Jeff Buckley was a singer and songwriter and son of folk singer Tim Buckley. Although he released only one studio album during his brief life, he gained a cult following and critical acclaim, plus became an influence on countless musicians to follow. Born and raised in Southern California, Buckley moved to New York City in 1990 and soon began performing regularly, eventually securing a weekly spot at the Manhattan venue Sin-é where he played cover songs and worked on his original music, as well. As he built his fan base, record labels took notice and Buckley signed to Columbia Records in late 1992. In 1994 he released Grace, which showcased his angelic singing voice in addition to his songwriting. But Grace would be the only album he would complete. Buckley moved to Memphis, Tennessee to work on a follow up, but drowned accidentally while swimming in Wolf River Harbor. The recordings he had done for his second album were released posthumously under the title Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk.
Fast Facts:
- Name: Jeffrey Scott Buckley
- Born: November 17, 1966
- Birthplace: Anaheim, California
- Attended: Musicians Institute
- Father: Tim Buckley
- Died: May 29, 1997 (drowning)
Jeff Buckley Timeline
November 16 1966: Born Jeffrey Scott Buckley in Anaheim, California.
1984: Buckley begins his studies at the Musicians Institute located in Hollywood, California.
September 1993: Recording begins on the tracks that would later become his debut album Grace in Woodstock, New York.
November 23, 1993: Live at Sin-e is released.
January 1994: Begins touring to support Live at Sin-e.
August 23, 1994: Grace is released.
1995-1996: Buckley goes on tour to support the release of Grace
October 1995: Live from the Bataclan [EP] is released.
May 29, 1997: Buckley drowns after going for a swim in the Mississippi River fully clothed. His body was recovered a week later.
