In the early 70's, German-born and pure southern California implant,
confessional singer-songwriter Jackson Browne built an impressive resume in the
folk-rock arena. From his debut self-titled lp release in 1972, to his "Hold
Out" lp released in 1980, Browne dominated the laid-back, folk-rock California
sound of the seventies.
Songs such as the top ten hit "Doctor My Eyes" and the song he co-wrote with
the Eagles' Glenn Frey called "Take It Easy," helped Browne to establish his
reputation as a versatile, master balladeer. Subsequent albums filled with
conventional harmonies, inventive lyrics and Browne's signature song writing
diversity helped propel him to new heights. Browne related to his fans by
singing about love, loss and identity that many other musicians approached, but
his music seemed to be more personal, insightful and sincere.
In 1977, Browne released the live lp "Running On Empty," a conceptual album
about life on the road. Using all new material, Browne captured his audience
with tracks such as "Running On Empty," "The Road," "Rosie" and the FM radio
staple, "The Load Out/Stay," which was Browne's affectionate send off to his
concert goers. Although the album was a huge commercial success, it was not
characteristic of Browne's song writing expertise and may have disappointed
hard-core fans.
The next release in 1980, "Hold Out," was also a commercial success and spawned
the hit singles "Boulevard" and "That Girl Could Sing." A year later, the song
"Somebody's Baby" (from the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack), peaked at
number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. Browne also became more political, not
only in his personal life, but it reflected in his music as well. During the
eighties Browne frequently performed at benefit concerts and condemned the
politics and strategies of "Reaganomics," and lyrically attacked war and
homelessness. Even if you agreed with his opinions, the music buying public
did not find the sermon-like delivery accessible and his sales fell.
Browne returned to more of his "everyman" style that his fans fell in love with
on subsequent releases, abandoning the political-like lyrics and releasing
brilliant and refreshing work in the nineties.
In 2004, Jackson Browne was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and
Bruce Springsteen commented that although the Eagles got to the Hall first,
Browne "wrote the songs they wish they had written."
Browne is still active in political causes and has performed in several rallies
promoting Presidential candidates Ralph Nader (2000) and John Kerry. American
music and pop culture are certainly better off because of this brilliant,
cohesive songwriter.
Author Robert Benson writes about rock/pop music, vinyl record collecting and
operates www.collectingvinylrecords.com, where you can secure your
copy of his
ebook called "The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting."
Robert can be contacted at robert@collectingvinylrecords.com.
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