It's rare when someone can overcome as much as Jeff Healey did in his life and yet still manage to become as famous and well known as he did. From the time he was age one, when a rare form of cancer called Retinoblastoma claimed his eyesight, he bravely fought the disease.
I still remember the year 1989 very well. Scott Shannon had come over from New York to launch "Pirate Radio" 100.3 FM out here in Los Angeles, and though it was a HUGE success initially, the station (and the Rock 40 type format) didn't have legs, and Shannon was back in New York just a couple of years later. Scott brought many great artists to the attention of L.A. radio listeners, and one of those was Jeff Healey. Healey's single, "Angel Eyes" was one of Scott's personal favorites and he helped get the ball rolling in helping it become a HUGE hit. By August of that year, "Angel Eyes" was a top 10 national pop hit, peaking at #9 on Radio & Records' pop chart. Jeff's album "See The Light" went Platinum. He went on to be nominated for a Grammy award for that work.
Sadly, the cancer finally got the best of Jeff last night, and he succumbed to the disease after a 40 year battle. He leaves behind a wife, two children and also an album of new music entited Mess Of Blues which is scheduled for an April 22nd release. Jeff Healey was the epitome of someone with strength, courage, perseverance and a never-say-die attitude. He will sorely be missed. You can leave messages and condolences and read the messages others have left here:
Jeff Healey Wishes
Rest In Peace, Jeff.
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