Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images Kenny Chesney has joined a campaign to supply…
Canadian Soul Singer Haydain Neale of Jacksoul Dies of Lung Cancer
- Posted on Nov 24th 2009 10:30AM by Joshua Ostroff
Juno Award-winning Jacksoul singer Haydain Neale passed away Sunday in Toronto's Mount Sinai hospital, following a private battle with lung cancer, surrounded by family and friends.
The 39-year-old had spent the last two years in rehabilitation from severe head injuries after being struck by a car while riding his Vespa scooter in August 2007. Though not publicly disclosed, Neale had also been struggling with lung cancer over the past seven months.
"Through all these challenges, Haydain's sense of humour and love of music were ever-present. He constantly brightened the room with his singing and his smile. His joyful presence and beautiful voice will be missed by us all," said his wife Michaela in a statement.
Still, Neale's death comes as a shock to his fans as the singer had recently been able to complete the recording of songs he'd begun prior to his accident. "It takes me more time now," he said in a recent record label statement, "but I still orchestrate the room." Earlier this month, Jacksoul released their long-awaited new single, 'Lonesome Highway,' and the group's 5th album, 'SOULmate,' was scheduled for release Dec. 1.
Previous Jacksoul albums 'Sleepless' and 'mySoul' won R&B/Soul Recording of the Year Junos in 2001 and 2007, among other awards. The band's biggest hits included 'Can't Stop' and 'Still Believe in Love' and they were also known for recording soul covers of alternative tracks by the likes of Radiohead, Jane's Addiction and Smashing Pumpkins.
"That guy just exuded what it is to be a really cool, down to earth, just amazing individual," Toronto rapper Kardinal Offishall told The Canadian Press in reaction to the news. "Wow. Canada really lost something special."
An internment and private family gathering will take place later this week and proceeds from the sale of 'SOULmate' will go to the Haydain Neale Family Trust.
All the AOL Music info you want to know
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's Baby…
The BoomboxLarry Busacca, Getty Images Next month, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian will be…
Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi Delves Into…
NoisecreepTim Whitby, Getty Images Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi is on the road to recovery…
Metallica's James Hetfield on New…
NoisecreepDonald Kravitz, Getty Images If you are frustrated by talk of a Metallica album…
Add a Comment
Geneva Neale
1 reply to Geneva Neale's comment
Haydain Neale.
jacksoul fulfilled his goals.
Songs will be remembered.
Treasured are these dew drops.
Blessings to some or none.
His voice a gifts to us all.
Life goes on as memories fade in.
Such marvelous tunes being archived.
Copy right Geneva M. Neale Audain
http://www.thepassionandthepoetry.com
www.MeM.com
Geneva M. Neale (Audain) Award Poet
I would like this opportunity to thank the 2011 JUNO Board of Directors for including every "jacksoul band member" who believed in their contributions as music specialists to Ontario, Canada "Team" who still one of the finest dedicated Team of young adult musicicians. For the JUNOS to include Haydain Neale "jacksoul" lead singer in this year's JUNO 2011 Award Ceremonies fills my heart as Haydain's MOTHER "the Poet." I must "LIFT MY HEAD". Yep, I am contributing every month to a joint Memorial Stone to be placed in a prepaid family lot. Haydain did give me hell for being a futurist when he did learn that I did make such an investment at Chapel Hill Facilities. Have you ever heard Haydain's laughter sequence. "He said momsy that is my duty as your son; it not yours." As I smile my golden invested limited funds smiles. Geneva M. Neale (Audain)20032011. Gratitude.
March 28 2011 at 10:38 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Adrian
Oh I can't believe he's gone. I use to listen to this song over and over while driving in my car. Me and my young son at the time went up north for a couple of days and this song was played going and coming home. We just couldn't get enough of it. Now it is linked to that weekend and the memories just come alive again.
I can't imagine the pain of losing your son and I hope you feel his presence ever near, never gone.
Maureen
You will truly be missed, loved your beautiful music.
R.I.P Haydain.
Geneva M. Neale (Audain) Award Poet
Gratitude I am consoled to read harmonious tributes to Haydain Neale as jacksoul R&B lead singer, writer composer. Gone but will always be remembered for his gifts of "Get Caught Reading" Library Campaign. Motivational Speaker, Hamilton School Board. Performed the History of Blacks Music in an Opera at River Run Center in Guelph. Do as much as you can in any career you choose. Be Attitude Poet. His mother real family tree. http://www.thepassionandthepoetry.com
December 07 2009 at 10:16 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
laura
I SRRY IDK HOW IMPORTANT HE WAS :(
November 25 2009 at 2:16 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
tina
Well your screen name described you very well Doofus! Why don't u keel over and we see how many pennies we can get out of you, you heartless moron!!
November 25 2009 at 11:17 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Testaverdi
i like that idea myself..so many trade ups so little time because the world would be a much better place
November 25 2009 at 8:53 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
A-ONE
Laura! I think you are so SIMPLE-MINDED! What? Did you think that was CUTE? It wasn't, I don't know who he is either but I still had enough compassion to have sympathy over his suffering and death. I don't know you so who the F*** cares about YOU! Let me be the LAST to comment on this NOBODY A** B*T*H*S comment. We don't know her so why waste time on this thing! Well bump you in ADVANCE for when you "BITE THE DUST" But who will care we don't know you so let's shut up about you!!!!!!! LOOOSER
November 25 2009 at 8:53 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Testaverdi
Too bad we can't trade lives, the useful and talented for the needy and immature. "Another one bites the dust" is what good people think when a smartass bites the dust because they're just one more.
November 25 2009 at 8:40 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
GeorgeAnn
This is the first time I have ever heard of Haydain, and I know he must have been a beautiful to person. The music is great. May God bring peace to his family.
November 25 2009 at 8:31 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
50 Comments