Healey Family Urges Fans Not To Buy New Jeff Healey Compilation CD/DVD

The release of archival recordings always occurs upon the passing of any notable musician, and such is the case with Canadian guitar hero Jeff Healey, who, on March second, succumbed to the cancer he had battled his entire life. Although his death came just as he completed his final official recording, Mess Of Blues, for Edmonton-based Stony Plain Records, word that a new double CD/DVD of early performances entitled Legacy Volume One is set to hit stores on November fourth has raised the ire of Healey’s family.

The compilation, released through Winnipeg label Arbor Records and distributed by EMI Canada, was assembled by Healey’s former drummer, Tom Stephen, who, according to a statement from Healey’s estate, had an ongoing feud with the guitarist over royalties. It goes on to describe Legacy Volume One as "yet another ‘hits’ compilation,” as well as "an assembly of inferior tracks that have been readily available for download for years.”

The statement concludes, "We ask that Jeff’s fans please refrain from purchasing this compilation out of respect for Jeff and his family. This release is not authorized or supported in any way by Jeff’s estate.” Healey’s widow, Cristie, does assure fans that she plans to work with Stony Plain on future archival CDs, including at least one by her husband’s side-project, Jeff Healey’s Jazz Wizards. "Other releases,” she says, "which have not been authorized or approved by the Healey Estate, do not honour Jeff’s memory or the legacy of his art, and are merely being released to exploit Jeff’s name.”

Jeff Healey Band - "Angel Eyes”