. The 2nd of March is the sad anniversary of Jeff’s passing. Whereas the 25th gives us pause to remember and celebrate Jeff’s life on the date of his birth.
Since 2008 a rotating group of friends and family have gathered on Jeff’s birthday to share some laughs and stories. A time to catch up and remember. Usually there ends up being around a dozen of us. However, that first birthday after Jeff’s passing, it was just me and our dear friend Rob Quail. I honestly can’t remember anymore which of us suggested marking the occasion, but we both felt it was needed. We got together at a local pub, shared a few drinks and reminisced, thinking about how Jeff should have been there to laugh with us. It soon came to be an important annual ritual.
As many of us continue to deal with the effects of the pandemic in day-to-day life, this is the second year in a row now that we are missing that extra connection.
Like last year though, despite the lack of in person contact, there will be phone calls, texts and emails flying through the ether… along with the warmth of shared laughter throughout the day.
Happy Birthday Dr. Jeffrey! It just ain’t the same without ya!
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Now, although we don’t really have much news to share today, there are a couple of very BIG things in the works! Nothing that we can discuss yet as it is all still in the early stages, but we hope to be making some major announcements in the coming months! I know, I know. I can feel some of the regulars out there rolling their eyes and I apologize for the vagueness… lol. All I can say is that it will be worth the wait. Your continued patience will be rewarded. STAY TUNED!
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Over the past little while, our good friend, Hungarian JH Super Fan László Kaszás has graciously been sharing parts of his extensive Jeff Healey bootleg collection online. Here’s a couple of prime examples for your viewing and listening pleasure (many thanks László!):
Be sure to check out László’s YouTube Channel HERE for more cool live Jeff Healey recordings!
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And finally for today… Over this latest extended Covid holiday here in Toronto, we’ve been busy socking away some fresh Blog posts to dole out over the course of the coming year. First on deck is a piece on a rare JHB cover of a classic Buffalo Springfield tune. Look for it here in a few short weeks!
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Thanks for joining us! Stay safe folks and be good to each other…
Peace!
Rog
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My birthday follows’ Jeff’s by five days, although I am ten years older….
I always found neat that Jeff and I had the month of March in common.
I was in Toronto a few years ago, and I had on my list to visit “his” club, to find out the place no longer exists. Sadly.
I made my own “Jeff Healey” tribute guitar since Fender does not seem to be interested in doing an official one!
Would like to see your take on a JH Strat!
Yes,is it black w/red p ups
Happy Heavenly Birthday Jeff. I know you are jamming in heaven
Happy Birthday . Your flying with the Angels. Peace and love
I share your birthday Jeff..you are missed by many…
A heavenly angel…hope he has met my baby sister (also blind) whom was gifted pianist. RIP Shele!! Sister misses you
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Happy Birthday Jeff,
You definitely got Angel Eyes now in heaven.
I loved going every Thursday to his Club on Queen Street, the night that he always played. I work the evening shift,on Thursday nights,I would get everything early, done so that I could get down to the club.
Every April,on the week of my birthday,I would ask Jeff himself, because he was accessible, I always thought how cool it was that he just hung out at the bar and was so accessible to all his fans and friends…to play My Guitar Gently Weeps… his version is my favourite… that was memories I cherish in my mind and in my heart always.
Jeff and his band were great so was all the talent that he discovered.
All the great talent that would pop in and play with him and the band,big names from around the world, it was just incredible!
Since then I’ve never had a Live musical experiences like I had at Jeff’s Club!!!!
A bar was pretty high haven’t had any that comes close.
I don’t have many videos but I sure have a lot of pictures.
Some o
My other favourite memories, are of ” A Very Haley Christmas Bashas& fundraisers,those were outstanding ! The amount of people who attended those in terms of big name artists, incredible it’s still one of my favourite memories and makes me smile all the time… the club was packed…amzaing
Incredible music!
Incredible times!
Incredible memories!
Huge fan…
Maria
Seen him only one time opened for Allman Brothers Jeff stole the show✌
Magical man.
Such a talent and so very missed! R.I.P. Music Man.
Happy blessed heavenly birthday Much love to all his family and friends I really loved his music Thought he was amazing Seen him in winston-salem NC I got one of his guitar strings Thought that was so great He was so wonderful talented
This is the first time listening to his music. I like it, thanks for playing. I will listen to more of his blues John.
Happy Birthday Jeff! We all sure wish you were here!!
Happy birthday in Heaven you are missed and your music is missed love
I saw him at Cheers bar in Hfx. N. S. He broke a string and asked the crowd if anyone could put a string in. My buddy was ribbing me to string it. I wish I had of. A fellow put a string in and gave it to him and he said, “it’s tuned too. I didn’t realize he could play jazz on the guitar, trumpet and what a voice. One of a kind. Hope he’s in heaven today, I’ll see him there.