Jackson Browne by Danny Clinch
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jackson Browne is on the road having an intimate, euphonic conversation with his lifelong family of fans. Toting just his silky voice and the warmth of an acoustic guitar, Browne is taking a minimalist approach to sharing his timeless sound.
It’s apparent that this folk-rock icon hasn’t stopped tending to and tuning his most important instrument: At 70, he can fool any listener into thinking they’re still hearing the twenty-something who captivated millions with his candid, heartfelt crooning.
A long time ago Browne, a songwriter, enlisted noteworthy friends including Warren Zevon and members of the Eagles to help out with a demo intended to get him signed as an artist. When no labels bit, Browne’s manager David Geffen started his own, Asylum, with Browne as its flagship signing. Browne went on to become a generational voice on the strength of hits including “Doctor My Eyes,” “Rosie” and his cover of “Stay,” by Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs. The latter was the winsome closer on “Running on Empty,” an iconic 1977 album that was recorded on the road and seemingly played on every other late-’70s turntable and car radio in America.
Cataloguing Browne’s output would be daunting; suffice it to say he has collaborated with a lot of people. A short list includes Nico, Joni Mitchell, the Byrds, Linda Ronstadt and Glenn Frey of the aforementioned Eagles. His ASCAP entry credits him as author or co-author of more than 200 songs, and he’s a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in addition to his 2004 Rock Hall induction by fellow student of sound Bruce Springsteen.
He could sit back and reap the rewards of a lifetime of commitment to his craft, but he’s still making records. Rolling Stone called his most recent full-length, 2014’s “Standing in the Breach,” a “superb, inspiring album” from an activist artist who understands that “imagining the world as it should be is the first step” toward change. Browne has won our respect for his constant evolution and steadfast dedication to music that illuminates and soothes aching souls — his and ours.
Jackson Browne performs 8:30pm April 9 at the Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater. jacksonbrowne.com ~ Freddie Zandt
