The amazing blind guitarist, Jeff Healey, died of lung cancer last Sunday at age 41 in Toronto, Canada.
Jeff lost his eyesight when he was only a year old due to retinoblastoma, a rare form of cancer that affects the eyes. Two years later he received his first guitar and while attending a school for the blind, learned how to play. Eventually he developed his own unique lap style way of playing because he found it to be more comfortable.
His music covered a variety of genres including blues, rock and jazz. It’s easy to see the influences that Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix had on his playing by watching the video above.
Jeff Healey Band
The Jeff Healey Band hit their peak in the 1980s and produced a platinum selling record called “See the Light.” They also played on the soundtrack for a motion picture called “Road House,” featuring actor Patrick Swayze, during this period. In 1990 the readers of Guitar Player magazine voted Jeff Healey best blues guitarist and best new talent.
Jeff Healey was a talented guitarist and an inspirational artist to say the least. His struggle with cancer did not prevent him from achieving his dreams and providing a legacy all musicians can aspire to.
To learn more go to: http://www.jeffhealey.com/
Until next time…
Keep practicing!
guitarcoach
