The Production Side

Unfortunately, May 29 marked the 10th anniversary of Jeff Buckley’s tragic passing. There will a number of tribute events happening throughout the year and back on May 22 a compilation entitled So Real: The Songs from Jeff Buckley was released. So, it seems like a good time to dedicate an FYI in his honor. 

• Jeff Buckley was born on 11/17/1966 to Tim Buckley and Mary Guibert.
• He was raised by his mother and step-father, and had little contact with Tim Buckley.
• Growing up he used his step-father’s last name and was known as Scott Moorhead.
• He became known as Jeff Buckley after his biological father’s death.
• Jeff made his public debut at St. Ann’s Church in New York City on April 26, 1991 at a tribute show for Tim Buckley.
• By 1991 Jeff and Gary Lucas began writing music together and Jeff joined Lucas’ band Gods and Monsters. Lucas has also worked with Chris Cornell, Nick Cave, Lou Reed, Matthew Sweet, Patti Smith and Captain Beefheart.
• In April 1992 Jeff began performing at cafes, such as Sin-e.
• His debut album Grace was recorded at Woodstock, NY in 1993. It was produced by Andy Wallace, who has worked with Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Blind Melon, Silverchair, Rage Against The Machine, Bruce Springsteen and Prince to name a few.
• The song “Dream Brother” is about Jeff’s friend, and Fishbone frontman, Chris Dowd.
• Grace was awarded the Grand Prix International Du Disque (Academie Charles CROS), a prestigious award in France, in 1995. Other recipients include Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell.
• Musicians that were fans of Jeff’s music were: Chris Cornell, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, The Edge, Thom Yorke, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Neil Peart, Bob Dylan and Elton John.
• Jeff and Chris Cornell would become friends. The two singers would have competitions to see who could write the best song.
• Buckley toured with artists ranging from Jewel, Soul Coughing, Juliana Hatfield and Marianne Faithfull. He also shared the bill with Soundgarden at 1994’s Summerfest in Milwaukee.
• Jeff had a range similar to Luciano Pavarotti.
• In 1997 moved Jeff moved to Memphis to work on his follow up to Grace. The album was going to be entitled My Sweetheart The Drunk.
•  The album was never finished, due to his tragic passing, but the demos were put together and released as Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk in 1998. The project was overseen by Chris Cornell.
• The Memphis Zoo has 2 brass memorial plaques in honor of Jeff.
• Columbia has released many posthumous releases including the live albums Mystery White Boy, Live a L ‘Olympia and Live at Sin-e. There was also the release of the Grace (Legacy Edition) and Songs to No One 1991-1992.

1 Comment