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Jeff Healey Obituary
Healey died Sunday evening in a Toronto hospital, said bandmate Colin Bray, who was in the room with Healey's family when the guitarist died.
The Grammy-nominated Healey rose to stardom as the leader of the Jeff Healey Band, a rock-oriented trio that gained international acclaim and platinum record sales with the 1988 album "See the Light." The album included the hit single "Angel Eyes."
Healey had battled cancer since age 1, when a rare form of retinal cancer known as Retinoblastoma claimed his eyesight.
Due to his blindness, Healey taught himself to play guitar by laying the instrument across his lap.
His unique playing style, combined with his blues-oriented vocals, earned him a reputation as a teenage musical prodigy. He shared stages with George Harrison, B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Bray said he and many others expected the guitarist to rally from this latest illness.
"I don't think any of us thought this was going to happen," Bray said. "We just thought he was going to bounce back as he always does."
Healey had undergone numerous operations in recent years to remove tumors from his lungs and leg.
Bray and fellow bandmate Gary Scriven remembered their frontman as a musician of rare abilities with a generous nature and wicked sense of humor.
Healey's true love was jazz, the genre that dominated his three most recent albums.
His love of jazz led him to host radio shows in Canada where he spun long-forgotten numbers from his personal collection of over 30,000 vinyl records.
His death came weeks before the release of his first rock album in eight years.
"Mess of Blues" is slated for a North American release on April 22.
He is survived by his wife, Cristie, and two children.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
950 Entries
Amanda King
October 7, 2024
Awesome bluesman and there will never be another quite like you. Rest in peace Jeff. God only takes the best.
Amanda King
October 7, 2024
Awesome musician and performer. I first got to see you in the movie Roadhouse with Patrick Swayze. I still have the movie, and your music is on my YouTube playlist under Blues. You were a true bluesman and boyy could you play that dobro. There will never be anyone else like you, and you are gone far too soon. Love you and miss you and know that you would have made many more movie appearances. I also wish I could have seen you in concert. Rest in God's loving arms until we all meet you on the peaceful shores of heaven.
MILLARD Thompson
October 26, 2023
HE WAS A GREAT SINGER SO MISSED
Kenny Painter
October 24, 2023
I love your band
How you can show support
Linda Brown
August 17, 2023
My favourite song of Jeff's is 'When The Night Comes Falling From The Sky'. I still play this song all the time. He was a rare talent ♥
Lindsey O'Connell
July 12, 2023
Such a loss to the music world
Carolyn Lindgren
March 19, 2023
Jeff, U were an incredible musician , beautiful person & very talented man. When I listen to Angel Eyes, tears roll down my face & I get a lump in my throat thinking of what a great loss without having u here with us & your beautiful wife & children. We all loved u then , now & forever u will be in our hearts. See u on the other side
David
March 7, 2023
Peace
Cynthia Harmes
January 12, 2023
An icon gone to soon, started listening to his band in the late 80s and still listen to this date. He got his wings as soon as he got to heaven. RIP and keep playing
Cynthia Harmes
January 12, 2023
An icon gone to soon, started listening to his band in the late 80s and still listen to this date. He got his wings as soon as he got to heaven. RIP and keep playing
Barry Selvey
December 15, 2022
A Legend Has Earned His Angel Wings,But I Still Listen To His Music...Amen Brother
Franca Ioannou
May 23, 2022
Had one of his CDs.
Best version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
A special soul, talented and he is missed.
Tamara Sterling
December 17, 2021
Someone showed me his music last year I was so moved
Heidi Constantinides Kokkalis
December 17, 2021
Thought of you today and smiled. Profoundly wise, wonderfully grounded, spiritually light years ahead - how your vibes filled us with joy! Grateful to have been in your amazing aura, beautiful man!
Laurie Stein
June 30, 2021
It is the eve of Canada Day 2021. In reviewing my iPod tunesI found Confidence Man. After a listen, I had to come by and say hello and thank you to Jeff. A 'wonder'ful person and extraordinary musician who blessed all of our lives forever ~ His remarkable talent and his life ~ in thought, so much to remind us about how to live and celebrate life ~ blessings to your family today
Saundra Deeley
May 27, 2021
Loved Jeff...just doesnt get any better!
Chris Tanner
December 11, 2020
Beautiful man and singer I saw him on Road House! Amazing talent on guitar!! VAYA CON DIOS. Jeff
joseph Richards
August 11, 2020
I am still referring to his great music and style of playing guitar.
Amy Aggadi
August 2, 2020
I am a big fan of jeff I am sadden by his death. God Bless his family
Terry Zeiger
July 8, 2020
An Amazing person,musician and Songwriter that played his Guitar with a Fire,Always remembered.
Tammy Rivard
May 12, 2020
RIP Jeff u rocked angel eye's. For ever on my heart that mine and my husband song
Russ Castiglia
April 16, 2020
Touching, how he'd make humorous comments about his blindness. I still revisit his music from time to time.
Colt Louvin
March 24, 2020
Jeff.
You were an original man.
I remember the very fitst time I heard you play and I knew instantly that you were very special in a very awesome way.
Luv u and miss ya brother and fellow musician.❤
Freddy Corey
March 13, 2020
Love You Jeff Healey. You are an Amazing Person and Artist. Love Your Music. You are Great!
Kelly Jones
March 13, 2020
Still missin you BRO!!
Teresa Hartman
March 10, 2020
WE ARE ALL BLESSED/GIVEN A PASSION/GIFT,TALENT...EVEN THOSE BORN WITH ADVERSITY..AMAZING, TO BECOME AN OVERACHIEVER AND EXCEL WITH THEIR GIFT...SOME GO THRU LIFE SEEARCHING...OTHERS NEVER REALIZE...N THEN THOSE WHO STRUGGLE, BECOMING N ACHIEVING THEIR GIFT(S)...AS A FAVORITE...ROADHOUSE..AS MANY FAVORITE MOVIES..CURIOSITY LED ME TO RESEARCH THE CURRENT STATS OF ACTORS...LEARNING JEFF HAD PASSED ON..TO A BETTER LIFE...WAS DEVASTATING...AS WE GROW OLDER...N TIME PASSES BY...WE REFLECT UPON THOSE CHERISHED SOULS...KNOWING THEY HAD LEFT AN IMPRINT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN...N EACH TIME I WATCH THEIR APPEARANCES IN THE MOVIES...ONCE AGAIN...THEY ARE PRESENT....WITH DEEP ADMIRATION...N SADNESS..BUT OPTIMISTIC..WE MAY ALL MEET AGAIN....N ENJOY THE PRESENCE N SPLENDORED GIFT OF YOUR MUSIC....AND ALL THOSE WE LOVE N LEFT US TOO SOON....BEST WISHES TO YOU N PATRICK SWAYZE...FOR Y'ALL EXCELLED A LIFE WELL LIVED..N BEYOND....
maggie c
March 7, 2020
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Marie Garcia
March 2, 2020
He died way too early he had the most sultry voice Ive ever heard and he could play a guitar like there was no tomorrow the world lost a lot that day youre still missed after 12 years your music will play on for the young and the old and everyone in between just wanted you to know you are still missed you are still loved and the world robbed us of a fantastic talentedGenius like you
Jeff Healey: A beautiful artist with a soulful vision to lift spirits to new and better heights
March 2, 2020
Chrisstiana Dowling
March 2, 2020
What an Angel Jeff was and I believe lives on to be. An exceptional artist that moved my spirit in such a positive, encouraging way. I will always remember the first time I heard his amazing voice and how at a down time in my life, he lifted my spirits up and brought insight to my soul, carrying my spirit forward, into the light. I love you Jeff, always and thank you. Chrisstiana
Lia Simms
February 4, 2020
Today. Out of the blue, I thought of the song, Angel Eyes. Had to hear it and the tears came. After all these years, I miss Jeff Healey. Always was and will be my all time favorite. You were there during my teenager years and I will never forget you and that amazing voice that made a lot of teenage girls fall in love with you. You were singing Angel Eyes to all of us and we have never forgotten.
Heather Hall
January 11, 2020
I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff on a couple of different occasions in Memphis. Truly a caring, humble and talented man.
Gordon Montgomery
December 28, 2019
Watching Roadhouse tonight and it made me remember what a talent Mr. Healey was. I was saddened to learn of his death. It seems the good ones tend to leave us to soon. God Bless
BOB Nabors
December 27, 2019
First of all;my heartfelt condolences to the surviving family.Good music has dominated my 78 years of listening pleasure.I have never been so impressed by an ARTIST such as he was.I Just recently came across his band watching " roadhouse".I stayed up until 2:00 am searching everything I could find concerning he and his band.He is truly one of the world's finest.That music will live forever in the hearts of us all.May GOD bless his wonderful soul and spirit....BOB ( Dec.27-2019 ) USA
Cylon Coffee Cake
December 20, 2019
Jeff was a very special person and now I'm glad he can see~!!
Kara Sheldon
November 2, 2019
This guy right here was a inspration! Listening to his music right now! So sad may god rest his beautiful soul.. I know he Is living It up. Jamming away with every musician that passed and looking down on all of Us.. R.I.P
Shannon Thompson
October 23, 2019
Such an inspiring, amazing, talented, beautiful, & humble man!! Whatever it was that he was supposed to do here on earth, he had definitely done!! Now he spreads his wings & soars with ALL of GOD'S Angels!! Thank you for your beautiful being!! R.I.P. Jeff ~ May God Bless his family, friends, & fans today, tomorrow, & always!!
Francis Piotrowski
October 1, 2019
Great artist who had a hard life but still changed the world. RIP. Thank you for all you have given.
Esther-Joy Sanchez
September 25, 2019
Angel Eyes and Jeff Healey will always have a very special place in my heart.
Debbie Philbrick
September 6, 2019
Rest in Peace,Angel Eyes❤
Helene Kabay
August 18, 2019
Gone too soon and the world weeps from the loss of a brilliant man. Missing you to this day and may you RIP Angel Eyes. Loved you then and love you still.
Kay Allen
August 13, 2019
Jeff, I know your hardships were very hard while on Earth, but my respect for you is boundless. Thanks for your wonderful music. My prayers go to your wife and children who I know still miss you even now. RIP
Meg White
August 3, 2019
RIP Angel Eyes xo
Stephani Cadena
July 25, 2019
May the Lord continue to wrap his loving arms around you in the heavens above.
Joseph Binion
June 20, 2019
One of the best. God bless him and his family. Still listen to him today and forever. True Hero.
josephine tyree
June 1, 2019
I will see you....on the 'other' side soon... I just found out ... our loss an heaven's gain... Angel Eyes was sung to me on an evening I endured heartbreak. Your words healed me.
Joey Tennis
May 17, 2019
Jeff Healey.....what "can" truly be said? He was a true "original" to say the very least! Jeff overcame his personal and physical setbacks only to excel in the one area of his true passion in life which (aside from his family) was music I believe. As a fellow musician, I was encouraged by Jeff and his long sought after and well deserved musical accomplishments, and very saddened by his sudden departure. You will always be remembered and respected my friend.
Bob Marsini
May 15, 2019
Jeff Healey was a greatest guitarist as Jeff Beck, or as the late grwayze said to Jeff who played Cody in the movie "Roadhoseeat B.B. King. I loved the line that Patrick Swayze sid to Jeff (played Cody) which was: You play pretty good for a Blind white boy & Jeff replied to Patrick Swayze (Dalton) yeah & I thought you would be bigger. Jeff was self taught the guitar & he was amazing, missed a lot.God Bless you Jeff Healey in heaven. Peace brother.
Theresa Stoker
April 14, 2019
Prayers great singer and unfortunately cancer hits so many. Love his music still.
Hershel Poe
April 1, 2019
I will always miss you and your great music. You are a true legend to music. Deepest sympathy to your wife and family
Even after 11 year's it's still very hard for everyone. God bless Rest in peace brother. Hershel Poe Taunton Ma.
Ellen Westerman
March 31, 2019
My condolences to his wife and children. I enjoyed his music.
D. Barch
March 8, 2019
Your eyes may not have shown much to you, Jeff, but when I saw them, I could see into them the endless depth of a musical passion, and they said that you were a happy man for it.. Funny how life goes. All of your work will be around far beyond any of our lives, and then some. You were a success. Any more of you would have just been icing on the already dressed cake. Be well in eternity brother.
Larry Bridges
March 7, 2019
Rest In Peace may god bless you and keep you close your music is surely missed
March 3, 2019
R.i.h.....love u in roadhouse keep making good music up in heaven
Tim Peters
February 27, 2019
You were amazing
Patrick Hodge
February 7, 2019
Just dedicated Angel Eyes to my friend Andrea...thank you Jeff and I hope youre playing for the Angels now...Rest in Peace Brother!!
Valerie Hammock
January 29, 2019
You beautiful and talented man. Everytime i see roadhouse i cry a lil tear
Carmen White
January 26, 2019
Just watched the movie Roadhouse. I always liked the way Jeff Healey played his guitar. I was wondering what ever happened to him so I just Googled and saw that he passed away. I was so sorry to read that. I'm sure Jeff is still playing his music up in Heaven. Can you imagine the band Heaven has...
Rest In Peace Jeff...
Your Fan...Carmen White
Stacey Hoon
January 24, 2019
Never realized what a talent this world list. I hope he had a happy life.
Roxann Brasier
January 21, 2019
He was an amazing and very talented artist. Play for all of the angels.
Alicia Freeman
January 19, 2019
Guess God needed to see your "Angel Eyes". Must be quite a choir in Heaven! You are missed.
Marie Garcia
January 16, 2019
You die way to soon.The talent you had a fantastic sultry voice the world lost a lot of the day he died I listen to your music every day I watch a DVD my son likes your music and hes 16 years old you touch the world you are greatly missed
Mimi Patterson
January 12, 2019
Blessed singer. I enjoyed his music and extremely talented way. Rest In Peace, Jeff.
Kimberly Haigh
January 11, 2019
Passed up seeing Jeff years ago the night before a trip to Niagara Falls. Huge mistake. Months later he was gone. :( Rest in peace my talented friend.
Dana Mayers
December 21, 2018
Gone...but not forgotten! Just heard Stuck in the middle with you. God needed to hear your music! ♥
Mary Brader
November 14, 2018
Wonderful, bright, talented. A bright light that shone on this world for all too brief a time. We will cherish all of yourself that you shared with us in this life. You surely made the "big time" now, as you are now in the chorus of God's angels. Thank you for your great contributions to the music industry and to humanity, in general. The world was a much better place while you were in it. Thank you for sharing your heart and soul and making this world a more loving place while you were here. Your talent, kindness, generosity and Grace will live on for all eternity. Your legacy will never be forgotten.. ..til we meet again.. thank you
Ramona Roberts
November 11, 2018
Just watched Roadhouse. Love to you and Patrick Swayze.
Marie Cobb-garcia
October 23, 2018
I truly feel that the world lost an amazing guitarist and amazing voice I love all your songs that's what they say and Angel eyes just cuts right through the heart The world has truly truly lost a great talent a beautiful voice and tremendously good guitar player I myself my father was Blinded as young age and my father learned to play many many instruments and you had a tremendous talentI just love hearing your music watching your videos and listen to your voice I have a 14-month-old granddaughter who constantly reminds the road house just to watch you and listen to you
Nancy Sprouse
October 22, 2018
This man was, is and will always be amazing talent! Love his voice .Sorry we lost him at such a young age. It's really true......."Only the good die young"
jonathan downey
October 17, 2018
Forever your song will live in my soul. We all miss you you were taken from us way too soon.
Porter Chilton
October 15, 2018
Wonderful musician and a great talent missed to this day.
Baby Wyatt Douglas Bang
Dennis Bang
October 11, 2018
Jeff,
You left us all with your messages of love and understanding.
God Bless You
Carol Neff
September 16, 2018
I heard Angel Eyes today. So beautiful . I played it several more times. What a talent....... gone way too soon.......
Aimee & Pete
August 31, 2018
Gone too soon, full of talent and what an amazing voice you have. Hope you're singing up there in Heaven. We are watching you in Road House right now.
August 28, 2018
Loved your music!
Kristi W
August 9, 2018
Still such a huge loss...
Gator Steve
August 1, 2018
What a great talent. Should have been bigger. What an amazing guitar player. Unique in every way. Just picked up Mess of Blues.....Outstanding! Lost way too soon. RIP Jeff. You will be missed but not forgotten.
July 30, 2018
RIP
Joy Adams
July 28, 2018
Jeff will always be remembered I love his music it's so sad he left this Earth too soon rest in peace Jeff
Penny Lang
July 27, 2018
Still listen to your music and I always will rip jeff
Penny Lang
July 27, 2018
Still listen to your music and I always will rip jeff
Christina Gann
July 26, 2018
Gone way to soon i love everything i have ever heard by jeff .Great singer actor guitar player.i miss you . your music will live forever
Cinna Lee
July 22, 2018
U will always be loved & missed.
Connie Chisholm
July 6, 2018
I've always loved to hear him sing. He has a beautiful voice. You are singing with the Angels Jeff. You will always be remembered. God Bless you...
Erica
July 5, 2018
Always.....
Erica
July 5, 2018
I fell in love with this man a looooong time ago, and miss him dearly to this day. His wonderfully talented contributions to the music industry will live forever! A most humble person with a beautiful heart and infectious smile and energy!
Patty Beck
July 3, 2018
Xoxo
Patty Beck
July 3, 2018
I miss the thought of the wonderful music you never got the chance to share with us. You are and will always be one of my favorite musicians. Thank you. Rest In Peace.
Bryan Pientka
June 22, 2018
I will always remember the early days of his life. Great person & great music. He will be missed. God bless him & his family.
Doug Ferguson
June 15, 2018
Never forget him or his contributions.
June 11, 2018
Loved him in Road House. His talent will surely be missed by many Guitar players and musicians alike. Rest in peace, you left a big pair of shoes to fill
Karen Bilyk
June 10, 2018
This is one musican, I've been listening 4 yrs. I love his attuide nothing was gonna stop him from being the best musician he could be. I will continue 2 support this legend.
Kristi Rollins
June 1, 2018
Jeff healey good actor in road house love that movie when night comes falling is my favorite song .Roadhouse was a great movie he played a role Dalton friend Patrick swayze is also an good actor never knew Jeff but I like all his songs
Chris McCoy
June 1, 2018
His sessions with Stevie and his appearence on Letterman were epic but the Carson show was one of the greatest musical performances in history!!! Johnny was blown away as well he should have been. Saw him once at the Purple Onion in Oshawa Ontario and it was incredible.....Wow he was so good. RIP Jeff.
Shannon White
May 9, 2018
Jeff was so talented, his song Angel Eyes is one of my most favorite songs and I am sure he is in Heaven and is singing in the heavenly angels choir, RIP, gone way to soon
Sheila Littleton
May 3, 2018
I remember hearing Angel Eyes the first time. The voice of Jeff Healy was wonderful. I watched the end of Road House today and there was Jeff. I did not know he had passed away. I am so very sorry.
Genia S.
May 2, 2018
I remember when I was a teenager and I first heard Angel Eyes. I will never ever forget the beauty of that song. Jeff was an inspiration to so many teaching us all that cancer cannot keep you down unless you let it. I watched Roadhouse with my son tonight. And it brought back so many memories of a man so full of life and definitely love for his friends family and fans. I hope that you fly high and free Jeff and that your voice will always be heard on the Wind as you sing and play in that Heavenly Choir. Fly high fly free to one of the greatest and well-loved musicians of his time.
Renée Issa
April 27, 2018
I had the honor of working alongside Jeff on the set of Road House. And later watching him perform in Seattle Washington. He was a first class gentleman in every way.
Gone far too soon.
Rest in peace Jeff.
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