Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder recently got emotional talking about Jeff Buckley.
When it comes to voices that pierce through the fabric of time, Jeff Buckley stands unparalleled. With a vocal range that soared to heavenly heights and lyrics that burrowed deep into the soul and Buckley crafted an immortal legacy.
Eddie Vedder comments on Jeff Buckley
“Man I had this guy with me once … and we were sittin’ down and talkin’ and jammin’… He played his version of “Indifference” for me… man I tell ya… I’ll never forget the way he did it… I was just fu**in’ speechless… one of the most memorable moments of my life… I just wish I had seen him more.”
Jeff Buckley, the son of Tim Buckley has been a celebrated musician in his own right. However, Jeff’s journey was uniquely his own. Growing up, he was immersed in a world of eclectic sounds, absorbing influences from rock, jazz and classical music. This melange of genres would later become the bedrock of his own inimitable style.
Tragically, Jeff Buckley’s life was cut short when he drowned in the Wolf River in Memphis on May 29, 1997. He was only 30 years old. Yet, in his brief tim, he created a body of work that continues to inspire. His influence can be heard in the voices of countless artists who followed, each one echoing the timeless qualities that made Buckley once in a generation talent.
Jeff Buckley’s ‘Grace’
Buckley’s place in music was still unclear in the 90s. He certainly made a name for himself when he performed in New York clubs. This led to a bidding war between major labels. Jeff’s breakout came with the release of his debut album, “Grace,” in 1994. From the haunting strains of “Mojo Pin” to the ethereal rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” the album was a masterclass in emotional resonance and technical prowess. However, his Grace, wasn’t an instant success upon its release in 1994; while Buckley’s emotional intensity won over many critics and listeners, it was a turn-off for others.
Looking back, Buckley had already demonstrated great potential, not only as a songwriter but also as an interpreter of other’s songs. This includes a poignant cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” which is featured on the album. He was working on showcasing much more on his second album, which was eventually released posthumously in an unfinished form.
Without a doubt, few could have anticipated that three decades on, Buckley is more famous than ever. Back in the early 2000s, his cover of Cohen’s song became a platinum hit years after its release.
Thanks to the internet, it is noted that millennial and now Gen Z fans have emerged as a massive audience for Buckley’s music — including the title track from Grace, which has become a huge classic in its own right. Buckley’s romanticism, mixed with the lore surrounding his passing, has made him a tragic hero of sorts, on par with Kurt Cobain, Elliott Smith, and River Phoenix.
