Jeff Healey: History

Life

Jeff Healey is born

25th March 1966

Norman Jeffrey "Jeff" Healey was born at St Joseph's Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Friday March 25th, 1966.

Jeff is adopted

20th July 1966

On July 20th, 1966, just shy of 4 months old, Jeff is adopted by Bud and Yvonne Healey.

Jeff loses his sight to retinoblastoma

25th October 1966

At age 7 months, the surgical removal of Jeff’s right eye (and subsequently his left, 4 months later) and their replacement with artificial ones was...

Jeff gets his first guitar

25th December 1969

Jeff is given his first guitar by his father.

At 14, Jeff begins his broadcasting career

1st May 1980

In 1980, Jeff began hosting a jazz segment for the CBC after attending an open house for the broadcaster where vibraphonist Peter Appleyard convinced...

Jeff's first band, 'Blue Direction', is formed

2nd April 1981

At the age of 15, Jeff's first band, 'Blue Direction' (with Rob Quail on second guitar, Jeremy Littler on bass and Graydon Chapman on drums) is formed

Jeff 'discovered' at Albert's Hall

27th July 1985

Jeff is invited to join Albert Collins and Stevie Ray Vaughan on stage at Toronto blues hotspot, Albert's Hall.

The Jeff Healey Band is formed

29th September 1985

In the Fall of 1985,Jeff first meets drummer Tom Steven, then bass player Joe Rockman at legendary Toronto blues club, Grossman's Tavern and the Jeff...

Adrianna/See The Light single released

1986

Jeff Healey Band releases its first indie single for the songs Adrianna and See The Light.

Jeff Meets B.B. King...

20th August 1986

In 1986 a chance meeting would mark the start of a 22 year friendship and further set Jeff's career path in stone...

The JHB opens for 'The Band'

12th November 1986

On November 12, 1986, the Jeff Healey Band opened for rock legends, The Band at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver. It was their first really big...

First U.S. radio airplay

1st March 1987

1st US airplay of the independent single See The Light - Rochester NY on WCMF's Homegrown show.

Toronto Blues Society BBQ – 1987

20th June 1987

THE 1987 Toronto Blues Society BBQ. featured a barely twenty-one year old Jeff Healey on acoustic guitar (and vocals) accompanied by his old friend,...

Jeff hosts jazz radio show

August 1988

Jeff hosts his first jazz radio show on University of Toronto’s CIUT station.

performance at the marquee club

12th August 1988

The Jeff Healey Band perform a sold out show at the famous Marquee Club in London, England.

See the Light album released

13th September 1988

The million seller debut album of the Jeff Healey Band rocketed them into the spotlight and kicked off over a decade of intense touring and recording...

Network debut on Late Night with David Letterman

14th October 1988

Jeff debuts on network television with a performance on Late Night with David Letterman.

Tonight Show with Johnny Carson

20th February 1989

The Jeff Healey Band perform on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

Jeff Healey Band earns a Grammy Nomination

22nd February 1989

The Jeff Healey Band receives a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for the song 'Hideaway' (they lost to Carlos Santana)

See The Light live in London

14th Apr 1989 - 15th Apr 1989

Film shoot for See The Light: Live In London.

Road House Soundtrack released

16th May 1989

Road House soundtrack released on Arista Records.

Road House Film released

19th May 1989

Road House Film released in North America.

Jeff Healey Band wins Juno Award

18th March 1990

Jeff Healey Band wins a Juno Award for Canadian Entertainer of the Year.

Hell To Pay album released

25th May 1990

Hell To Pay album released on Arista Records.

Late Night with David Letterman

26th July 1990

The Jeff Healey Band’s second appearance on the Late Night With David Letterman Show.

Stevie Ray Vaughan dies

27th August 1990

In the early hours of August 27th, 1990, Stevie Ray Vaughan and four others, died in a tragic helicopter crash. In the two days prior to the...

Forte Studios Built

1991

Co-ordinated by bassist Joe Rockman, the band completes the newly christened Forte Studios in their new Toronto headquarters on Spadina Road. The...

“My Kinda Jazz” radio show begins on CBC

October 1991

The “My Kinda Jazz” radio show begins on CBC hosted and curated by Jeff Healey.

Feel This album released

8th January 1992

Feel This album released on Arista Records.

Late Night with David Letterman

25th November 1992

The Jeff Healey Band’s third appearance on the Late Night With David Letterman Show.

Live At Grossman's 1994

22nd Apr 1994 - 23rd Apr 1994

The band goes back to its roots to record 'Live At Grossman's'...

Jeff's daughter Rachel is born

22nd December 1994

Cover To Cover album released

13th February 1995

Cover To Cover album released on Arista Records.

Jeff Healey Band earns 2nd Grammy Nomination

28th February 1996

The Jeff Healey Band receives a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for the song 'Shapes Of Things' from the album 'Cover To...

Jimmy Rogers Tribute – Montreux ’99

5th July 1999

Jeff played three tunes at a tribute to Jimmy Rogers in Montreaux fronting a band of musical giants. The line-up featured our own Pat Rush, Jimmy D....

Buddy Miles Jams with Jeff

15th September 1999

In September of 1999 Jeff Healey met and jammed with legendary 'Band of Gypsys'/'Electric Flag' founder, Buddy Miles!

Get Me Some record launch

21st March 2000

Get Me Some record launch at the Indian Motorcycle Club in Toronto.

My Kinda Jazz Returns to CBC

14th April 2000

Jeff Healey returns to the CBC with a new edition of My Kinda Jazz.

Get Me Some album released

26th June 2000

Get Me Some album released on Universal Records.

John Mayall, 'Along for the Ride' Released

8th May 2001

Blues legend John Mayall releases ‘Along For The Ride‘ an album featuring an amazing array of guests including our very own Jeff Healey singing back...

Healey's grand opening

25th May 2001

Opening night party for the first of two clubs to bear Jeff’s name over the next 8 years.

The Jeff Healey Band is disbanded

1st December 2001

Jeff disbands The Jeff Healey Band.

Live at Montreux 1999 released

6th January 2002

Live at Montreux 1999 released on Eagle Rock.

Among Friends album released

6th January 2002

Among Friends album released on Sensation Records.

Jeff Wins Maple Blues Award

27th January 2002

At the 2001 Maple Blues Awards, Jeff is presented with the 'Blues With A Feeling Award' for Lifetime Achievement.

The Jazz Wizards are formed

2002

In 2002, Jeff gathered the finest musicians on the Toronto Jazz scene and formed the Jazz Wizards, a band (along with the 'Jeff Healey Blues Band')...

Adventures In Jazzland released

31st May 2004

Adventures In Jazzland released on the short lived Healey-O-Phonic label.

Official launch of Healey-O-Phonic

1st June 2004

Healey's Club hosted the launch of Jeff Healey's short lived record label, "Healey-O-Phonic" by celebrating 2 CD releases: Jeff Healey's "Adventures...

Jeff recieves honorary doctorate

24th June 2004

Jeff is awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Jeff's son Derek is born

7th March 2005

‘Beautiful Noise’ concert

4th April 2006

‘Beautiful Noise’ concert filmed at the Berkeley Church with Jeff Healey and his Jazz Wizards for television broadcast and eventual release on DVD by...

It’s Tight Like That released

28th June 2006

It’s Tight Like That released on Stony Plain.

New Healey's Roadhouse opens

16th December 2006

Jeff Healey's nightclub gets a new name and more real estate as 'Healey's Roadhouse' opens at 56 Blue Jays Way in Toronto...

Jeff’s final live performance

2nd February 2008

Jeff’s final live performance with the Jazz Wizards in Goderich, Ontario.

Jeff Healey dies of cancer at the age of 41

2nd March 2008

After almost 3 years of dealing with cancer (on January 11, 2007, Jeff underwent surgery to remove metastatic tissue from both lungs and in the...

Mess Of Blues released

15th April 2008

Mess Of Blues released on Stony Plain.

Jeff Healey: A Celebration

3rd May 2008 - 4th May 2008

In May of 2008 an incredible group of performers came together over two days to celebrate the life and legacy of Jeff Healey.

Songs From The Road released

28th July 2009

Songs From The Road released on Stony Plain.

Jeff is inducted into the Terry Fox Hall Of Fame

26th October 2009

Now known as the 'Canadian Disability Hall of Fame', the Hall of Fame provides permanent recognition of outstanding Canadians who have made...

Last Call released

4th June 2010

Last Call released on Stony Plain.

Jeff Healey Park named

4th June 2011

Woodford Park in Etobicoke, Canada is renamed ‘Jeff Healey Park’.

Rock For Jeff Healey Park Concert

12th April 2012

On April 12th, 2012, a special concert was held to help raise funds to retrofit the playground equipment at Jeff Healey Park to transform it into one...

"As The Years Go Passing By - Live in Germany 1989-1995-2000" released in...

22nd February 2013

This series of 3 shows spanning 11 1/2 years is the first set of archival material released with the full participation & approval of the Estate of...

Canada's Walk Of Fame!

18th October 2014

After years of efforts by fans, friends and family, Jeff Healey was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame on Saturday October 18th, 2014, as a recipient...

The Best Of The Stony Plain Years released

17th July 2015

Our friends at Stony Plain release Jeff Healey - The Best Of The Stony Plain Years, a remarkable compilation focusing on Jeff's brilliant jazz career,...

Jeff's 50th Birthday Year

1st January 2016

2016 marks the celebration of what would have been Jeff Healey’s 50th birthday and we have decided to celebrate all year long!

My Kinda Jazz returns to JAZZFM!

6th January 2016

JazzFM kicks off its weekly rebroadcast of Jeff’s radio show, ‘My Kinda Jazz!’ You can listen in every Wednesday in 2016 (at 9pm EST) –at www.jazz.fm...

Daze Of The Night - Single

12th February 2016

Daze Of The Night, the searing first single from the 'lost' album, Heal My Soul is released to iTunes! Get 'Daze' On iTunes NOW!

'Lost' Album - Heal My Soul - Released!

25th March 2016

The release of the extraordinary 'lost' Jeff Healey album, Heal My Soul coincides with what would have been Jeff's 50th birthday. What better way to...

Jeff Healey: A 50th Celebration

27th May 2016

Jeff Healey: A 50th Celebration Friday May 27th at Massey Hall Celebrating Canadian music icon, Jeff Healey in what would have been his 50th...

Healey's Hidaway Doc released on DVD

14th June 2016

Healey's Hideaway tells the story of Jeff Healey's Toronto night club ,the A- list musicians who played there and of course the amazing talent that...

Oh, What A Feeling! single released!

1st July 2016

The Canadian rock classic, ‘Oh, What A Feeling!’ as performed by JEFF HEALEY (w/ the JHBB)! (of course the original was recorded by legendary Canadian...

Road House gets Special Edition blu-ray treatment

6th September 2016

The cult classic film, ‘Road House‘ has received a deluxe special edition treatment on blu-ray! This spectacular 2 disc set features a bucket-load of...

Mississauga Music Walk of Fame

11th September 2016

Jeff Healey inducted into the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame. The ceremony was attended by Jeff's family and friends. Chuck Jackson, longtime singer...

'Holding On: A Heal My Soul Companion' Released

2nd December 2016

The perfect bookend to critically acclaimed ‘lost’ Jeff Healey album, ‘Heal My Soul’ and 2016 in general, a year which saw an incredible continuous...

'Holding On' wins Music Express Award

8th February 2018

Jeff Healey's 'Holding On: A Heal My Soul Companion', wins Music Express' 'Top Canadian Blues Album' Award for 2018.

10th Anniversary of Jeff's Passing

2nd March 2018

March 2nd, 2018, marks the 10th anniversary of Jeff Healey's passing and we have a very special message from his wife Cristie to share with you......

Jeff would have been 52 years old today

25th March 2018

March 25th 2018, marks what would have been Jeff Healey's 52nd birthday...

Jeff Healey 'From The Vaults' Airs on CBC

6th December 2018

Jeff Healey segment of the brilliant CBC programme ‘From The Vaults’ airs. Put together by the CBC and the award winning, Banger Films, we were so...

John Mayall Covers Jeff Healey!

22nd February 2019

John Mayall & Rush’s own Alex Lifeson have joined forces to cover Jeff Healey’s ‘Evil And Here To Stay‘ on Mayall’s new album ‘No One Told Me’!

Heal My Soul: Deluxe Edition

22nd May 2020

Eagle Rock Entertainment has issued a Deluxe Edition of the critically acclaimed 2016 archival release, 'Heal My Soul'. This special 2 CD set features...

JAZZFM Honours Jeff Healey

5th November 2020

JAZZ.FM91 production studio is renamed in honour of Jeff Healey.

See The Light: The Jeff Healey Story Announced!

2nd May 2023

The Estate of Jeff Healey is excited to announce the production of See The Light: The Jeff Healey Story, the first official feature length documentary...

ROAD HOUSE: The Lost Soundtrack released!

7th June 2024

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Road House, The Estate of Jeff Healey, Sony Music & Mondo Music are proud to present ROAD HOUSE: The Lost...

Jeff Healey: History

Welcome to the historical timeline for Jeff Healey's life and work.

1966-03-25 00:00:00

Jeff Healey is born

1966-07-20 00:00:00

Jeff is adopted

1966-10-25 00:00:00

Jeff loses his sight to retinoblastoma

1969-12-25 00:00:00

Jeff gets his first guitar

1980-05-01 14:34:49

At 14, Jeff begins his broadcasting career

1981-04-02 00:00:00

Jeff's first band, 'Blue Direction', is formed

1985-07-27 00:00:00

Jeff 'discovered' at Albert's Hall

1985-09-29 00:00:00

The Jeff Healey Band is formed

1986-01-01 00:00:00

Adrianna/See The Light single released

1986-08-20 00:00:00

Jeff Meets B.B. King...

Jeff Healey: History

Life

Jeff Healey is born

25th March 1966

Life

Jeff is adopted

20th July 1966

Life

Jeff loses his sight to retinoblastoma

25th October 1966

Jeff Healey

Jeff gets his first guitar

25th December 1969

Music

At 14, Jeff begins his broadcasting career

1st May 1980

Jeff Healey

Jeff's first band, 'Blue Direction', is formed

2nd April 1981

Jeff Healey

Jeff 'discovered' at Albert's Hall

27th July 1985

Jeff Healey Band

The Jeff Healey Band is formed

29th September 1985

Album Release

Adrianna/See The Light single released

1986

Life

Jeff Meets B.B. King...

20th August 1986

Performance

The JHB opens for 'The Band'

12th November 1986

Jeff Healey Band

First U.S. radio airplay

1st March 1987

Performance

Toronto Blues Society BBQ – 1987

20th June 1987

Jeff Healey

Jeff hosts jazz radio show

August 1988

Performance

performance at the marquee club

12th August 1988

Album Release

See the Light album released

13th September 1988

Jeff Healey

Network debut on Late Night with David Letterman

14th October 1988

Jeff Healey Band

Tonight Show with Johnny Carson

20th February 1989

Jeff Healey Band

Jeff Healey Band earns a Grammy Nomination

22nd February 1989