Jeff Healey March 25th 1966 - March 2nd 2008

It was with shock and surprise that I read

"Jeff Healey, arguably one of the most distinctive guitar players of our time, died today (Sunday March 2) in St. Joseph's Hospital, Toronto. He was 41, and leaves his wife, Cristie, daughter Rachel (13) and son Derek (three), as well as his father and step-mother, Bud and Rose Healey, and sisters Laura and Linda."

I was aware that Jeff was ill, but not how serious it had become.

It was only last week that i reviewed his forthcoming album "Mess Of Blues" is which I described him as the leader of arguable the best bar band in the world.Blind since a young age, he lost his eyes to cancer, the illness that would eventually beat him, Jeff was a truly talented and gifted guitar player, taking his music through rock and blues and into jazz.

An appearance in the film "Roadhouse" gave him a stage on which to build and worldwide recognition followed. Jeff was probably at his happiest at home and in his blues club, where all the top names came to play.

Jeff was just 41, he'd achieved so much in his relatively short lifetime and there would have been so much more to come. Our thoughts are with Jeff's family and friends.

---