Slim Chants

Haydain Neale is gone. He passed away last Sunday at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, a victim of lung cancer. Reportedly, he did not smoke.

I can’t believe it. I heard the news last night and I’ve been in shock all day. Haydain kept his illness quiet. Who knew that a recent appearance in the audience at a CBC taped event would be the last time we’d see him alive.

Haydain had a gift in the sound of his voice. And we were blessed that he chose to share it with us. His gravelly tone oozed soul. CBC’s As It Happens just referred to it as “wild honey”. I’m sad that beyond the new Jacksoul record to be released in December we’ve heard the last of it.

Please buy the new CD. Proceeds go to Haydain’s family through a trust. I urge you to please buy a copy for each of the Christmas stockings you have to fill.

Rest in peace, Haydain. Your heavenly voice is at home now.