In the heart of a frigid Canadian winter in January 1990, the legendary Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec, echoed with the sounds of a Jeff Healey recording session. This renowned residential studio, the brainchild of visionary Canadian producer Andre Perry, was where I, Ed Stasium, had the pleasure of working once again, this time producing Healey’s upcoming album, “Hell To Pay”. Little did I know, a late-night phone call would transform a cover song into a remarkable collaboration with a Beatle legend.
The album’s backing tracks were complete, and we were deep into overdubs. The atmosphere was electric, the sessions flowing seamlessly; we were on track to record and mix the entire album in a mere 30 days. One of the tracks was a cover of the Beatles’ classic, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Adding his signature touch, the incredibly talented Paul Shaffer had joined us from New York the week prior, laying down piano and Hammond B-3 organ tracks on this song and several others.
Jeff Healey, Ed Stasium, and JR enjoying a lighthearted moment during the "Hell To Pay" recording sessions in 1990
Fate intervened when a mutual friend, aware of Jeff’s admiration for George Harrison, casually mentioned to Mr. Harrison that Jeff had mused about how incredible it would be to have George guest on their rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” To our astonishment, this reached George, and suddenly, I found myself in the control room of Le Studio, amidst the Quebec freeze, speaking on the phone with George Harrison himself, calling from his Hawaiian sanctuary in Hana, Maui. It’s a surreal coincidence that I recount this story today from Kahana, Maui, gazing out at the Pacific.
As someone profoundly shaped by the Beatles, the prospect of speaking with George Harrison was initially nerve-wracking. After exchanging pleasantries about the stark contrast in our climates, he cut to the chase: “So Ed, what would you like me to do on the recording?” The question itself was astounding – George Harrison asking me for direction. My initial nervousness melted away as George’s relaxed demeanor put me instantly at ease. This phone call remains a career highlight, a testament to the unexpected turns and incredible opportunities in the world of music.
Ed Stasium in Le Studio control room during the Jeff Healey "Hell To Pay" sessions, taking the call from George Harrison.
I proposed that we envisioned him adding acoustic guitar throughout the track and contributing harmony vocals on the second and third verses. George’s response was immediate and enthusiastic: “Great! I’ll be in LA next week working with Jeff Lynne, and I can record my parts there. Could you send a ‘slave reel’ to Rumbo Recorders in LA?”
For those unfamiliar with pre-digital recording intricacies, a ‘slave reel’ was necessary when 24-track tape ran out. To accommodate George’s contributions, we created a slave reel by sub-mixing the drums to stereo, Jeff’s guitars to stereo, and condensing bass, keyboards, and Jeff’s vocal each to a single track. This freed up ample tracks for George to record onto. I penned a letter summarizing our conversation and FedExed the tape to Rumbo Recorders. Having worked at Rumbo previously, I contacted the studio manager to ensure a smooth process.
Two weeks passed with no word, and we began mixing, wondering about the status of George’s recording. Then, a call from Rumbo informed us they were shipping the reel back. The next day, the tape arrived, accompanied by a letter from George, which I still cherish.
A personal letter from George Harrison to Ed Stasium, detailing his recording contributions to Jeff Healey's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".
Eagerly, my assistant Paul Hamingson placed the reel on the Studer 24-track machine. Rewinding to the song’s start, I checked the track sheet and confirmed George and Jeff had indeed overdubbed acoustic guitars and harmony vocals as requested. My first instinct was to isolate George’s tracks. Hearing his guitar work solo, and then his iconic vocals entering – it was pure magic. The sound was simply breathtaking.
It had been some time since I last listened to the track. Recently revisiting Jeff Healey’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” on Spotify, I was thrilled to see it remains his most streamed song, boasting over 1.1 million listens and still sounding as captivating as ever.
Jeff Healey remains one of the most extraordinary talents I’ve ever collaborated with, and a dear friend. He is deeply missed and often remembered.
Love YOU Jeff…
Ed Stasium
Ed Stasium, a highly acclaimed producer, engineer, and mixer, whose extensive career is underscored by his philosophy: “it’s all about the music.” He is renowned for his collaborative approach, seamlessly integrating as “another member of the band” to realize an artist’s vision while ensuring sonic excellence.
From his early gold single success with Gladys Knight & the Pips’ “Midnight Train to Georgia”, Ed’s discography spans a diverse range of iconic artists including The Ramones, Talking Heads, Julian Cope, Peter Wolf, Mick Jagger, Joan Jett, Marshall Crenshaw, Living Colour, Soul Asylum, The Smithereens, Motorhead, Biohazard, The Reverend Horton Heat, the Misfits, and many more.
Explore Ed Stasium’s remarkable career and life further at www.edstasium.com
