Jeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley (November 17, 1966 – May 29, 1997) was an American singer-songwriter. Known for his beatific three-and-a-half octave voice, critics considered Buckley to be one of the most promising artists of his generation after the release of his 1994 debut album Grace. However, at the height of his popularity, Buckley drowned during an evening swim. His work and style continue to be highly regarded by critics and fellow musicians.

Death

Buckley drowned in the Wolf River in Memphis, Tennessee on May 29, 1997, at the age of 30, the evening his band came to Memphis to start recording for his second album which was to be called My Sweetheart the Drunk. He was swept away by the undertow of a passing boat while swimming. His body was recovered 5 days later.

Related Topics:
Wolf River - May 29 - 1997

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After Buckley's death, some of the demo recordings for his second album were released as Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk. Three other albums composed of live recordings have also been released, along with a live DVD of a performance in Chicago.

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Buckley's work, seemingly an anomaly at its time, has been enormously influential. Numerous tribute songs have been written, among them PJ Harvey's "Memphis" and Chris Cornell's "Wave Goodbye". Vocalists such as Thom Yorke of Radiohead and Chris Martin of Coldplay unabashedly cue themselves to his voice.

Related Topics:
PJ Harvey - Chris Cornell - Thom Yorke - Radiohead - Chris Martin - Coldplay

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