2016 Inductee: Jeff Healey

Written by Chuck Jackson

I would just like to say what an honor it is to be here to induct one of our country’s greatest performers, and my friend, Jeff Healey… a guitar genius, a voice most singers would kill for, a trumpet player who played traditional jazz with notes from the past, an actor, a DJ, a family man and a humanitarian!

I’ve known Jeff for over 25 years and we’ve played and jammed together at most of the blues bars in the GTA including many times at his club “Healey’s.” We were lucky enough to have Jeff here at the Southside Shuffle as a guest performer with Downchild as well as both of his bands ‘The Jazz Wizards’ and ‘The Jeff Healey Blues Band’.

I remember the first time I hired Jeff to be a guest at my house gig at ‘Heads or Tails’ in Etobicoke. We agreed on a price far lower than he was worth, but he said he would as long as he didn’t have to sing “Angel Eyes.” That’s why I loved Jeff so much, he never allowed his fame to keep him from playing the blues and jazz that was his passion… anytime, anywhere!

Jeff was one of the world’s great blues guitarists, who he played on his lap and in the heat of the night would stand up and bring the audience to thunderous applause. He performed with many legendary musicians including The Allman Brothers, Bonnie Rait, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Buddy Guy, BB King, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton… and of course Chuck Jackson… Sorry folks I just had to throw that one in there!

He was a jazz aficionado, with one the largest 78 Jazz collections in the world. Jeff also hosted his own radio show, ‘My Kind of Jazz’ on CBC as well as Jazz FM.91.

Jeff had a wonderful sense of humor and he and I would joke a lot on stage. I remember one night at his club, Healey’s I told him I was sorry I drank a little too much the last time I was there but thanks a lot for the ride home… the only problem was you dropped me off at the wrong house! He replied, without skipping a beat “Well, you were the one giving me the directions!”

Jeff was also a great humanitarian. He was an advocate for literacy and participated in CNIB charity events. Jeff also raised money for childhood cancer research…more specifically “Daisy’s Eye Cancer Fund”, now known as “We C Hope” or the “World Eye Cancer Fund”… this one has always been close to the family as Jeff’s son Derek was born with ‘retinoblastoma’… the same cancer that took Jeff’s eyesight. Their research and treatment are the reason Derek is healthy, has his full eyesight, and is cancer-free today!

At this time, I would like to welcome Jeff’s family here today, his Dad, Bud, his step-mom Rose, his sister Laura, his wife Cristie, and his son Derek. Unfortunately, his daughter Rachel, could not be here today.

It is with great honour, that on this day, September, 10th 2016, I welcome Jeff Healey to the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame!