Yours Truly and Bud Healey (Jeff’s Dad) at the museum.
May 12, 2009
MEMPHIS, TN – The late, legendary guitarist Jeff Healey’s CD, “Mess of Blues” was recently named Rock Blues Album of the Year at the 30th annual Blues Music Awards in Memphis on May 7. Mess of Blues was released shortly after Healey lost his long battle with cancer and passed away at the age of 41 on March 2, 2008. 
The Rock Blues Album of the Year category was added for the first time with this year’s Blues Music Awards show. Accepting the award on Jeff’s behalf was his wife Cristie, who acknowledged the standing ovation of the crowd at the announcement by stating; “Jeff put so much heart and soul into this album; it marked his return to the blues. The Amazing Jeff Healey He would have been very proud to accept this award.” Healey chose the songs for the album based mostly on the fact they got the best response when played live, either on tour or at home in his club. Classics like “The Weight,” “Jambalaya,” “How Blue Can You Get,” and “Shake Rattle and Roll,” were all marked by Healey’s innovative and sparkling guitar work. He also acknowledged this album was a gift to his fans to show them that his respect for the blues remained as strong as ever.
Holger Petersen
Stony Plain Records
Jeff Healey remains a Canadian music giant but perhaps even more significant than his talent was his courage and decency as a human being. The Youngtown Rock and Roll Museum is proud to feature Jeff among our exhibits.
T.R. Hosier
President / Youngtown Museum