Artist Spotlight: Jeff Healey

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Here’s a spotlight on Jeff Healey highlighting his ability to overcome an incredible obstacle and for his great musical talent.

Norman Jeffrey “Jeff” Healey (March 25, 1966 – March 2, 2008):

Jeff was adopted as an infant and raised in Canada. Right out of the gate Jeff had to deal with circumstances that most of us will never endure. At only eight months old he had lost his eyes to a cancer called Retinoblastoma.

Jeff fought cancer his whole life and finally lost the battle at the age of 41. But the music that he has left behind will never be forgotten.

Jeff picked up a guitar at the tender age of 3. He had actually,” accidentally” laid the instrument across his lap and began to play it. This technique actually became his signature style.

By the time he was six, the young musician was already playing gigs. Early in his career, Jeff hosted a local radio program called “My Kinda Jazz” featuring his own jazz and blues record collection. Jeff had collected over 30,000 78-rpm records of various jazz and blues artist.

Shortly after, Jeff started playing in clubs including the famous Albert’s Hall where he was discovered by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert Collins. He was signed to Arista records in 1988.

Guitarist, singer, song writer and even trumpet player, Healey has made his mark as an inspirational musician.

Jeff is probably most famous for his role in the movie Road House where he and his band played in the club where Patrick Swayze was the bouncer. Also, his version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps showcases Jeff’s outstanding guitar playing and vocals.

Favorite guitars – Squier JV Series Stratocasters

Video:

Jeff plays the end solo, watch this unusual but incredible technique.