Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. Other times, it just makes a better story. That’s the case with the documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley, now playing at Robinson Film Center.

Jeff Buckley was a 1990s-era singer-songwriter known for his powerful lyrics and his rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” on his album “Grace.” He died suddenly in 1997 in Memphis, TN, as plans for his second studio album were coming together. He was 30 years old.

The film follows Jeff’s seemingly destined journey into music. His father was legendary songwriter Tim Buckley. Tim left before Jeff was born and died when Jeff was only 8. But Jeff inherited a gift for songwriting, along with a wide-ranging voice and a gift of musicianship. He learned quickly that music was his “deepest form of communication with people.”

But music also became an albatross around Jeff’s neck. He was haunted with the memory of his father, and he struggled to find his own voice. He finally did, but unfortunately caved under the pressure and demands that came along with fame.

It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley is not some cautionary tale of the price of fame. It’s not a pop culture reflection on what might have been. It is a tribute to a talented and tortured spirit, gone too soon, told by the mother, girlfriends, bandmates, and friends who knew him best.

Don’t rush off after the credit begin to roll, either. There is some great live footage of him you won’t want to miss.

- Scott “Scooter” Anderson, Scooter Anderson Communications