Haydain NealeIf you haven’t heard Jacksoul’s 2000 hit, “Can’t Stop”, you should stop reading this and listen check it out, because it really is among the greatest Canadian songs in modern music history.

Jacksoul Singer and Songwriter Haydain Neale died Sunday morning at Toronto’s Mount Sinai hospital after a seven month struggle with Lung cancer. By his side was his daughter, friends, brother-in-law and wife, who said, ““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.”

It was an untimely death for a gifted contributor to the Canadian music industry. “Can’t Stop” was the most played track in Canada for four straight weeks in 2000, and “Still Believe in Love”, released in 2004, was one of the most popular tracks of the year. He won a Canadian Urban Music Award that same year, and R&B Song of the Year at the 2005 SOCAN awards, for the track Shady Days.

Jacksoul’s soulful R&B sound was somehow both original and classic. “Can’t Stop” and “Still Believe in Love” are among the timeless songs of Neale’s generation– they have that indefinable quality that can translate to every age group.

Urban music in Canada right now is in a severe dry spell, and Haydain Neale’s passing is a major blow. Maybe the sudden loss will send a message to the industry. RIP. andPOP wishes to express our condolences to Haydain’s family and friends.






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