Episode 24 - Jeff Buckley

Vin Scelsa's Idiot's Delight - A History

Jeff Buckley never knew his father Tim Buckley, the influential 60s-70s songwriter vocalist, yet their lives shared many similar aspects. During the early 1990's Jeff was a ubiquitous fixture on NYC’s downtown music scene; his legend grew with each appearance at clubs like Sin-e. He released his 1994 debut studio album Grace to rave critical and fan success. “Jeff was extremely talented; his musical vision was astounding,” says Vin about Jeff’s appearance as the “final Idiot” guest of the year on ID on December 17th, 1995. “He was warm, humorous, gentle and real. His accidental death in the Spring of 1997, drowning at age 30 in the Mississippi River in Memphis at what was still the beginning of his promising career, saddens me still,” says Vin. “There was no one who came close to this visionary, explorative, genre-busting creator of intimate yet powerful music.” Jeff played deejay during his visit with Vin and performed two songs live, including a song he was still working on - a gutsy and revealing look into the creative process.