Jeff Buckley

Who Was Jeff Buckley?

Jeff Buckley, an iconic figure in the music world, began his journey with the guitar at the tender age of five. Known for his distinct multi-octave voice, Buckley rose to prominence from New York’s vibrant music scene with the release of his debut album, Grace, in 1994. This album not only garnered critical acclaim but also resonated deeply with fans, particularly through his haunting cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” Tragically, just shy of his 31st birthday and while recording tracks for his second album, Buckley drowned in the Wolf River near Memphis, Tennessee.

Early Years

Born on November 17, 1966, in Anaheim, California, Jeff Buckley was raised in a musical family. His mother, Mary Guibert, was a classically trained musician, while his father, Tim Buckley, was a renowned folk singer. Despite their musical connection, Buckley met his father only once; they spent a week together when Buckley was eight years old. Tim Buckley’s life was cut short by a heroin overdose at age 28, less than a year after their meeting. Jeff formed a close bond with his stepfather, Ron Moorhead, who introduced him to the music of Led Zeppelin, significantly influencing his artistic development.

After performing in several cover bands during high school, Buckley attended the Los Angeles Musicians Institute. Over the following years, he played various gigs and penned original songs while seeking his artistic direction. In 1990, he moved to New York City and joined the band Gods and Monsters, which featured Gary Lucas, a former guitarist for Captain Beefheart. However, Buckley soon departed to pursue a solo career, finding a home in a small East Village café called Sin-é. His early performances there were captured on the Live at Sin-é EP, released in 1993. In early 1994, he embarked on his first solo tour, leading to the release of his debut studio album, Grace, on August 23, 1994, coinciding with the start of a European tour in Dublin, Ireland.

Grace and “Hallelujah”

Grace, featuring original tracks such as “Last Goodbye” and “Mojo Pin,” along with his iconic cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” was initially met with modest reception but soon found a loyal audience among critics and fans alike. Over the next three years, Buckley and his band toured extensively to promote the album, during which time both Grace and Buckley’s reputation grew.

In the years following its release, Grace has continued to receive accolades, with its status seemingly elevating over time. In 2003, Grace was ranked No. 303 on Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” and in 2006, it topped Mojo magazine’s “Modern Classics: 100 Greatest Albums Of Mojo’s Lifetime.” Additionally, Buckley’s rendition of “Hallelujah” was placed at No. 259 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list in 2004. One particularly notable endorsement came from David Bowie, who stated that Grace would be the only album he would want if stranded on a desert island.

Tragic Death and Posthumous Releases

By the summer of 1996, Buckley had begun work on his second album, tentatively titled My Sweetheart the Drunk. Recording sessions took place in New York City and Memphis, Tennessee, where he had recently relocated. On May 29, 1997, the night his band was due to arrive from New York to complete the final studio tracks, Buckley and a friend made a detour to the Wolf River channel of the Mississippi River.

In a tragic turn of events, Buckley, fully clothed, waded into the water to swim. A passing boat’s wake pulled him under, leading to his drowning. His body was recovered six days later by a riverboat passenger.

Following his untimely death, Buckley’s mother collaborated with Columbia Records on posthumous releases, beginning with Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk in 1998. This double-disc set featured unfinished songs that Buckley had been working on. Two years later, the live album Mystery White Boy was released, accompanied by the DVD/VHS Jeff Buckley: Live in Chicago. In 2003, a two-disc set featuring his early live performances at Sin-é was made available. In a 2002 interview with The Guardian, his mother reflected on managing her son’s legacy, stating, “I have to compartmentalize myself quite a bit. There’s the musician side of me, and the businesswoman side—and the mother side of me which never turns off. But the emotions are things I have to kinda set aside. That’s why I take good counsel. I’ve always involved people from Jeff’s band. It makes it a lot easier, especially if there are any critical blows. But the work we’ve done so far has been well received.”