Jackson Browne penned some of the most influential songs of the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Germany and transported to Los Angeles at a young age, he developed his folk music sensibilities early. At 18, he joined up with a group called the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Soon afterwards, he began writing songs for the Nino music publishing company. These tunes included hits for the Eagles, the Byrds, and Linda Ronstadt. As far as his own singing and songwriting career was concerned, Browne struggled at first before getting a smash hit with "Doctor My Eyes," which was released in 1972. He established himself as a permanent pop presence in 1974 with his album, Late for the Sky. Yet he really didn't flourish as a mainstream success until his album, The Pretender, was released in 1976. The Pretender reflected the pain and anguish that Browne had experienced after his wife's suicide. In the wake of commercial success, Browne suddenly became much more politically active. Three years after the release of The Pretender, Browne (along with several colleagues) founded an organization called the Musicians United for Safe Energy. In the 1980s, Browne continued his political crusade, releasing satirical songs which lambasted the Reagan administration's position on Central American affairs. Aside from his biggest single, "Running on Empty," which was released in 1977, Browne also recorded one of the major tracks for the soundtrack of the movie, Fast Times at Ridgemont High In 2004, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame formerly inducted Browne. His folksy, insightful melodies have inspired generations with their potency. |
