Healey lost his vision as a baby to a rare form of retinal cancer and he battled the disease throughout this life. In 2007, he underwent surgery to remove cancerous growths from his lungs. He had earlier had two sarcomas removed from his legs.
I think he was better known for his talents as a musician and guitarist than for being blind. Many people did not even know he was blind until they saw him perform.
His song Angel Eyes will always be one of my favorites.
Angel Eyes
The Jeff Healey Band
written by J. Hiatt and F. Koller
Girl, you're looking fine tonight,
and every guy has got you in his sights
What you're doing with a clown like me,
is surely one of life's little mysteries
So tonight I'll ask the stars above,
"How did I ever win your love?"
What did I do?
What did I say,
to turn your angel eyes my way?
Well, I'm the guy who never learned to dance,
never even got one second glance
Across a crowded room was close enough,
I could look but I could never touch
So tonight I'll ask the stars above,
"How did I ever win your love?"
What did I do?
What did I say,
to turn your angel eyes my way?
Don't anyone wake me,
if it's just a dream
'Cause she's the best thing,
that's ever happened to me
All you fellows, you can look all you like,
but this girl, you see, she's leavin' here with me tonight
There's just one more thing that I have to know,
if this is love why does it scare me so?
It must be something only you can see,
'cause girl I feel it when you look at me
So tonight I'll ask the stars above,
"How did I ever win your love?"
What did I do?
What did I say,
to turn your angel eyes my way?
Watch this video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYz_LHKrgDY
I am sure he is serenading the angels now. RIP Jeff