Thirteen years ago today, acclaimed musician Jeff Healey passed away.
On that day, we lost our friend, husband, father, brother, son…
It certainly wasn’t supposed to be this way. He was far too young. Only 41. So much more to do.
As has been repeated ad nauseam throughout the years, Jeff was a fighter. He took the cancer diagnosis head on and leaned in. Unwavering. Each treatment was taken in stride. He bounced back from every surgery with what seemed like astonishing speed.
His death left those of us close to him stunned.
We mourned and each of us tried to come to terms in our own way. But it was difficult to process the grief in those first few days, when every newspaper, TV channel and radio station we turned to was broadcasting his image, replaying his voice.
Quickly we realized that we shared the “public Jeff” with many, many fans and supporters around the world. They mourned too.
After a few enthusiastic discussions, a dozen of us dove headfirst into planning and producing a Memorial Concert. Initially, the thought was to give the fans a public event to pay their respects. Quickly though, it seemed to also become a form of group therapy for all of us as we poured our hearts into the daunting project. We shared stories and memories, worked together to solve problems and fought hard to create a fitting send off for Jeff.
© Pat Rush
In the end, with the help of countless volunteers and dozens of amazing performers – Canadian and international, we produced a wonderful two day tribute. The first night celebrated Jeff’s Rock and Blues career and the second, his unending love for Traditional Jazz. The entire process was bittersweet, yet oh so worthwhile. But that as they say, is another story, for another day… (For more info, click HERE.)
As the weeks wore on, a curious thing happened. The sadness gave way ever so slightly to a sense of celebration. Celebration of a life lived. Of a legacy built. Of a soul that had shined brightly, albeit briefly.
It is a celebration that has continued to gain momentum even as the years have worn on. All of you, out there… your comments, reactions, shared photos and videos, memories, art… You are the fuel that keeps all of this going, and we are eternally grateful for all the support and love you share with us.
It doesn’t take away the sadness, but it helps to brighten the void of loss.
Tonight, if you have a moment, raise a glass of your preferred beverage, fire up your favourite Jeff Healey CD, LP, YouTube video, Spotify Playlist, etc… and remember.
Thirteen years ago today.
Be good to each other folks.
Rog
WOW hard to believe it is 13 years since Jeff left us he was taken from this place way too early and if you just look at that image that Pat took and you shared on here Rog you can see the Man that was Jeff Healey and how I remember him but he gave us much more than that and I wish I could have been at the Tribute Gig and to have been able to have joined you all in a real celebration of his life, his music and the Man. I know that he was and still is loved by his family, hid friends and by his adoring fans and I am sure we can maybe, once this awful virus and pandemic is over get back together again to talk about and enjoy Jeff’s music and celebrate the legend that is Mr Jeff Healey
I didn’t realize Jeff had passed away. May God rest his soul!
I will never forget Jeff going to those Langley bars on Fraser Highway when nobody even knew who he was. Then I saw him at the Commodore and was just stunned with his boldness and energy. So sad so young.
Today is definitely a sad day but I am so honored to be a part of His legacy being shared by all of you and the oh so many family, friends, and millions of fellow fans across the world, He may of left us but He will remain in our hearts forever by all the bittersweet memories he left us its almost like hes still here with each one, almost 3 yrs ago I was going through a deep depression and i happen to find Jeff and the rest was history, whenever im having a nit so good day or I just need a reason to smile or laugh all I have to do is pull up one of Jeffs videos or interviews and it changes my whole day, He was a beautiful man and now he is a beautiful soul that will live on in our hearts forever
I met Jeff around 1990 or so and saw him every time he came to south Florida. He called me “left-hand andy” because I play lefty….my date one time wanted some pics with him so I took a couple and told him “dang jeff, you missed it, she pulled her shirt up for the last one” lol it was through him I met Paul Reddick, of whom I’m a huge fan. RIP, my friend
I was in a juvenile detention center when I first heard about Jeff. I’m now almost 50, and he in my humble opinion will remain the best guitarist and musician that I have ever had the privilege to see and hear. Cristie I am so sorry for the loss personally. I just wish he would have gotten the praise earlier on.
I had no idea that he passed away. He played in some movies as well. Such a tragedy. Too too young
A thank you to Jeff, as a child and as an adult, and of course his parents, for exemplifying how to engage tragedy and continue to pursue life in the face of difficulty. Jeff had a great ability to “open to everything, but attach to nothing”. This enriched his life greatly, without being crushed by the inevitable vagaries our limitations present.
From time-to-time I revisit Jeff’s stoicism, captured in his words “I’ve had a good run.”
Jeff was an amazing man and artist. I love all the music he left us. That Stardust song that was in that video was simply amazing. I never heard the done by Jeff before. It was so sad losing this great man but he touched our hearts so deep with his music.
I thank God for the time and the music Jeff gave us but took him way too soon.
His music and methods reveal a true soul who lived his own way through his notes. You are always missed,
What an amazing gift Jeff had. I was privileged to see him perform live at Healey’s before Christmas 2 mos. before he passed. My husband & I were blown away by his energy & passion. It is a memory that we hold dear. Rest In Peace. Gone too soon.
Thanks for the music. May your family continue to know there are countless unknown fans that still think of him and “you all”… apparently the world is still turning… Jeff sure could make his guitar gently weep. Have a beautiful and memorable 2021.
Thirteen years feels like forever. But the memories of those times that I met and hung out with Jeff a little, seem like just yesterday.
Unfortunately never saw him live but had see the light album. Watched the David Sanborn show clip on you tube many times, a couple of days ago i told my wife “It was an amazing band, and Jeff Healey felt he had to rise t the occasion, and boy did he, and some! Brings me joy to watch that moment, RIP Jeff Healey
Barry James Thomas
Still missed. Thoughts are with his family and friends. #MarchisHealeyMonth
Amazing guitar virtuoso and songwriter and performer! Gone way too soon!! I wish I could have seen him play live in person!! We’re blessed that his music will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come!! Prayers and blessings to his family and friends!!