He wasn't just legally blind. He had cancer in his eyes as a child, and they were removed. He played guitar like that because after surgery, he was given a full-sized guitar, but his hands weren't big enough to get around the neck. He laid it on his lap, and never turned back. Total beast!!!!!
I hadn't known about this particular explanation, but more generally, isn't lap-style a minor but well known option for guitar? or is it really true that literally only Jeff Healey ever played that way? regardless, what then amazes me most is he could also play standing up with a shoulder strap! that's two completely different sets of hand-finger muscle memories.
Jeff had both of his eyes surgically removed as a young child due to a rare cancer. Those eyes are not real. He was not just legally blind but completely without vision. I believe he saw the world through his music. Love your channel Mr. Palmisano! Thank you so much.
Debate to your hearts delight, though Jeff’s vision was indeed unreal. Dare I say light years ahead of his time here on earth. Jeff Healey will always be a real one. My heart’s always yours. 💙 Rest In Peace. 💙
Forget about being blind. He is top tier with SRV as far as musicality, creativity, and technique, let alone tone. Probably top 5 blues players in history.
I had the pleasure of meeting him on the Subway in Toronto on two occasions. I was heading to the major music store after my classes finished for the day. I asked him if he would like some help negotiating the station (stupid me, he probably didn't). I asked him where he was heading to and it was to Long & McQuade where I was going to buy some Saxophone reeds. I helped him across the street to the store to the guitar section. He said thanks man, but I'm actually going upstairs to the Band Department. I asked what he needed up there and he told me some trumpet stuff and he was a big jazz fan. I heard him pick up a trumpet and he shred that horn like a monster. My jaw dropped to the floor. He was such as kind and gentle soul and a warming and unassuming presence to be in the company of. A truly remarkable human being. I miss him and so does the Toronto music community.
A wonderful memory @Ian Whatmough. Thanks for sharing. I also saw Jeff Healey in Toronto when he opened for Jeff Beck and Stevie Ray Vaughan at the Skydome in 1989. What a show!
Mentioned this before. He officially had one of the biggest jazz and blues record collections in the world and it he could play all sorts of the instruments masterfully. I missed several opportunities of seeing him jam in the smallest if bars in out Queen Street East beaches area here in Toronto every Thursday. My girlfriend lived across the street and saw him there several times. By the time she told me about the blind guy who came in and jammed with whoever was there. It was already to late. Never came back. She said he would mostly show up with wind instruments. U have to understand how small this place is. The stage was a spot on the floor and was just a 6x6 space right by the door. Musicians were surprised and honored to have him sit in. Man! I would have been there every Thursday to see him! 😂 I did go by every Thursday for quite some time, but he never came back. Damn!
The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long. As is too often the case, the best there ever was is taken from us far too soon. Man, how he burned so brightly while he was here. A Canadian treasure.
He just left me here to cry.... Seriously, I got misty... All disabilities aside, he had hands down the best blues voice ever.... Rest in peace Jeff Healey... Our love will follow you, as the years go passing by... 🙏
Jeff is a Canadian legend. It's hard to believe he's been gone for 13 years now. I remember being a teenager in the 90's, trying my best to learn my way around the fretboard to play Jeff Healey and Colin James licks, the first time I saw Jeff play and realized he was blind it was an epiphany. His energy was raw and inspiring, and his sense of humour was something else. Great reaction, man! 🤘
He was great! He had a bar in Mississauga, and one day me and a co-worker went for some beers after a job. He was riding around the parking lot playing his trumpet on the back of a golf cart. We ended up talking to him for half an hour. Great guy!
I met Jeff after a gig at the Hammersmith Odeon, London in, er, 1990/91 or so? Just me, sat outside the stage door - bouncer looks out and goes 'Just you? Come on in then'. I got to have a beer with the band and have a chat to Jeff. Such a lovely, lovely (and tall!) guy. By the time we'd all chatted and I was heading to leave, I realised that I'd missed the last tube home from Hammersmith (west London) back into the centre. No problem, we'll give you a ride into town, you can catch a night bus from there. So I got a ride in their tour bus into the middle of London. Sadly missed. Saw him a bunch of times in his early appearances in the UK.
I'm 65 have seen most of the great live. Saw Jeff twice, front row. Totally blown away. Got to go backstage and meet him 2nd time. What an honor. Cried when he left us. RIP Jeff
I had the distinct privilege to see Jeff Healey play while stationed in Germany 🇩🇪 in the 80s. We were a group of Americans in a small German beer haus with approximately 200 Germans. I say we were probably the only 8 Americans in the place because as we stood 10 feet from the stage we were the only ones going bezerk after every song! The rest of the audience simply gave a small round of applaus and a couple of whistles but that was it! Having just watched "Roadhouse" we were ecstatic to see Jeff Healey!! Actually after a couple songs Jeff announced the names of his band mates and as we were screaming and carrying on Jeff point down at us and said'"These people here must be Americans because they are carrying this whole venue so thank you for being here you guys!" I was stunned!! Being recognized by the Great, and I do mean GREAT, Jeff Healey!! It was an incredible evening one which I'll never forget! Taken from us far too soon, I do believe anyone who's witnessed this man master the electric guitar will never forget Jeff Healey!! R.I.P. Jeff!!!!
Jeff Healey has some of the sickest tone and sickest vibrato out there.. Really hard to replicate because of his technique. What an incredible player an incredible loss. Easily one of the most underrated blues players ever who's players ever.
Back in '98 or '99 I saw Jeff in a small club. I was standing about 15' away, jaw on the floor the entire time. It's like my brain didn't want to believe what I was seeing or hearing was real. Midway through the show he handed the reigns to his sideman who tore the house down. Years later I found out that that sideman was none other than Philip Sayce.
Great story. I have a similar experience but with two other great guitarists, who were in similar spots in their careers. Life rips! I love moments like that. Nothing can change my mood like live music. What a gift mankind has given itself. I wish more people experienced moments of this specific nature. Thanks for the share.
I saw SRV in 1986 and Jeff Healey a month later, I love SRV but Healey had jaws on the floor, it was surreal, I’ve never seen anyone blow the roof off a club like that.
Jeff was a complete original. I met him not long after he started jamming with regularity in the Toronto bars like Grossman's, and the Horseshoe among others. We ended up becoming close friends and I managed his band in the early days. Watching him play was always mesmerising. It wasn't long before every notable guitar player in the world was aware of Jeff and many wanted to play with him to see that magic up close. There may never be another quite like him.
Saw him at Grossmans too! It was mind blowing to see such talent in a small venue. The other lasting impression I got was that Grossmans bathrooms were truly gross man!
btw, Do you happen to remember a place he played regularly called 'Rosco's' or something like that? Every Thursday for a time? Early 80's? Just curious. ThX
@@MonsterSound.Bradley I am not aware of a place called Rosco's. He was often jamming at a place on Spadina called Grossman's in the early 80's. That where I met him and first saw him play.
Jeff was the greatest bar room guitar player EVER!! He was perfect for roadhouse because he was a roadhouse showman. I met him a couple times. Dude was totally legit down to earth talking guitar and music. Saw him sit in with bluegrass band with an acoustic at his old bar and killed it on an acoustic and backed a jazz standard female singer another time. True musician.
Thanks Michael for featuring Jeff. What a great video. I was so lucky to see the Jeff Healey Band play live, in a small venue in Shediac, New Brumswick, Canada in the early 90's. I can tell you, I have no words to describe how amazing that experience was. He already had a few hit albums under his belt. They played lots of acoustic, and lots of electric. It was like a baptism. Eye opening, ear opening, soul opening. I didn't want it to end. I left there a different person. Understanding there were other levels to life. Jeff was on an entirely different level. And as great a guitar player as he was, his voice was just as amazing. Speaking, singing... The man was super human. A student of music, jazz, blues. He had his own radio show for awhile. Imagine that gorgeous voice talking to you for an hour or so. He was and always will be a canadian national treasure. R.I.P. Jeff. ❤❤❤
Few guitarists put as much emotion into their playing as Jeff Healey does (or did I suppose). I get goosebumps from almost every song of his…just a stellar performer.
You might not know this if you haven’t listened to many different recordings of him doing the same song, but he was incredible at improvising, too. No song was ever played in exactly the same way twice. It always came straight from the heart. He also never used normal picks, but the bigger bass picks for his play. Thank you for this reaction, he was without doubt one of the greatest of all time.
I miss Jeff Healey and Stevie Ray so much. Not only could these guys play,their vocal ability blows me away.. Great video, now I gotta go watch it again ! 🎸
I am proud to call him a fellow canadian...great example of determination...this man was born to create music...let's not forget no one could teach him how to play like this...he had to find his way.
I met Jeff healey I worked on the building he lived in in Toronto I sat in front of his door a bunch of times lol I knocked to see if I could come in and jam with him he was playing every day mostly jazz he answered talked to me for a half hour I walked with him to his cab he was leaving said I could come in another time I listened for the next week but he wasn’t home seen him play a bunch of times around the Toronto area he was right into jazz played the trumpet and other jazz instruments he played a bunch of times in Hamilton parks for free wat a gem the most underated blues player ever smokes Clapton great video of him and Stevie ray on TH-cam
Jeff Healey is one of my favorite players. Absolutely blows my mind how killer of a player he is, one of my favorite videos of him is him and Stevie playing and he gets so into the groove that he jumps up and starts playing standing up which for him with how he plays is even more impressive lol
I absolutely LOVED your reaction to this. Genuine admiration for someone that was truly a one off. Bravo Sir. May I suggest Jeff Healey, See The Light live in London.
Jeff was a gift!!! Anyone lucky enough to see him play walked away a changed person. I was lucky enough to see him twice before he passed. His playing is absolutely insane and his voice incredible. RIP Jeff Healey heaven is a rocking place
Truly a musical messiah. When I first heard his music, did not realize he was blind, then to find out he played the guitar on his laptop way he did , blew me away! One of a kind.
The look on your face explains how I feel every time I hear live Jeff footage. The sheer joy on his face shows his love for the music, and his tone is legendary
Jeff Healey always blew me away. I truly mourn all the amazing music we’re missing. It’s saddening. Funny you brought up Stevie too. These are the two peeps I miss the most. Jeff does a live version of Blue Jeans Blues that’s kills me every time I play it. Do you really think he made mistakes here? NOPE. You need to listen to more of his music. He doesn’t let you settle into one measure. He keeps you listening to hear every the variant. Cheers from Canader eh!
I heard mistakes. I'd never imagine myself to be even in the same ballpark as him, skillwise; he was absolutely astounding. But he definitely made some mistakes.
I find it Difficult to Control my Emotions…Jeffs Incredible Talent and Emotionally Tasteful Playing…I can’t help my Heart from Fluttering and my Eyes from Crying….What a Tragic Loss…
Only Jeff Healey can make a groan man 'gurn' the way Michael does in this video. Well done Michael you really brightened my day with this one. Jeff was something else.
My parents dragged me along to a blues fest in MI as an infant, I was too young to remember it obviously but I found out years later that Jeff played there. My older brother introduced me to him in middle school and I was like “Dad you gotta check this guy out!” And he’s like oh yeah, you saw him in concert when you were like 1 haha.
Years ago, I saw Jeff open for Little Feat (I'd seen Little Feat before, so I was really there to catch Jeff's set), and, good Lord, his phrasing was incredibly tight and clever, and the vibrato he used with that overhand fretting style was so wicked it was mind-blowing. So much talent and heart shining out through the adversity he faced seemed superhuman. I miss Jeff.
His speaking and singing voice are the same. I've loved this beautiful and hugely talented man for decades. This is a great example of that talent. One thing that has always amazed me was how he could suddenly jump up while playing a solo, thrash his head and body around then sit back down without help from anyone else. The vid of him and SRV is a great example.
I grew up in southern Ontario when Jeff was giging. My parents played his albums constantly. Fast forward some years, and I had the absolute gift of doing lights for Jeff at some festival. Had a quick chat with him before and after his show and he was the nicest human ever. He told me the show looked awesome, and that he had enjoyed himself. Wish we all had more time with him.
"What a freakin stud man"! Watching 👀 you, Michael, in real time, reacting & searching & finding the exact location of the notes on the fretboard, while Jeff Healy is "wailing away" is a visual plus ➕️ for getting the most out of your teaching! Thanks for keeping it real, in real time.
Always loved his tone and fire. He was such a good player. Saw him live once and it took me 2 days to come down from the high. Only he and gary Moore did that to me back in Belfast in the 80s. Both those players ripped the skin of your face and beat you to the ground with it. Amazing.
He is amazing…music in his soul goes direct to the instrument. He reached for the stars in developing his talent. He also hosted a great radio broadcast…he was a deep listener and student of all forms of music not just the blues. Very special.
Dude! I been checking TH-cam for YEARS for someone, anyone to give a good hail to this one-in-a-planet's-lifetime WIZARD! I got tears in my eyes to see you acknowledge what I've wanted the world to know ever since he got the scene! Thank you. Miss Jeff so bad!
I had the pleasure of seeing Jeff open for the Allman Brothers Band around 1992. He was simply amazing, got out of his chair and was jumping around playing the guitar. I didn’t hear him make one mistake that night. Glad I got to see him and SRV before they left this world.
Phenomenal. Always loved Jeff's playing, and he always seemed to be happy in the moment. "If there's a rock and roll heaven, well you know they got a helluva band." - The Righteous Brothers
Rest in peace, to one of the best guitarist, that I had the pleasure of growing, watching and hearing him, so underrated, to that level of talent, and with no sight definitely such a refined ear, inspiring. Thank you very much indeed.
Saw Jeff live twice in Manchester, four years apart. He was outstanding both times. Being able to use his thumb in the way that he could gave him a distinct advantage. The best Squier player ever !
I’ve got to watch Jeff twice….. both times I was crying. Never felt the same ….. He even played a jazz standard full blast 💥 He,like Ray Charles skipped bars and go back at the head like nothing . And he had this thing that I don’t care, ..He plays beyond himself
Absolutely love your appreciation for Jeff's brilliance. This is my favourite, "Angel Eyes" being my next favourite. I think he was the best. Imagine what he might have become. He lost his eyes to retinoblastoma(cancer) at age one, and his life to cancer at forty-one. What a loss! He was from my hometown(Toronto). I saw him only once live and loved him from that moment on.
This is GREAT!!! Jeff never thought of blindness as a handicap. He said that being lazy is a handicap. He had a radio show on CBC and had an enormous vinyl collection that he was pleased to share. There is just so much to say about this talent. His guitar teacher wouldn't force Jeff to play in a conventional manner. Told his parents it works and encouraged him. SRV enjoyed playing with him as Jeff took the music to him rather than laying back. Look at Little Sister live with SRV is worth a view. You can't get the slurs because you're holding the guitar wrong:>)
Enjoyed watching your reactions to Jeff's extraordinary guitar wizardry. Was lucky enough to see him perform his wizardry on two occasions. What unforgettable treats they were.
There are a few other reaction videos out on youtube, and all of the reacting guys are, of course, blown away - but beyond pure fascination about a blind man playing such a blasting guitar you're the only one who explains WHY this performance is so great. And not just through your musical knowledge but also through your ability to adequately express your feelings and combine both with kind of philosophical insight. Probably the best reacton I've ever seen. I really appreciate that - keep on doing so!
i had the great fortune to see him live in 1991 in a small venue with about 50 people in the bar..hanging out over top of him playing is something I will never forget...for me at the time he was known as a local hero in the players world even back then..not to mention his Jazz attributes, in that world, even my 85 year old father knows about him as a great all round player, he hosted a local Jazz station show weekly, and in his last show I remember his words saying "hopefully I will all see you next week" .. but he never did .. RIP
Whatever you're playing this through is bringing out EVERYTHING in the song. I've heard this version 50 times and not until now have I heard ALL the inflections in his playing. It's even better than I remembered. Jeff was an incredible musician.
I had such great luck - was on a concert in Berlin/Germany. He played as the special guest beside B.B. King - Live at the Tempodrom. B.B. was telling stories and Jeff Healey smoked the house!
He was a monster for sure. May he rest in peace. If you loose one of your senses, it's amazing how much more keen the others become. We all should practice with our eyes shut. I teach my son to play chords without looking. You'd be amazed at much easier it becomes to execute...NOT to take away from Jeff's amazing talents.
This is one of the most visceral guitar playing I've ever seen, and dare I say as visceral as my lord and savior SRV. Unreal amounts of emotion put in throughout. Especially during the tremolo strum section.
This has been my favourite video of his for years, I have the mp3 of it in rotation on my iPod and will always be stunned by his brilliance. I got to see him live a few times and was blown away each time.
Nice one Michael. I was fortunate enough to see him down here in Sydney Australia a long time ago and he stunned every person who saw him. Not only because of his technique, but also his sound and feel. His playing still moves me to this day. A master.
Love love love that you did this. JEFF was so underrated. And was one the absolute greatest ever! And did it without sight!! Please do the video with him and Stevie Ray Vaughn!! Where he is so into the jam he STANDS UP!!! It's amazing!!
![⭐ฮิตในTikTok!! ( มะมะมะหมูเด้ง MooDeng ) Ver. แดนซ์ ReMix BY [ ดีเจกิต รีมิกซ์ ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4noyAoMa7bQ/mqdefault.jpg)
He wasn't just legally blind. He had cancer in his eyes as a child, and they were removed. He played guitar like that because after surgery, he was given a full-sized guitar, but his hands weren't big enough to get around the neck. He laid it on his lap, and never turned back. Total beast!!!!!
Totally accurate brother imo the best guitarist when the night comes falling my all time favourite song 🙏🏻👏👏👏
I hadn't known about this particular explanation, but more generally, isn't lap-style a minor but well known option for guitar? or is it really true that literally only Jeff Healey ever played that way? regardless, what then amazes me most is he could also play standing up with a shoulder strap! that's two completely different sets of hand-finger muscle memories.
@@jb1934 I only know of one other guitarist who plays that way, another blind Canadian.
damn the protheses look like real eyes then it's nuts
Jeff had both of his eyes surgically removed as a young child due to a rare cancer. Those eyes are not real. He was not just legally blind but completely without vision. I believe he saw the world through his music. Love your channel Mr. Palmisano! Thank you so much.
@@pedrorobertomoraes2904 "His eyes had to be surgically removed, and he was given ocular prostheses", says his Wikipedia page.
Debate to your hearts delight, though Jeff’s vision was indeed unreal. Dare I say light years ahead of his time here on earth. Jeff Healey will always be a real one. My heart’s always yours. 💙 Rest In Peace. 💙
Very sad story what proves there is no God.
@@kipponi This is a channel about enjoying music and talent....Hey buddy, move on
@@pedrorobertomoraes2904 did you just make that up in your head? Check his wiki lol
Forget about being blind. He is top tier with SRV as far as musicality, creativity, and technique, let alone tone. Probably top 5 blues players in history.
Amen brother.
Amen
I had the pleasure of meeting him on the Subway in Toronto on two occasions. I was heading to the major music store after my classes finished for the day. I asked him if he would like some help negotiating the station (stupid me, he probably didn't). I asked him where he was heading to and it was to Long & McQuade where I was going to buy some Saxophone reeds. I helped him across the street to the store to the guitar section. He said thanks man, but I'm actually going upstairs to the Band Department. I asked what he needed up there and he told me some trumpet stuff and he was a big jazz fan. I heard him pick up a trumpet and he shred that horn like a monster. My jaw dropped to the floor. He was such as kind and gentle soul and a warming and unassuming presence to be in the company of. A truly remarkable human being. I miss him and so does the Toronto music community.
A wonderful memory @Ian Whatmough. Thanks for sharing. I also saw Jeff Healey in Toronto when he opened for Jeff Beck and Stevie Ray Vaughan at the Skydome in 1989. What a show!
Mentioned this before. He officially had one of the biggest jazz and blues record collections in the world and it he could play all sorts of the instruments masterfully. I missed several opportunities of seeing him jam in the smallest if bars in out Queen Street East beaches area here in Toronto every Thursday. My girlfriend lived across the street and saw him there several times. By the time she told me about the blind guy who came in and jammed with whoever was there. It was already to late. Never came back. She said he would mostly show up with wind instruments. U have to understand how small this place is. The stage was a spot on the floor and was just a 6x6 space right by the door. Musicians were surprised and honored to have him sit in. Man! I would have been there every Thursday to see him! 😂 I did go by every Thursday for quite some time, but he never came back. Damn!
There actually used to be a video on this site showing Jeff playing trumpet as part of a large ensemble........
@@giserd4889 😱
@@ottokriete1153 Like a boss!
He’s so amazing but his voice needs way more respect. It’s amazing.
True you can even tell when he was talking..
Totally agree he has one of the best voices ever.
His singing voice is also one of a kind and pure passion. Distinct voice plus distinct guitar playing. Legend.
I was gonna say that. It's like caramel has a voice.
The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long. As is too often the case, the best there ever was is taken from us far too soon. Man, how he burned so brightly while he was here. A Canadian treasure.
He was incredible and deserves to be in the hall of fame! Most underrated 🎸of all time! His voice was just a gift also!
He just left me here to cry.... Seriously, I got misty...
All disabilities aside, he had hands down the best blues voice ever....
Rest in peace Jeff Healey... Our love will follow you, as the years go passing by... 🙏
Jeff is a Canadian legend. It's hard to believe he's been gone for 13 years now. I remember being a teenager in the 90's, trying my best to learn my way around the fretboard to play Jeff Healey and Colin James licks, the first time I saw Jeff play and realized he was blind it was an epiphany. His energy was raw and inspiring, and his sense of humour was something else. Great reaction, man! 🤘
He was great! He had a bar in Mississauga, and one day me and a co-worker went for some beers after a job. He was riding around the parking lot playing his trumpet on the back of a golf cart. We ended up talking to him for half an hour. Great guy!
There was only one Jeff Healy God bless you Jeff wherever you are. You died to young. Rest in peace we will never forget you
I met Jeff after a gig at the Hammersmith Odeon, London in, er, 1990/91 or so? Just me, sat outside the stage door - bouncer looks out and goes 'Just you? Come on in then'. I got to have a beer with the band and have a chat to Jeff. Such a lovely, lovely (and tall!) guy. By the time we'd all chatted and I was heading to leave, I realised that I'd missed the last tube home from Hammersmith (west London) back into the centre. No problem, we'll give you a ride into town, you can catch a night bus from there. So I got a ride in their tour bus into the middle of London.
Sadly missed. Saw him a bunch of times in his early appearances in the UK.
I'm 65 have seen most of the great live. Saw Jeff twice, front row. Totally blown away. Got to go backstage and meet him 2nd time. What an honor. Cried when he left us. RIP Jeff
You are so lucky man! I love and miss that Man!
I had the distinct privilege to see Jeff Healey play while stationed in Germany 🇩🇪 in the 80s. We were a group of Americans in a small German beer haus with approximately 200 Germans. I say we were probably the only 8 Americans in the place because as we stood 10 feet from the stage we were the only ones going bezerk after every song! The rest of the audience simply gave a small round of applaus and a couple of whistles but that was it! Having just watched "Roadhouse" we were ecstatic to see Jeff Healey!! Actually after a couple songs Jeff announced the names of his band mates and as we were screaming and carrying on Jeff point down at us and said'"These people here must be Americans because they are carrying this whole venue so thank you for being here you guys!" I was stunned!! Being recognized by the Great, and I do mean GREAT, Jeff Healey!! It was an incredible evening one which I'll never forget!
Taken from us far too soon, I do believe anyone who's witnessed this man master the electric guitar will never forget Jeff Healey!!
R.I.P. Jeff!!!!
Jeff Healey has some of the sickest tone and sickest vibrato out there.. Really hard to replicate because of his technique. What an incredible player an incredible loss. Easily one of the most underrated blues players ever who's players ever.
Back in '98 or '99 I saw Jeff in a small club. I was standing about 15' away, jaw on the floor the entire time. It's like my brain didn't want to believe what I was seeing or hearing was real. Midway through the show he handed the reigns to his sideman who tore the house down. Years later I found out that that sideman was none other than Philip Sayce.
Wow!! Lucky you
Wow
Great story. I have a similar experience but with two other great guitarists, who were in similar spots in their careers. Life rips! I love moments like that.
Nothing can change my mood like live music. What a gift mankind has given itself. I wish more people experienced moments of this specific nature. Thanks for the share.
I saw SRV in 1986 and Jeff Healey a month later, I love SRV but Healey had jaws on the floor, it was surreal, I’ve never seen anyone blow the roof off a club like that.
Saw him in 1991 in Christchurch Town Hall, New Zealand.. yup same outcome.. everyone is speechless after.. WTF.. Jesus
His cover of While My Guitar Gently Weeps just RIPS. Amazing talent
Yup. Seen him do that a couple times in bars. Also love Reelin in the years
George Harrison said it was his favorite version.
Jeff was a complete original. I met him not long after he started jamming with regularity in the Toronto bars like Grossman's, and the Horseshoe among others. We ended up becoming close friends and I managed his band in the early days. Watching him play was always mesmerising. It wasn't long before every notable guitar player in the world was aware of Jeff and many wanted to play with him to see that magic up close. There may never be another quite like him.
Saw him at Grossmans too! It was mind blowing to see such talent in a small venue. The other lasting impression I got was that Grossmans bathrooms were truly gross man!
btw, Do you happen to remember a place he played regularly called 'Rosco's' or something like that? Every Thursday for a time? Early 80's? Just curious. ThX
@@MonsterSound.Bradley I am not aware of a place called Rosco's. He was often jamming at a place on Spadina called Grossman's in the early 80's. That where I met him and first saw him play.
@@coreymihailiuk5189 I remember "Rosco's" as a small dive (smaller than Grossman's) near Dufferin on Bloor W. Fun times.
Jeff was the greatest bar room guitar player EVER!! He was perfect for roadhouse because he was a roadhouse showman. I met him a couple times. Dude was totally legit down to earth talking guitar and music. Saw him sit in with bluegrass band with an acoustic at his old bar and killed it on an acoustic and backed a jazz standard female singer another time. True musician.
Thanks Michael for featuring Jeff. What a great video.
I was so lucky to see the Jeff Healey Band play live, in a small venue in Shediac, New Brumswick, Canada in the early 90's.
I can tell you, I have no words to describe how amazing that experience was. He already had a few hit albums under his belt. They played lots of acoustic, and lots of electric. It was like a baptism. Eye opening, ear opening, soul opening. I didn't want it to end. I left there a different person. Understanding there were other levels to life. Jeff was on an entirely different level. And as great a guitar player as he was, his voice was just as amazing. Speaking, singing...
The man was super human. A student of music, jazz, blues. He had his own radio show for awhile. Imagine that gorgeous voice talking to you for an hour or so.
He was and always will be a canadian national treasure. R.I.P. Jeff. ❤❤❤
Jeff Healey is legendary ❤🤍 Man do I miss him so much ❤🤍
An incredible rendition of this song. He absolutely sizzles with his playing. Crazy talented blues player taken from us all too soon.
Few guitarists put as much emotion into their playing as Jeff Healey does (or did I suppose). I get goosebumps from almost every song of his…just a stellar performer.
You might not know this if you haven’t listened to many different recordings of him doing the same song, but he was incredible at improvising, too. No song was ever played in exactly the same way twice. It always came straight from the heart. He also never used normal picks, but the bigger bass picks for his play. Thank you for this reaction, he was without doubt one of the greatest of all time.
Every musician I know says Jeff Healy was the man.
I miss Jeff Healey and Stevie Ray so much. Not only could these guys play,their vocal ability blows me away.. Great video, now I gotta go watch it again ! 🎸
I am proud to call him a fellow canadian...great example of determination...this man was born to create music...let's not forget no one could teach him how to play like this...he had to find his way.
On top of his phenomenal technique he has a great blues voice! The man is unbelievable.
Jeff Healey "See the Light" is so f'ing good. But glad we got into "As the Years Go Passing By". What an artist.
See the light is fucking crazy
Living in Toronto, I have to say I loved seeing Jeff live at his own club here. Was an incredible trumpet player too. One of the greats.
Was that the Healey Bar? I visited Toronto and saw him there with the Jeff Kane Band ( from memory).
Was a spiritual experience
I met Jeff healey I worked on the building he lived in in Toronto I sat in front of his door a bunch of times lol I knocked to see if I could come in and jam with him he was playing every day mostly jazz he answered talked to me for a half hour I walked with him to his cab he was leaving said I could come in another time I listened for the next week but he wasn’t home seen him play a bunch of times around the Toronto area he was right into jazz played the trumpet and other jazz instruments he played a bunch of times in Hamilton parks for free wat a gem the most underated blues player ever smokes Clapton great video of him and Stevie ray on TH-cam
Jeff Healey is one of my favorite players. Absolutely blows my mind how killer of a player he is, one of my favorite videos of him is him and Stevie playing and he gets so into the groove that he jumps up and starts playing standing up which for him with how he plays is even more impressive lol
I've seen that one and yeah ., the man was/is a legit badass
Thank you for appreciating the most underrated guitarist RIP Jeff
I absolutely LOVED your reaction to this. Genuine admiration for someone that was truly a one off. Bravo Sir.
May I suggest Jeff Healey, See The Light live in London.
Jeff was a gift!!! Anyone lucky enough to see him play walked away a changed person. I was lucky enough to see him twice before he passed. His playing is absolutely insane and his voice incredible. RIP Jeff Healey heaven is a rocking place
Truly a musical messiah. When I first heard his music, did not realize he was blind, then to find out he played the guitar on his laptop way he did , blew me away! One of a kind.
He was only 41 when he died of cancer. What an amazing human being.
The look on your face explains how I feel every time I hear live Jeff footage. The sheer joy on his face shows his love for the music, and his tone is legendary
Jeff Healey always blew me away. I truly mourn all the amazing music we’re missing. It’s saddening. Funny you brought up Stevie too. These are the two peeps I miss the most. Jeff does a live version of Blue Jeans Blues that’s kills me every time I play it. Do you really think he made mistakes here? NOPE. You need to listen to more of his music. He doesn’t let you settle into one measure. He keeps you listening to hear every the variant. Cheers from Canader eh!
I heard mistakes. I'd never imagine myself to be even in the same ballpark as him, skillwise; he was absolutely astounding. But he definitely made some mistakes.
I find it Difficult to Control my Emotions…Jeffs Incredible Talent and Emotionally Tasteful Playing…I can’t help my Heart from Fluttering and my Eyes from Crying….What a Tragic Loss…
Thanks for making this. I had forgotten about him. He should not be forgotten.
That tone was scorched earth. It's hot fire.
I just discovered this guy today, and JUST NOW discovered he's truly blind! Wow what a player!
Only Jeff Healey can make a groan man 'gurn' the way Michael does in this video. Well done Michael you really brightened my day with this one. Jeff was something else.
I saw him perform at the Belly Up Tavern in SoCal in the early nineties and I will never forget that performance- truly blistering and raw!
Dude, Jeff is the reason I started playing guitar. Roadhouse is the best movie because of him.
My parents dragged me along to a blues fest in MI as an infant, I was too young to remember it obviously but I found out years later that Jeff played there. My older brother introduced me to him in middle school and I was like “Dad you gotta check this guy out!” And he’s like oh yeah, you saw him in concert when you were like 1 haha.
Cool story 👍
You gotta react to Jeff and Stevie Ray doing " look at little sister" together.
You'll love it!
Such a magnificent player, unique, one of a kind - never to be repeated. Long live Jeff Healey.
I love how excited you are about his music, really got me into it
Absolutely love Jeff Healey. My dad showed him to me when I was young and I’ve never stopped listening since. Amazing guitarist!
Simply .....The "GREATEST!
Loved Jeffs music for 30 years, finally got to see him live at his Toronto Bar with about 40 other people.... was a spiritual experience ,
RIP King
One of my all time favourite guitarist's and vocalists. Love his music!
RIP Jeff 🙏
Jeff Healey is amazing! thanks for this reaction :)
Years ago, I saw Jeff open for Little Feat (I'd seen Little Feat before, so I was really there to catch Jeff's set), and, good Lord, his phrasing was incredibly tight and clever, and the vibrato he used with that overhand fretting style was so wicked it was mind-blowing. So much talent and heart shining out through the adversity he faced seemed superhuman. I miss Jeff.
His speaking and singing voice are the same. I've loved this beautiful and hugely talented man for decades. This is a great example of that talent. One thing that has always amazed me was how he could suddenly jump up while playing a solo, thrash his head and body around then sit back down without help from anyone else. The vid of him and SRV is a great example.
I grew up in southern Ontario when Jeff was giging. My parents played his albums constantly. Fast forward some years, and I had the absolute gift of doing lights for Jeff at some festival. Had a quick chat with him before and after his show and he was the nicest human ever. He told me the show looked awesome, and that he had enjoyed himself. Wish we all had more time with him.
At the end....your eyes told me all I needed to now about you! Bravo! .....Well done.
Long time fan of Jeff…inspiring….crying
I have never seen this video before, but it's incredible how many people sleep on Jeff Healey in general guitar terms. Excellent video.
"What a freakin stud man"! Watching 👀 you, Michael, in real time, reacting & searching & finding the exact location of the notes on the fretboard, while Jeff Healy is "wailing away" is a visual plus ➕️ for getting the most out of your teaching! Thanks for keeping it real, in real time.
Always loved his tone and fire. He was such a good player. Saw him live once and it took me 2 days to come down from the high. Only he and gary Moore did that to me back in Belfast in the 80s. Both those players ripped the skin of your face and beat you to the ground with it. Amazing.
He is amazing…music in his soul goes direct to the instrument. He reached for the stars in developing his talent. He also hosted a great radio broadcast…he was a deep listener and student of all forms of music not just the blues. Very special.
Jeff was an amazingly talented guy, just a virtuoso on guitar. Saw him play a couple of times in the 90s and he just blew me away. RIP Jeff
Dude! I been checking TH-cam for YEARS for someone, anyone to give a good hail to this one-in-a-planet's-lifetime WIZARD! I got tears in my eyes to see you acknowledge what I've wanted the world to know ever since he got the scene! Thank you.
Miss Jeff so bad!
I had the pleasure of seeing Jeff open for the Allman Brothers Band around 1992. He was simply amazing, got out of his chair and was jumping around playing the guitar. I didn’t hear him make one mistake that night. Glad I got to see him and SRV before they left this world.
Phenomenal. Always loved Jeff's playing, and he always seemed to be happy in the moment. "If there's a rock and roll heaven, well you know they got a helluva band." - The Righteous Brothers
Jeffs my favourite he was so awesome.
Rest in peace, to one of the best guitarist, that I had the pleasure of growing, watching and hearing him, so underrated, to that level of talent, and with no sight definitely such a refined ear, inspiring. Thank you very much indeed.
Saw Jeff live twice in Manchester, four years apart. He was outstanding both times. Being able to use his thumb in the way that he could gave him a distinct advantage. The best Squier player ever !
Jeff Healey deserve to be known! respect to you for doing this! Love his playing so much! One of my favorite guitarist
I was lucky enough to see him twice over here in the UK. Absolutely amazing.
I’ve got to watch Jeff twice….. both times I was crying. Never felt the same ….. He even played a jazz standard full blast 💥
He,like Ray Charles skipped bars and go back at the head like nothing . And he had this thing that I don’t care, ..He plays beyond himself
Thank you so much for showing him some love. I watched Roadhouse has a kid and was inspired immediately. Homie could play!
I saw him live twice… it was unforgettable.
Absolutely love your appreciation for Jeff's brilliance. This is my favourite, "Angel Eyes" being my next favourite. I think he was the best. Imagine what he might have become.
He lost his eyes to retinoblastoma(cancer) at age one, and his life to cancer at forty-one. What a loss!
He was from my hometown(Toronto). I saw him only once live and loved him from that moment on.
This is GREAT!!! Jeff never thought of blindness as a handicap. He said that being lazy is a handicap. He had a radio show on CBC and had an enormous vinyl collection that he was pleased to share. There is just so much to say about this talent. His guitar teacher wouldn't force Jeff to play in a conventional manner. Told his parents it works and encouraged him. SRV enjoyed playing with him as Jeff took the music to him rather than laying back. Look at Little Sister live with SRV is worth a view. You can't get the slurs because you're holding the guitar wrong:>)
Enjoyed watching your reactions to Jeff's extraordinary guitar wizardry. Was lucky enough to see him perform his wizardry on two occasions. What unforgettable treats they were.
Only one thing to say is amazing beyond real I’m in awe regards
Just do it! It's beyond words! You've got that, Michael, thanks for your instructional inspiration!
There are a few other reaction videos out on youtube, and all of the reacting guys are, of course, blown away - but beyond pure fascination about a blind man playing such a blasting guitar you're the only one who explains WHY this performance is so great. And not just through your musical knowledge but also through your ability to adequately express your feelings and combine both with kind of philosophical insight. Probably the best reacton I've ever seen. I really appreciate that - keep on doing so!
Saw unknown Jeff in a small club in Toronto in 1986, best guitarist I ever saw, mind blowing. Excellent video analysis too, excellent advice, thanks.
Gotta say everytime I hear him, I realize how friggn lucky iam to have seen him perform and talk to him afterwards. AMAZING🙏 cheers from🇨🇦🤘
Thank you so much for doing this video! I was blown away by this performance and wondering why NO ONE is teaching this!!!
i had the great fortune to see him live in 1991 in a small venue with about 50 people in the bar..hanging out over top of him playing is something I will never forget...for me at the time he was known as a local hero in the players world even back then..not to mention his Jazz attributes, in that world, even my 85 year old father knows about him as a great all round player, he hosted a local Jazz station show weekly, and in his last show I remember his words saying "hopefully I will all see you next week" .. but he never did .. RIP
Whatever you're playing this through is bringing out EVERYTHING in the song. I've heard this version 50 times and not until now have I heard ALL the inflections in his playing. It's even better than I remembered. Jeff was an incredible musician.
Saw him in Ottawa playing in a bar -grand central-around ‘94. It was incredible but oh so loud. Never forget it!
Brilliant point about exceptional challenge leading to exceptional performance.
I had such great luck - was on a concert in Berlin/Germany. He played as the special guest beside B.B. King - Live at the Tempodrom. B.B. was telling stories and Jeff Healey smoked the house!
He was a monster for sure. May he rest in peace.
If you loose one of your senses, it's amazing how much more keen the others become. We all should practice with our eyes shut. I teach my son to play chords without looking. You'd be amazed at much easier it becomes to execute...NOT to take away from Jeff's amazing talents.
This is one of the most visceral guitar playing I've ever seen, and dare I say as visceral as my lord and savior SRV. Unreal amounts of emotion put in throughout. Especially during the tremolo strum section.
Agree 100%
You can say it, he's a better overall player than SRV.
Scott Mann Once you get where J.H. and S.R.V. got to… You have transcended any idea of being ranked on a scale of better/best.
This has been my favourite video of his for years, I have the mp3 of it in rotation on my iPod and will always be stunned by his brilliance. I got to see him live a few times and was blown away each time.
Nice one Michael. I was fortunate enough to see him down here in Sydney Australia a long time ago and he stunned every person who saw him. Not only because of his technique, but also his sound and feel. His playing still moves me to this day. A master.
I walked into a Jazz bar on a drunken Friday night in Toronto back in the day and there was Jeff playing the trumpet!!! and killing it
Love love love that you did this. JEFF was so underrated. And was one the absolute greatest ever! And did it without sight!! Please do the video with him and Stevie Ray Vaughn!! Where he is so into the jam he STANDS UP!!! It's amazing!!
Великий музыкант! Царствие небесное! 🙏 Очень много души в его музыке
Jeff Healey was the blues and jazz blended, pure feeling, he may be equalled one day but his feel wil never be bettered.
Such a great vocalist as well imo .
Yeah he had a great voice also.
I love self taught musicians, it gives their playing a unique quality.