It was just a glimpse, but it gave us such hope.

More than two years after being knocked off his scooter and sustaining serious head injuries, Jacksoul lead singer Haydain Neale made his first public appearance in the audience of Bravo's Motown At The Concert Hall which was recorded Oct. 4 and aired Nov. 10.

After the house band, comprised primarily of his bandmates, announced that their performance was dedicated to Neale, the camera panned to him. He didn't smile or wave with that erstwhile exuberance, but jerked his head as wife Michaela put an arm around him.

It wasn't a long-enough glance to gauge the lingering effects of the Aug. 2007 accident.

And with the Nov. 3 release of a new Jacksoul single "Lonesome Highway" and an album of new material, Soulmate, slated for Dec. 1, fans couldn't help but think the Hamilton-born Neale was on the upswing.

His family has always been optimistic, but tightlipped, about his condition and intensive rehabilitation.

In a press release about the production of the new tunes – written, and seemingly recorded, prior to his accident – Neale says: "It takes me more time now, but I still orchestrate the room."

Sadly, Jacksoul's fifth album will now be the posthumous legacy of its gravelly-voiced frontman. Relatives announced late Monday that Neale died in hospital on Sunday after a seven-month battle with lung cancer.

"Through all these challenges, Haydain's sense of humour and love of music were ever-present," said Michaela in the statement. "He constantly brightened the room with his singing and his smile. His joyful presence and beautiful voice will be missed by us all."

Soulmate's 10-song collection of "songs that tell of love, hope and endurance" will join a fine catalogue anchored by "Still Believe In Love," the No.1 most-spun Canadian track and the No.1 track on all formats simultaneously in 2004.

"Who do you compare him to?" said Toronto R&B singer Wade O. Brown, 39, on whether the two-time Juno winner was the country's most successful male soul singer.

"In terms of accolades and compositions, he was in a rare, rare class. In a country where there's no soul scene, he succeeded in spreading soul music without toning down his sound to cross over. That needs to be acknowledged and heralded," Brown said Monday.

Sultry and given to much vibrato, Neale's distinct vocals captivated with emotional conviction.

"You felt what he sang," said Halifax-born, Toronto-based R&B singer and Canadian Idol finalist Gary Beals. "And he was an excellent songwriter. The Canadian music industry has truly lost an amazing, powerful performer."

In the liner notes for 2006's MySoul – mainly covers from the likes of Radiohead, Teddy Pendergrass and Sam Cooke – Neale wrote: "I think music can heal and educate. If Jacksoul never makes another recording, I'll always be proud that our music was a positive force for not just love between couples, but love of self, community and the world."

An interment with a private family gathering will take place later this week. All proceeds from the sale of Soulmate will go to the Haydain Neale Family Trust.

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