Musician Jeff Healey dies of cancer

Variol (Farseer) Elmwood · 03-03-2008, 06:17 AM

I didn't even know he was ill:

Rock and jazz musician Jeff Healey died Sunday in a Toronto hospital after a battle with cancer, his publicist said.

He was 41.

Healey's battle with cancer began at age one when he lost his sight due to Retinoblastoma, a rare form of retinal cancer.

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.

But Healey's true love was jazz, the genre that dominated his three most recent albums.

His death came weeks before the release of his first rock album in eight years, his website said.

Mess of Blues is slated for a North American release on April 22.

Much of Healey's commercial success came as the frontman for the Jeff Healey Band, a Juno-winning act that achieved platinum record sales in the United States with the 1988 record See the Light.

Despite deteriorating record sales in the 1990's, Healey kept busy with radio shows on the CBC and a local Toronto jazz station where he spun long-forgotten classics from his personal collection of more than 30,000 vinyl records.

The Grammy-nominated musician is survived by his wife Christie and two children.

Bungleau · 03-03-2008, 11:46 AM

Sad... may he rest in peace.

I always enjoyed his music, and even his cameo singing and playing in Road House.

I didn't know all the background on his blindness... I'm really impressed.

wellard · 03-03-2008, 03:20 PM

That is sad, I bought his first album and he was a very good blues guitarist. The album must have been well over 20 years old now.

pritchke · 03-03-2008, 05:43 PM

Ya, I was just talking about the guy on Friday saying it would be cool to have him in a Guitar Hero Game. The guy was simply amazing to watch play and an inspiration for those with disabilities. I am looking forward to the release of his new album in April and am glad he at least got to finish it.

RIP Jeff!

03-03-2008, 06:17 AM	#1
Variol (Farseer) Elmwood Jack Burton Join Date: May 16, 2003 Location: Dartmouth, NS Canada Age: 58 Posts: 5,634	Musician Jeff Healey dies of cancer I didn't even know he was ill: Rock and jazz musician Jeff Healey died Sunday in a Toronto hospital after a battle with cancer, his publicist said. He was 41. Healey's battle with cancer began at age one when he lost his sight due to Retinoblastoma, a rare form of retinal cancer. 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. But Healey's true love was jazz, the genre that dominated his three most recent albums. His death came weeks before the release of his first rock album in eight years, his website said. Mess of Blues is slated for a North American release on April 22. Much of Healey's commercial success came as the frontman for the Jeff Healey Band, a Juno-winning act that achieved platinum record sales in the United States with the 1988 record See the Light. Despite deteriorating record sales in the 1990's, Healey kept busy with radio shows on the CBC and a local Toronto jazz station where he spun long-forgotten classics from his personal collection of more than 30,000 vinyl records. The Grammy-nominated musician is survived by his wife Christie and two children. __________________ A MAN WHO WANTS FOR NOTHING HAS INFINITE WEALTH. (me)

03-03-2008, 11:46 AM	#2
Bungleau 40th Level Warrior Join Date: October 29, 2001 Location: Western Wilds of Michigan Posts: 11,752	Re: Musician Jeff Healey dies of cancer Sad... may he rest in peace. I always enjoyed his music, and even his cameo singing and playing in Road House. I didn't know all the background on his blindness... I'm really impressed. __________________ B Save Early, Save Often Save Before, Save After Two-Star General, Spelling Soldiers -+-+-+ Give 'em a hug one more time. It might be the last.

03-03-2008, 03:20 PM	#3
wellard Dracolisk Join Date: November 1, 2002 Location: Australia ..... G\'day! Posts: 6,123	Re: Musician Jeff Healey dies of cancer That is sad, I bought his first album and he was a very good blues guitarist. The album must have been well over 20 years old now. __________________ fossils - natures way of laughing at creationists for over 3 billion years

03-03-2008, 05:43 PM	#4
pritchke Bastet - Egyptian Cat Goddess Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: Calgary, AB Age: 49 Posts: 3,491	Re: Musician Jeff Healey dies of cancer Ya, I was just talking about the guy on Friday saying it would be cool to have him in a Guitar Hero Game. The guy was simply amazing to watch play and an inspiration for those with disabilities. I am looking forward to the release of his new album in April and am glad he at least got to finish it. RIP Jeff!

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