Early Life and Education of Jeff Buckley: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 6, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jeff Buckley. From birth to education, explore key events.

Jeff Buckley was an American singer-songwriter who gained prominence in the early 1990s through his performances in New York City's East Village. Prior to his solo career, he worked as a session guitarist in Los Angeles. He signed with Columbia Records and released his debut and only studio album, *Grace*, in 1994. Buckley embarked on extensive tours across the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Australia to support the album, solidifying his reputation as a gifted and captivating live performer.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Legacy & Impact

November 17, 1966: Jeffrey Scott Buckley's Birth

On November 17, 1966, Jeffrey Scott Buckley, also known as Scott Moorhead, was born. He later became an American singer-songwriter.

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1967: Acquisition of Guild F-50 acoustic guitar

Jeff Buckley played a 1967 Guild F-50 acoustic guitar, among other instruments.

1975: Father's death and name change

In 1975, after his biological father Tim Buckley died of a drug overdose, Jeff chose to go by Buckley and his given name, Jeff.

1983: Telecaster guitar

Jeff Buckley played a blonde 1983 Fender Telecaster, which he had re-fretted and modded with a Seymour Duncan Hot Lead Stack in the bridge and a mirror pick guard.

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February 1990: Move to New York City

In February 1990, Jeff Buckley moved to New York City but found few opportunities to work as a musician initially.

1990: Roommates With Brooke Smith

From 1990 to 1991, Jeff Buckley was roommates with actress Brooke Smith.

April 1991: Meeting Rebecca Moore

In April 1991, Jeff Buckley met artist Rebecca Moore during a tribute concert to his father, Tim Buckley, leading to a relationship that lasted until 1993 and inspired his record "Grace".

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April 26, 1991: Singing debut at tribute concert

On April 26, 1991, Jeff Buckley made his public singing debut at a tribute concert for his father, Greetings from Tim Buckley, held at St. Ann's Church in Brooklyn.

1993: Recording Session for Columbia Records

In 1993, Jeff Buckley had a recording session for Columbia Records, the tapes of which were later discovered in 2015 and released on the album "You and I" in 2016.

1993: End of Relationship with Rebecca Moore

Jeff Buckley's relationship with Rebecca Moore, which began in April 1991, ended in 1993.

1995: Influences Mentioned at Press Conference

During a press conference in Lyon in 1995, Jeff Buckley cited several female singers as influences, including Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Patti Smith, and Siouxsie Sioux.