I wake up to CBC Radio’s Music and Company every morning, and today, at 7am I am promptly greated with the news that Jeff Healey died. The news is somewhat surprising, even though I have no personal stake in or specific love for his music. I guess he just seemed a bit young, and he was. 41 years - complications from cancer.

As I said, I have no particular love of his music, yet he’s been in my mind for a long time. My aunt collected his records, and there’s Healey’s down on Queen and Bathurst. I think it affects me because he seemed, and was, a very genuine person, full of warmth and love for music. It’s always going to suck when people like him go.

Roadhouse Blues

And CBC played him performing a cover of this song, My Blackbirds are Bluebirds Now. I can’t find a version of Healey playing it, but I liked it so much I’m posting the next best thing.