Jackson Browne

Contemporary folk-pop singer/songwriter

Jackson Browne's style of songwriting can easily be compared to that of his contemporaries – folks like Van Morrison, James Taylor, Paul Simon, and the Eagles.

Jackson Browne (Saturate Before Using) (Asylum, 1972). Running on Empty (Rhino, 1978). Solo Acoustic, Vol. 1 (Inside Recordings, 2005).

Clyde Jackson Browne was born in Germany in October, 1948. His father was an American soldier stationed in Heidelberg, but Browne soon moved to Los Angeles, where he began performing as a folksinger. By the age of 18, he had joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

It was also around this time that he began his career as a folk songwriter, selling songs to such landmark folk artists as Joan Baez, Linda Ronstadt, the Byrds, and others.

He moved to New York City for a short time and played with a handful of folk-rock bands in the late 1960s. After leaving New York, he formed another band with a couple of friends. It wasn't until 1971, however, that he finally signed a record deal and released his first solo album, Jackson Browne (1972). The album gained Browne considerable success, including a Top 10 hit in the US.

Browne's follow-up album wasn't quite as successful, although he managed to maintain a devoted fanbase while releasing intellectual, catchy music throughout the decade. His biggest commercial success came in 1977, with a live album, Running on Empty.

The 80s saw Browne turning a more political light on his music, blatantly protesting Reagan-era politics through his songs. He founded Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE), and frequently performed in benefit concerts for organizations such as Amnesty International and Farm Aid. He has released 14 albums in all, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.