Remembering Jeff Healey

I've been meaning to write this for a while now. Jeff Healey was one of the first truly GREAT guitarists I had the fortune of seeing perform live, and he was hugely influential on me at a very influential time. The band Mac and I were in during our senior year of high school did a version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" based loosely on Jeff's version, and that was a massive inspiration to how I approach guitar solos.

A friend of mine and I were on the front row when Jeff played at a small venue in Atlanta. It was LOUD. Jeff Healey and his band were amazing. He even had a laser that he utilized to wonderful results. I was completely blown away, to the point that I was still reeling when he was talking in between songs. I didn't hear what he said, but whatever it was had everyone laughing. I turned to my friend and said "What did he just say?"

Then the eyes of this Canadian blues guitar wizard fixed right on me, which was pretty unsettling considering the dude was blind. Apparently the joke had been of a sexual nature, and Jeff decided to use the moment to embarrass me in public. "It's OK kid. You'll figure it out one day." The place exploded in laughter. They were all laughing at my expense, but I didn't care. Jeff Healey talked to me from stage. And I'll never forget it.

Years later, as God's blessed me with the opportunity to be onstage myself, I always remember the impact that words can have on those who look up to you for whatever reason. I know I'm not perfect, but I try to encourage people whenever I can, especially young people who might be aspiring musicians like I was that night in Atlanta.

Jeff was a legend, and truly one of a kind. He will be missed.

Comments

[Kevin]

Mark, thanks for that tribute to Jeff. His music, guitar playing and singing had impact on my dating life as one of my favorite songs I ever sang to my now wife when we first started dating in 1988 was "Angel Eyes" and then "Lost In Your Eyes". I love how he wrote those beautifully poignant lyrics and had a hit album called "See The Light" and he was blind. Great talent and I'm glad to know he was an inspiration for you. Me too. He'll be missed.

[rr4jcgomer]

Mark,
Just thought I'd share an insight with you.
The impact that Jeff Healey had on you when you saw him in Atlanta is the same impact that YOU have on your fans. I've seen you live a few times, met you in Plymouth, MA with Shawn Lewis, and will always remember YOUR kindness towards your fans. Just don't ever lose that. You can never fully understand the impact your life has on others. Little things DO matter...so thanks for your art and for staying real.
Reg Rose

[Melanie]

What a beautiful tribute and a great memory.

--Melanie

[Derek]

I meant "thanks" in a good way, btw.

[Derek]

Dude, I was there at that show... center stage, wasn't it?

Jeff Healey's first album held an enormous influence on me early on as well. Jeff Healey was the reason the first effect I bought for my first cheap crappy guitar setup was a crybaby wah pedal. I still love to jam on many of the blues riffs from that album.

I didn't even know about the cancer... very, very sad. Thanks for bringing it up.