He rented a rudimentary shack where he stayed from February to May 1997.

He played at a bar in downtown Memphis called Barristers where he was able to test out new songs, and recorded on a 4-track in his shack.

Tapes were sent to band members who appeared happy with what they had heard. Final rehearsals were arranged for late May (he bought cheap music tapes and recorded over them).

Jeff Buckley CD2 T11 satisfied mind (SKETCHES….)

Jeff was found 4 days after he had disappeared, spotted by a passenger on a tourist steam packet.

On the basis of witness testimony and the pathologist report, the police concluded that it was a tragic accident with drugs and drink playing no part…

The world had lost its brightest and most distinctive young rock musician and after the release of just a single, brilliant debut album called ‘GRACE.’

‘SKETCHES FOR MY SWEETHEART THE DRUNK’ was released posthumously in 1998, made up of recordings that were ‘useable’ demos and selected by Jeff’s mother and band members. A second CD with more demos was also included.

Jeff Buckley T8 morning theft (SKETCHES………….)

Would the album have sold in the many millions and quickly? Jeff’s music and performance style on ‘GRACE’ had limited ‘airplay appeal’. ‘SKETCHES…,’ as heard in its demo form, certainly is a very different album which appears to hold far greater radio airplay potential than ‘GRACE’ ever did.

But his legacy is much more than just his music.

Jeff soaked up influences like the most retentive sponge but it wasn’t a one-way street. Many artists I have spoken to have been heavily influenced by him, so let’s hear songs from just a few of them…

Jay Matsueda T11 i can see you smile (EAT YOUR SAD)

Carina Round T5 for everything a reason (THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW)

Here’s a couple more including this one from his friend Chris Cornell and Coldplay. See if you can spot the influences…

Chris Cornell T7 take me alive (SCREAM)

Coldplay T1 shiver (SHIVER SINGLE)

In 2000 Chris Martin admitted that Jeff’s influence was heavy on Coldplay’s first single release, ‘Shiver.’

For all you fans out there and to those who have yet to experience the magic of Jeff Buckley check out the 15th anniversary of the ‘GRACE’ release which is in the shops in the next couple of days.

Grace Around The World represents an ideal introduction to Jeff and includes DVDs of previously unseen live footage, a documentary movie, a CD of ‘GRACE’ live, interviews and more. Check out Shakenstir for all the details…

Time for another song from his amazing 1995 Glastonbury appearance…

Jeff Buckley Live At Glastonbury 1995 mojo pin

Jeff wrote and performed songs which were distinctive, adventurous, emotive and highly original. This song and the dialogue that goes with it, for me, sums up the man and his music, and was performed in Australia, a favourite touring country of his…

Jeff Buckley T11 kanga roo (MYSTERY WHITE BOY)

To end this Jeff Buckley celebration I’ve chosen to select a song from another artist, since the music of others always intrigued and inspired him. He was in the end a devoted music fan. It came down to this one by an artist he admired and reflects both sadness and joy…

Elton John T1 funeral for a friend (YELLOW BRICK ROAD)

The full show play-list is available separately to view in the Shakenstir features section and is linked on the site cover.