As the son of cult songwriter Tim Buckley, Jeff Buckley was burdened with high expectations and preconceived notions from the moment he began his music career. Yet, despite the comparisons, Jeff's music diverged significantly from his father’s, standing on its own with a distinctive style. While Tim's work was more folk-oriented, Jeff's music was expansive, blending operatic grandeur with elements of Van Morrison and Led Zeppelin. His voice, often described as sweeping and ethereal, was central to this unique sound.

Buckley began his musical journey in high school, developing his talents before moving to Los Angeles to study music. During his time there, he performed with various jazz and funk bands and even collaborated with Shinehead, a prominent figure in the dancehall reggae scene. After a few years, he relocated to New York, where he formed the band Gods & Monsters with experimental guitarist Gary Lucas. Though the band gained a cult following, their time together was brief.

Undeterred, Buckley turned to a solo career, performing in clubs and coffeehouses across the city. His growing fan base caught the attention of Columbia Records, leading to the release of his debut EP, Live at Sin-é (1993). The EP received positive reviews, but it was Grace, his full-length debut in 1994, that truly captured widespread acclaim. Recorded with a full band, the album introduced a richer, more layered sound that surprised some of his early New York followers. Grace was featured on several year-end "Best of" lists and earned Buckley a breakthrough hit with "Last Goodbye," which became an alternative anthem in the spring of 1995.

After the success of Grace, Buckley took time off to work on his sophomore album, initially titled My Sweetheart, the Drunk. Originally planned to be produced by Tom Verlaine, the project took longer than anticipated when Verlaine dropped out. In the spring of 1997, Buckley finally began recording the album in Memphis. On May 29, while taking a break from recording, Buckley and a friend went to the Mud Island Harbor. Buckley decided to go for a swim in the Mississippi River, fully clothed. Moments later, he disappeared beneath the water. Authorities were quickly contacted, but to no avail -- on June 4, his body was finally found floating near the city's famed Beale Street area. He was 30 years old.

Though his life was tragically cut short, Buckley’s influence endures. In 1998, an album of unreleased material, Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk, was released, offering a glimpse into what might have been. A live album, Mystery White Boy, followed in 2000, further cementing his posthumous legacy.

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