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A Wished For Song: A Portrait of Jeff Buckley
When Jeff Buckley drowned in Memphis in 1997 at the age of 30, the music world lost one of its most original and promising voices. His 1994 debut LP Grace showcased his soaring eight-octave vocal range and fluid guitar playing, and was hailed as an instant classic, winning him legions of devoted fans the world over. Photographer Merri Cyr was there from the beginning, shooting his album covers and accompanying him on tour, capturing priceless images of Buckley's boundless charisma and many-sided personality. Now she has assembled an unforgettable and poignant collection of recollections from friends and members of his inner circle and photographs, many never before seen, of an artist whose untimely death - and the timeless music he left behind - continue to resonate. Hardcover, 340 full-color photos. Merri Cyr is a photographer and video artist. She lives in Brooklyn. "A tremendous anthology ... ravishing portraits of a singular, much-missed singer." - Rolling Stone Play Jeff Buckley's songs with our Guitar Recorded Versions tab transcription book - 00690451.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2002
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444 people want to read
About the author
Merri Cyr
4 books3 followersMerri Cyr is widely recognised as the official Jeff Buckley photographer, having shot the iconic Grace cover photo and countless other images of the artist. She lives in New York.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 19, 2018
“I don’t write music for Sony. I write it for the people who are screaming down the road, crying to a full-blast stereo.”– Jeff Buckley
When Jeff Buckley drowned tragically in a channel of the Mississippi River in 1997, the music world mourned the loss of one of, if not the, most promising voices of all time. When his debut LP Grace was released in 1994, Buckley quickly gained legions of fans all over the world, all of whom were immediately transfixed with his eight-octave range and perfect falsetto, fluid guitar playing and heartrending lyrics. His untimely death denied us of more of the most beautiful music ever written.
Merri Cyr is a photographer from Brooklyn, NY. She was with Jeff Buckey from early on, right at the beginning of his musical journey. Initially hired to shoot the album cover for Grace, Cyr quickly impressed Buckley and was asked to accompany him on tour, allowing her to capture some of the most pivotal musical, as well as personal, moments in the artist's life. The almost endless number of images she captured gave us a fleeting glance into the life of Jeff Buckley; his unbelievable abilities, his huge heart, his unwavering charm, his multi-faceted personality. In 2002 Cyr decided to share her images with the world. What resulted was A Wished For Song- a breathtaking collection of photographs that depict the legend behind the most timeless music ever written.
Also included in the book are interviews, conducted by Cyr, from the many people that had the pleasure of meeting Buckley and having him in their lives. Artists such as Bono, Eddie Vedder and Paul McCartney all lend their words to pay tribute to his memory. There are anecdotes and reminiscences from family, colleagues and friends, the people that knew and loved him best. Both the images and words remind us that the memory of Jeff Buckley lives on, through his music and through the people that refuse to forget him.
When Buckley first hired Cyr, he told her he wanted to be her muse- and this fantastic book proves she lived up to his expectations of her. From promo shots, studio portraits, live shots to backstage peeks, all are taken with genuine affection for the subject. The photographs are abstract but all stunning. They are never exploitive yet at the same time beautifully revealing. The book does not make a martyr of Buckley, thankfully. As Inger Lorre states in the book, "...Jeff was nobody's martyr and I don't think he would like people turning him into the tragic young beautiful thing...You know he would hate [that:]." A Wished For Song is the perfect tribute; a celebration of his life and a gentle mourning of his devastating death.
This book also hints at the great relationship Cyr had with Buckley. She praises his exceptional talent, his kind and gentle nature, his all-inclusive love for people and his incontestable charm. She speaks with a fondness that comes straight from her heart. Her own words on the artist are moving; it is obvious that shooting Buckley was her pleasure: "Jeff had a fantastic beauty, rare and originating on an energetic level. It's got nothing to do with the meat of a body and it's beyond talent. Maybe his high burn rate made him shine all the more brightly, seducing people to match an ephemeral brilliance, or by the same token a vast darkness. Whatever you call it, it became an actual and visible expression in the photographs."
What really comes across in Cyr's book is how important the music was to Jeff Buckley. It was always about the music for him. His whole life was getting his music across to people, to really make them feel it. Buckley was an artist that had no issues with saying "fuck you" to the business side of the industry. His music was more important than any photo shoots, promotion opportunities or music videos. If you watch the video of "Last Goodbye", at the very end he looks at the camera with a look of disdain on his face. This look sums up the way he felt about the business. He was never afraid to say no. He never did anything he was not comfortable with. Dave Lory's words sum up how Buckley felt about the music perfectly: "I miss protecting him. I think that's probably the hardest thing...protecting him and protecting his music and bringing him across the way he wanted to be brought across. That's the joy of it. Forget the money, forget all the other bullshit, because at the end of day when you walk in the door and you see him, you see that you've protected his baby. And that's his art. And him personally."
Merri Cyr has done a fantastic job with A Wished For Song. It is a wonderful and stunning book. It is a keepsake; an essential addition to the collection of any fan of Jeff Buckley, or anyone who wants a snapshot into the life of a real artist. It reminds us that the memory of the man behind the timeless inspirational music of Grace has lived on past his death. He is worth the continuous praise he receives. Sometimes I feel words will never be strong enough to describe his talent, although efforts like Cyr's come as close as you can get. Jeff Buckley will never be forgotten; no one will ever outdo him. He is one in ten million and his legend will never be overshadowed.
“Grace is what matters. In anything. Especially life, especially growth, tragedy, pain, love, death. About people, that's what matters. That's a quality I admire very greatly. It keeps you from reaching for the gun too quickly; it keeps you from destroying things too foolishly; it sort of keeps you alive and keeps you open for more understanding.” – Jeff Buckley
When Jeff Buckley drowned tragically in a channel of the Mississippi River in 1997, the music world mourned the loss of one of, if not the, most promising voices of all time. When his debut LP Grace was released in 1994, Buckley quickly gained legions of fans all over the world, all of whom were immediately transfixed with his eight-octave range and perfect falsetto, fluid guitar playing and heartrending lyrics. His untimely death denied us of more of the most beautiful music ever written.
Merri Cyr is a photographer from Brooklyn, NY. She was with Jeff Buckey from early on, right at the beginning of his musical journey. Initially hired to shoot the album cover for Grace, Cyr quickly impressed Buckley and was asked to accompany him on tour, allowing her to capture some of the most pivotal musical, as well as personal, moments in the artist's life. The almost endless number of images she captured gave us a fleeting glance into the life of Jeff Buckley; his unbelievable abilities, his huge heart, his unwavering charm, his multi-faceted personality. In 2002 Cyr decided to share her images with the world. What resulted was A Wished For Song- a breathtaking collection of photographs that depict the legend behind the most timeless music ever written.
Also included in the book are interviews, conducted by Cyr, from the many people that had the pleasure of meeting Buckley and having him in their lives. Artists such as Bono, Eddie Vedder and Paul McCartney all lend their words to pay tribute to his memory. There are anecdotes and reminiscences from family, colleagues and friends, the people that knew and loved him best. Both the images and words remind us that the memory of Jeff Buckley lives on, through his music and through the people that refuse to forget him.
When Buckley first hired Cyr, he told her he wanted to be her muse- and this fantastic book proves she lived up to his expectations of her. From promo shots, studio portraits, live shots to backstage peeks, all are taken with genuine affection for the subject. The photographs are abstract but all stunning. They are never exploitive yet at the same time beautifully revealing. The book does not make a martyr of Buckley, thankfully. As Inger Lorre states in the book, "...Jeff was nobody's martyr and I don't think he would like people turning him into the tragic young beautiful thing...You know he would hate [that:]." A Wished For Song is the perfect tribute; a celebration of his life and a gentle mourning of his devastating death.
This book also hints at the great relationship Cyr had with Buckley. She praises his exceptional talent, his kind and gentle nature, his all-inclusive love for people and his incontestable charm. She speaks with a fondness that comes straight from her heart. Her own words on the artist are moving; it is obvious that shooting Buckley was her pleasure: "Jeff had a fantastic beauty, rare and originating on an energetic level. It's got nothing to do with the meat of a body and it's beyond talent. Maybe his high burn rate made him shine all the more brightly, seducing people to match an ephemeral brilliance, or by the same token a vast darkness. Whatever you call it, it became an actual and visible expression in the photographs."
What really comes across in Cyr's book is how important the music was to Jeff Buckley. It was always about the music for him. His whole life was getting his music across to people, to really make them feel it. Buckley was an artist that had no issues with saying "fuck you" to the business side of the industry. His music was more important than any photo shoots, promotion opportunities or music videos. If you watch the video of "Last Goodbye", at the very end he looks at the camera with a look of disdain on his face. This look sums up the way he felt about the business. He was never afraid to say no. He never did anything he was not comfortable with. Dave Lory's words sum up how Buckley felt about the music perfectly: "I miss protecting him. I think that's probably the hardest thing...protecting him and protecting his music and bringing him across the way he wanted to be brought across. That's the joy of it. Forget the money, forget all the other bullshit, because at the end of day when you walk in the door and you see him, you see that you've protected his baby. And that's his art. And him personally."
Merri Cyr has done a fantastic job with A Wished For Song. It is a wonderful and stunning book. It is a keepsake; an essential addition to the collection of any fan of Jeff Buckley, or anyone who wants a snapshot into the life of a real artist. It reminds us that the memory of the man behind the timeless inspirational music of Grace has lived on past his death. He is worth the continuous praise he receives. Sometimes I feel words will never be strong enough to describe his talent, although efforts like Cyr's come as close as you can get. Jeff Buckley will never be forgotten; no one will ever outdo him. He is one in ten million and his legend will never be overshadowed.
“Grace is what matters. In anything. Especially life, especially growth, tragedy, pain, love, death. About people, that's what matters. That's a quality I admire very greatly. It keeps you from reaching for the gun too quickly; it keeps you from destroying things too foolishly; it sort of keeps you alive and keeps you open for more understanding.” – Jeff Buckley
November 4, 2008
This book is truly a treasure. Oftentimes it happens that when a rock star or famous person dies young, they are set up in a legendary status. This book shows Jeff for what he was- a sweet, funny and sometimes complex guy, and most importantly a human who loved his music. It's nice to see the real side of people and this book gives that to us as fans. It gives something back.
Read
October 22, 2007Everyone likes a passionate voice, sensitive shoulders and a pretty face.
July 8, 2008
A great collection of photos and anecdotes from the people who knew him best.
June 22, 2023
A WISHED FOR SONG is a tribute to the late singer Jeff Buckley compiled by Buckley's friend, the photographer Merri Cyr. It consists of reminisces by those who knew Buckley closely together with dozens of photographs by Cyr covering several years of his career.
Sixteen people were interviewed for the small anecdotes which after Cyr's two page introduction provide the text of the book. These include Steve Berkowitz, A&R man at Columbia who got Buckley his recording contract, his manager Dave Lory, drummer Matt Johnson and guitarist Michael Tighe, and several personal friends and record-label people. While the book starts with Buckley's concerts at the cafe Sin-E, it doesn't proceed entirely chronologically. Much of the book seems to cover the beginning and middle years of his career. The last year or so of his life, when he was trying to finish his second album, isn't really presented.
Cyr's photographs are wonderful. Because she became a close friend of Buckley, she was able to photograph him at entirely spontaneous moments, whether hanging out at Sin-E, eating a big meal in a restaurant (a favourite pastime, apparently), or just sitting with friends laughing. The result is a portrait of a fun-loving and entirely down-to-earth guy, never some aloof rock god. While the book is by no means essential, it is worth picking up for those who adore Buckley's music and mourn his untimely death.
Comment
Sixteen people were interviewed for the small anecdotes which after Cyr's two page introduction provide the text of the book. These include Steve Berkowitz, A&R man at Columbia who got Buckley his recording contract, his manager Dave Lory, drummer Matt Johnson and guitarist Michael Tighe, and several personal friends and record-label people. While the book starts with Buckley's concerts at the cafe Sin-E, it doesn't proceed entirely chronologically. Much of the book seems to cover the beginning and middle years of his career. The last year or so of his life, when he was trying to finish his second album, isn't really presented.
Cyr's photographs are wonderful. Because she became a close friend of Buckley, she was able to photograph him at entirely spontaneous moments, whether hanging out at Sin-E, eating a big meal in a restaurant (a favourite pastime, apparently), or just sitting with friends laughing. The result is a portrait of a fun-loving and entirely down-to-earth guy, never some aloof rock god. While the book is by no means essential, it is worth picking up for those who adore Buckley's music and mourn his untimely death.
Comment
March 7, 2022
Beautiful and personal.
Read
October 23, 2023The mind of a genius with the best heart.
April 5, 2016
I discovered Jeff Buckley´s music on february 12th, 2010, when I accidentally listened to "So real" while visiting a chilean friend of mine´s blog. The impression he made on me was (and still is) unrivalled: the way he sang, and how committed he was to his craft clearly shows how fierce and fearless he was towards his music, in despite of all the eventual insecurities he may have had as a human being (like we all have in some way or another). And that´s exactly what this book brings and shows to the reader.
This book offers a wonderful introduction to his brief life for those who don´t know much about him and, for the fans, an intimate portrait that gives a clear idea of the impact he had on those who had the chance to meet him. There are excerpts of testimonies and anecdotes from musicians, band mates, producers and friends who speak passionately about him and the way he was. Plus, the book is filled with beautiful pictures taken by Merri Cyr, a close friend of his.
So, yes: I definitely recommend it.
This book offers a wonderful introduction to his brief life for those who don´t know much about him and, for the fans, an intimate portrait that gives a clear idea of the impact he had on those who had the chance to meet him. There are excerpts of testimonies and anecdotes from musicians, band mates, producers and friends who speak passionately about him and the way he was. Plus, the book is filled with beautiful pictures taken by Merri Cyr, a close friend of his.
So, yes: I definitely recommend it.
March 26, 2012
Jeff Buckley was a talented musician who lost his life at a very young age. Luckily, he made quite a few recordings and his fanbase has grown tremendously over the years. This book includes quotes from the people that knew Jeff and knew of him, the people who were touched by his music, and even some piece by Jeff himself. The photographs are excellent, all from Merri Cyr who toured with Jeff. The pages are littered with praise, but that's okay, because the people who buy this book are likely devoted fans.
October 18, 2015
This book is Merri Cyr's photographs of Jeff Buckley and quotes of people who all knew him.
Not a descriptive book by any means, and probably not objective because all those people loved him (or they say they did anyway) and mostly they are all telling stories about him and getting all emotionnal, which got me all emotional as well because frakk what a cool dude Jeff seems to be.
I am not a musician by any mean but oh well, their love and life of music is indeed something fascinating to me anyway. They do have something about them and Jeff Buckley definitely did.
Not a descriptive book by any means, and probably not objective because all those people loved him (or they say they did anyway) and mostly they are all telling stories about him and getting all emotionnal, which got me all emotional as well because frakk what a cool dude Jeff seems to be.
I am not a musician by any mean but oh well, their love and life of music is indeed something fascinating to me anyway. They do have something about them and Jeff Buckley definitely did.
July 4, 2013
Jeff Buckley has an uncanny ability to touch people, and not only through his music. This collection of memories, comprised of both text and photos, from those who were closest to him in the flesh gives us some insight into who Jeff Buckley was as a person. He was here for such a short time, but clearly he still managed to make a deep impact on the lives of many around him.
June 26, 2007
pick it up for the pictures. a beautiful man...
Want to read
May 2, 2008I'm looking for a copy of this book in very good condition. First edition hardback.
January 5, 2010
I'm a huuuuuuge Jeff Buckley fan so of course I love this book
May 5, 2015
Amazing photos of a musician that was lost way too soon.
February 24, 2016
I've re-read this so many times. Love love love.
April 10, 2023
I’m a real Jeff Buckley niche fan now. This is way more than a simple biography : I could feel his personality through these anecdotes and pictures. The most inspiring thing about Buckley is the way he instantly inspired anyone he met.
“He had the ability to make every person feel, even if it was for one second, that they were the most important person in the universe.”
“He had the ability to make every person feel, even if it was for one second, that they were the most important person in the universe.”
August 5, 2021
A beautiful book for a beautiful soul.
January 21, 2025
Jeff Buckley I love you
May 23, 2025
Finally read all the words instead of just gazing into jeff’s eyes…tears were shed. LOML forever & ever & ever <33
December 22, 2025
it’s been a week since i found this book at a local thrift for 4 dollars. im the luckiest girl in the world
July 11, 2011
Merry Cyr è una fotografa di talento. Di Jeff Buckley, un solo disco (e mezzo) e una serie di schifose e avvoltoiesche riedizioni su riedizioni di registrazioni che nessuno (a parte mamma) avrebbe mai avuto il coraggio di pubblicare non sono sufficienti per dire se effettivamente fosse un genio. Io ho sempre pensato che, dietro ad una evidente sensibilità e bravura, ci fosse un grandissimo ed autocompiaciuto cazzone. Il modo in cui in queste foto si pavoneggia, mal dissimulando timidezza, probabilmente lo dimostra.
Però che bello...
Però che bello...
September 21, 2024
An amazing photo collection of, maybe, one of the greats artists in music history. Merri Cyr It was his closer photograper and a good friend. The pictures are completed with words of Friends, Family and coleagues of Jeff making a beautiful and emotional tribute
June 1, 2008
A must for anyone who wants to get to know the man behind the music. This book was very instrumental in helping me discover the true Jeff Buckley, nine years after he died.
August 16, 2023
A beautiful book about a beautiful man. 💚
September 27, 2023
he‘s my roman empire
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews