The Answer T5 memphis water (RISE)

That song by The Answer was about a tragic event. On the evening of May 29, 1997 Jeff Buckley and his friend Keith Foti left a Memphis restaurant en route to a nearby rehearsal studio. Work was about to commence on Jeff’s second album and band members Mick Grondahl and Michael Tighe were arriving at Memphis airport that night. Jeff and Keith couldn’t remember how to get to the studio. The friends were in good spirits, had an acoustic guitar and Jeff’s constant companion, his ghetto blaster. Jeff suggested they go down to the river bank, hang out and play a little music while they pondered their next move. Wolf River Harbour is a muddy and rubbish strewn channel of the Mississippi river.

Despite warnings from his friend Jeff decided to wander into the water fully clothed while they both sang one of Jeff’s favourite songs….

Led Zeppelin T5 whole lotta love (MOTHERSHIP)

Enjoying the cooling water on a hot and humid night, Jeff lay on his back and began to swim further out. It was 9:15pm. A large tugboat approached and Jeff began to swim back to the bank. Keith turned to move the guitar and ghetto blaster to avoid the wash created by the tugboat.

When he turned back Jeff had disappeared…

Jeff Buckley T13 so real (KCRW RARE ON AIR LIVE)

Tonight Shakenstir celebrates the life and music of Jeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley T5 what will you say (MYSTERY WHITE BOY)

Jeff was born in 1966 son of Mary Guibert and singer/songwriter Tim Buckley. His parents split soon after. Jeff was always surrounded by music: Mary was a classically trained pianist and cellist and his stepfather introduced him to Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, The Who and Pink Floyd at an early stage.

Jeff started playing guitar at the age of 5 after finding an acoustic guitar in his grandmother’s wardrobe. Led Zeppelin’s ‘PHYSICAL GRAFFITI’ was the first album he ever owned. Kiss was also a favourite.

At the age of 12 he decided to become a musician and at 13 he played in the school jazz band and developed an affinity for progressive rock through bands such as Rush, Genesis, and Yes. He also loved guitarists including Al Di Meola, Hendrix, Robert Johnson and Joe Pass. Early song writing influences included Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Bob Dylan…

Jimi Hendrix T1 purple haze (SMASH HITS)

Bob Dylan T2 simple twist of fate (BLOOD ON THE TRACKS)

Early in his musical life Jeff limited his singing to backing vocals but in 1990 he moved to New York and was introduced to Gawwali, the devotional music of Pakistan, and to its finest exponent Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Such was his passion for Khan’s voice and work that he often covered the artist’s songs during his cafe playing days. Jeff was also very interested in blues legend Robert Johnson…

Robert Johnson T2 cross road blues (20TH CENTURY NOISE)

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan T5 the face of love (with Eddie Vedder DEAD MAN WALKING ST)

On ‘GRACE’ this song reflects the influences of Khan and Robert Johnson, and was written during that period.

Jeff Buckley T3 last goodbye (GRACE)

In 1991 Jeff was invited to perform in a tribute concert for his father Tim in Brooklyn’s St Ann’s church. With accompaniment from experimental rock guitarist Gary Lucas, it was his first full-on concert. He had wanted to distance himself from his father’s music (he had only spent a few days with Tim once at the age of eight years) but explained, “It wasn’t my work, it wasn’t my life. But it bothered me that I hadn’t been to his funeral, that I’d never been able to tell him anything. I used the show to pay my respects.”

It was the last of the 3 songs played by Jeff that made a strong impression and proved to be his first step into the music industry. There’s a certain irony in that his little known father ultimately provided Jeff’s gateway into a serious professional music career…

Tim Buckley T7 once i was (ONCE I WAS)