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Top 10 Jeff Healey Songs
June 3, 2021 June 3, 2021 Jamie Warden 6 Comments jeff healey
Jeff Healey is a blues rock phenom that exploded onto the scene in the mid-late 80s and became a global sensation shortly thereafter. He is renowned by his peers and music fans alike as one of the greatest guitarists to ever live. Born in Toronto, Canada in 1966, he lost his sight at seven months due to retinoblastoma a form of cancer of the eyes. Jeff showed an early interest in music picking up the guitar at the age of three, while also developing a unique style of playing with the guitar flat on his lap. This technique of playing gave him a unique style and tone in his playing which contributed to his musical genius.
Jeff began playing the local Toronto music scene in bands at age 14, and by his late teens, he had already shared the stage with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert Collins. In 1985, the Jeff Healey band was formed and saw Jeff paying his dues playing all over Canada as a fledgling young artist. Jeff had the fortune of meeting B.B. King for the first time while on tour in Vancouver. After seeing Jeff play for the first time, B.B. stated "Jeff, you're better than Stevie Ray Vaughan, better than Stanley Jordan and you're better than B.B. King. Keep it up because you're going all the way." This glowing endorsement helped solidify Jeff in the press and was a catalyst to the buzz that was surrounding him as a young artist. An abbreviated version of the quote was on See the Light and it inspired me to pick up the release. It was the first CD I ever purchased.
Jeff went on to have a successful music career that spanned over 25 years and produced charting singles internationally, Grammy Nominations, Juno Awards, as well as Gold and Platinum sales awards. His legacy will continue for generations and he will be an inspiration for aspiring and established musicians alike.
Here are Blues Rock Review's Top 10 Jeff Healey Songs.
10. "That's What They Say"
"That's What They Say" is a Jeff Healey penned song from the See the Light release that often goes overlooked as one of his top songs. For years it was a live staple either performed with a full band or acoustically and a great example of Jeff's songwriting ability. His guitar work on this song is melodic and leaves the listener wanting to hear more as the song fades out.
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9. "Evil and Here to Stay"
"Evil and Here to Stay" was written by Jeff Healey, Joe Rockman, and Tom Stephen. The song is a stand out track on the third JHB release, Feel This. This release saw the Jeff Healey Band evolve as a band by adding keys and background singers to the mix. "Evil and Here to Stay" is a thunderous track which was recently covered by John Mayall and features Alex Lifeson of Rush.
8. "Daze of the Night"
This is the lead track off Heal My Soul, the "lost" Jeff Healey album which was released on what would have been Jeff's 50th Birthday. The release launched a year-long celebration of the life and legacy of Jeff. It is a blistering track which gives the listener a glimpse of the passion and intensity that was Jeff Healey. This track makes you wonder how great the next Jeff Healey release would have been.
7. "Hideaway"
"Hideaway" is Jeff's version of the Freddie King, Sonny Thompson classic from the See the Light release. This song is a great example of the amazing technique and virtuosity that Jeff possessed as a guitar player while also paying homage to one of the "Three Kings". This song was Grammy Nominated for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance."
6. "I'm Tore Down"
"I'm Tore Down" another Sonny Thompson song, is the lead track from the Mess of Blues release. This marked Jeff's return to the blues rock genre after an 8-year absence. Originally on the Roadhouse Soundtrack, this live version shows Jeff at the top of his game.
5. "As the Years Go Passing By"
"As the Years Go Passing By" written by Deadric Malone appears on Jeff's Cover to Cover release and the latter As the Years Go Passing By live recording. This is Jeff doing slow blues at its finest and not only showcases his guitar playing, but it also showcases the great vocal ability of Jeff.
4. "Angel Eyes"
"Angel Eyes" is the John Hiatt, Fred Koller penned song that helped launch Jeff into international stardom as an artist peaking at #5 on the U.S. Billboard Charts. It's a well written song and deserves all of its success. This song in conjunction with the Roadhouse movie was the perfect combination to catapult Jeff's career to another level.
3. "Confidence Man"
"Confidence Man" is a John Hiatt song and the lead track to the See the Light album. For many, this was their first exposure to Jeff as an artist and guitar player. The song instantly lives up to the hype of the B.B. King quote that was on the cover of the release.
2. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is the George Harrison classic and appears on the Hell to Pay release. The song also features a guest appearance from George as well we Jeff Lynn of ELO. The fact that Jeff was able to get both artists on this track is a statement of the respect that Jeff's peers had for him as a musician and artist. Healey's guitar work is as timeless as the song itself and one of the best versions of this song.
1. "See the Light"
"See the Light" written by Jeff Healey is title track from Jeff's first release. This is the quintessential Jeff Healey track and defines who Jeff is as a blues rock artist. While he played multiple instruments fluently in several genres, to most he will always be known best at one of the best guitar players in the world. "See the Light" was the last song on the release, and often the final song of Jeff's concerts. "See the Light" is Jeff Healey.
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6 thoughts on "Top 10 Jeff Healey Songs"
DAN THE MAN
Not a bad list but I would've had: "Full Circle, ""I think I love you too much" plus Jeff's version of "Hoochie Coochie Man" from the movie Roadhouse.
Andreja Kmetovic
I've been waiting for this list for a while. Seen JHB many times, in fact pls check out the Live in London 1989 recording from T&C club, just mesmerising. Songs that I can't believe are NOT on the list; Blue Jean Blues – Jeff's take on a classic ZZtop song, pure magic. Roadhouse Blues from the Road House killer OST and Full Circle the opening track from Hell to Pay album. Moments when Jeff stands up and plays the wild guitar in his unique lap horizontal way with full speed still bring shivers to my body. Up there with best, gone too soon, but he did definitely seen the light.
I have always Jeff Healey he is an inspiration I sure can't sing the blues like and play that guitar like I never heard he's right up there with the with Stevie Ray .he really does make his guitar talk. I wished could have playedmore songs with Stevie you
Willow Greene
Did "YOU" actually play with Jeff????? If so please can You give me some information on his life? I just found this GREAT man's music LATELY,TO LATE!!! Read my comments & please answer on here- if possible- want to know all I can ! HE was a genius that was not recognized OR I def WOULD Have been Heard him BEFORE just a few MONTHS ago! Thank You✌🏻
I am so amazed that I did NOT hear this man's music until I was watching ROADHOUSE &then it was a very old movie! HE should DEF be in the Hall of Fame!! HE was to ME BETTER than Stevie RAY Vaughan, maybe because I love a lil more Hard Rock mixed in with my blues!I cried when I saw how beautiful his "Angel Eyes" were! read part of his bio,about how old he was when started playing guitar. But to be blind?& Overcome that to be one of the greatest guitar players I,ve ever heard? I'm just very sad I did not Know about him before he died😔💕I thought I knew my rock guitar gods but somehow he mixed the blues just right with my luv of rock& I am still trying to learn all about this man. HE deserved MORE recognition & I swear I can't believe DID not get it😭SO sad but every morning now I play 1 song I dearly love& He def was a genius & a true angel among the rock&blues players.I am still reading about him & how he died etc. His personal life? But still HE can be recognized among the greatest guitarists of all time, up there with Hendrix,Clapton,Allman etc.maybe 1 day he will get what should of got while alive ❤️❤️❤️🤩 I know nothing yet of his family life etc. but they deserve to have this beautiful family member well known for his extraordinary talent! I am still stunned that I missed out on him😔SURE would've loved to have seen him in person.R.I.P JEFF HEALY😇❤️❤️❤️😔🎶🎶😢
I will DEFINITELY keep Checking up here& elsewhere to see if I CAN get more people to listen& mainly RECOGNIZE THAT this GENIUS- GET ALL HE deserved in life!,, I hope HE KNEW he was GREAT& I don't know his life story BUT intend to find out every detail! Like me- I guess some people just did not hear most of his music etc. until later or what the hell happened- Bad management etc.?. Because this GUY was a genius & if I myself just found HIM others NEED listen& acknowledge his great music! I am just confused why not many people knew him? Or if so why no awards for his achievements etc.Not only was he blind & started paying at such a young age? I just don't understand 😢💕💕💕😇