The only studio album released by Jeff Buckley during his lifetime, Grace, arrived in 1994, marking the pinnacle of a brief career that began with session guitar work in Los Angeles. Born in Anaheim in 1966, he eventually established a dedicated following performing at venues in the East Village of Manhattan before his death in 1997.
Early Development
Raised in Southern California, Buckley was known as Scott Moorhead during his youth. He grew up in a musical environment, receiving his first electric guitar at age 13. He attended Loara High School, where he performed in the jazz band, and later completed a one-year program at the Musicians Institute. Influences during his formative years included Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, and progressive rock acts such as Rush and Genesis.
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After spending six years in Los Angeles performing in various groups ranging from heavy metal to reggae, Buckley moved to New York City in 1990. His public singing debut occurred in 1991 at the St. Ann's Church tribute concert for his father, Tim Buckley. He subsequently collaborated with guitarist Gary Lucas, contributing to the development of the songs Grace and Mojo Pin, and began performing frequently in the Lower East Side.
Recording and Final Projects
Following his signing with Columbia Records, Buckley toured the United States, Europe, Japan, and Australia to promote Grace. In 1996, he initiated work on a second studio album, tentatively titled My Sweetheart the Drunk, initially with producer Tom Verlaine in New York City. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in February 1997 to continue this project. On May 29, 1997, he drowned in the Wolf River while waiting for his band members to join him.
Fast facts
- Born: 1966, Anaheim, United States
- Died: 1997, Memphis, United States
- Education: Loara High School, Musicians Institute
- Primary Occupations: Singer-songwriter, guitarist, composer
- Studio Album: Grace (1994)
- Nominated: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2026)
- Religion: Non-denominational
- Language: English
Questions readers ask
What was the cause of Jeff Buckley's death?
He drowned while swimming in the Wolf River in Memphis, Tennessee, on May 29, 1997.
Which album did Jeff Buckley release during his lifetime?
His only studio album released during his life was Grace, which debuted in 1994.
Achievements
- Instruments: guitar, voice and Appalachian dulcimer
- Genres: alternative rock, folk rock and gospel music
