Welcome friends. Fifteen years ago today, we lost Canadian music icon, Jeff Healey.
No matter how much time goes by, these memorial posts never get any easier…
Fifteen years. It hardly seems possible. Not a single day goes by that Jeff isn’t thought of, that his music isn’t heard somewhere out in the wild, that someone doesn’t message us to say they’re watching Road House (lol)…
Not a day goes by that Jeff isn’t remembered.
***
Our dear friend, Jeff Healey Band bassist and co-founder, Joe Rockman sent this special message along to us and we’d like to share it here with you…
“On this day, in remembrance of Jeff, it’s not the Jeff Healey Band I miss, nor Jeff’s astounding, once in a lifetime guitar playing, nor his soulful, passionate voice, where we feel every word.
Today, I miss my close friend and bandmate.
Beyond brothers, as I was his eyes, so to speak, we navigated the touring terrain throughout the 15 year life of the JHB. (Jeff didn’t always make that easy. He had a reckless streak!)
I miss the amazing times we shared when not involved in daily band life. His loss is palpable to me, down to a cellular level, where I feel it behind almost every day of my existence, especially when hearing the music.
I’ll never forget the honour, being close to someone who operated on a genius level in every area of his life. A man of such talent, generosity, heart, loyalty, and vision.
The friendship, what we accomplished, solely with his loyal support, will live on in my grateful heart, and memory forever.
Such memories… I can only count myself truly blessed.”
(London Free Press)
***
Another sad bit of news today. It’s come to our attention that JHB drummer and co-founder, Tom Stephen passed away suddenly last Monday night. While Jeff and Tom certainly had their differences over the years, Tom was an important part of the JHB story and we send our deepest condolences to Tom’s family and friends.
***
Now, some happier news and a couple of quick points of order.
We know you’re sick of hearing it, (lol) but we have been busy working away behind the scenes (honest!) on some really amazing, long game projects that we can’t quite announce yet. Soon… So very soon… Some of this stuff has been literally years in the making. Trust me, the payoff is going to be well worth the wait. AND… if all goes according to plan, we will have a HUGE announcement about one of these projects in just a few short weeks! Stay tuned! Your strained patience will be rewarded!
***
In other happenings, if you haven’t popped by the official Jeff Healey webstore in a while, you should know a whole whack of new and collectable merch was recently added to inventory! Do yourself a favour and head on over. You can check it out HERE!
***
Finally, tonight, if you have a moment, we’d like to ask you to raise a glass of your preferred beverage, fire up your favourite Jeff Healey CD, LP, YouTube video, Spotify Playlist, etc… and remember.
Peace y’all.
Rog
I can’t believe Tom as well is no longer with us. My heart goes out to his friends and family.
Joe’s message was so very beautiful, thank you for sharing. I’ll raise my glass tonight and relish the memories. I was blessed enough to have met and seen the band live on stage many times, and I am so grateful for that. Jeff and his music will always have that very special place in my heart.
I never had that chance to see him perform live. His magical touch came to me through listening to CBC radio. So many good episodes of his show! What a talent for music in general!
Thank you Joe. Be well.
I do have a really rare photo of Jeff and me backstage at a concert he did at the 2nd Annual Rock n Blues Festival at the Phoenix Amphitheater in Pontiac, MI on August 7, 1994 where we opened for him. I was able to visit Jeff at his bathurst club, and then the roadhouse club on Blue Jay Way that he played many times at. Just a wonderful guy. Let me know where I can send you a copy.
Hi Michael!
We’d love to see it! Feel free to send it to us at contact@jeffhealey.com
Thanks!
Rog
I send eternal condolences to everyone in the Jeff Healey community and especially Joe. He and Tom were equal strong parts of my experiences with JHB.
I listen to Jeff every single day. I have all of his cd’s in my car and he’s number one on my YouTube playlist.. He’s never going to be forgotten in my mind or my heart! Love you, Jeff!!
Which one is your favorite? I know hard but I’m just getting into Jeff, sorry he is gone, I want more than the sound track to road house which is great!!! I need more. Thanks
Remembering Jeff is easy.I do it every day.Sad to see the passing of Tom,as he was just as big a part of the original JHB’.Like most of us,I have nearly everything Jeff Recorded,so life is always Good for me.And playing Jeff on my Radio programs has been a joy for this ole’ Redneck D/J from Down Under’Thanks to Roj and Cristie for what you guys do for the Foundation.Luv Ya’ Work
Tecka’
Words could not express this man’s music energy & soul that not having eyes, he saw so so much more. Feel This!
He did. No question.
Very big loss … I had the immense pleasure of seeing him the last year of his life in Quebec. He is the musician who gave me the most emotion on stage.
I heard angel eyes riding in a cab on woman’s day this week the cab driver was astounded I knew all the words and was singing along he started singing with me it was a beautiful moment I hadn’t heard this song in years honestly and it just felt so good and he’s just that kind of artist that leaves a mark on you I could see him performing with my eyes closed or open when I think of him
Yes, I did it again! Watched Road House for about the 20th time!.. The JHB were perfectly cast for this role. The music was and continues to be amazing.