Canadian Soul Singer Haydain Neale of Jacksoul Dies of Lung Cancer
- Posted on Nov 24th 2009 10:30AM by Joshua Ostroff
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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.
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