Clyde Browne

Clyde Browne

Vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist, composer, lyricist, producer
Date of Birth: 09.10.1948
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Early Life and Influences
  2. Career Breakthrough and The Jackson Five
  3. Breakthrough with Asylum Records
  4. Critical and Commercial Success
  5. Political Activism and Personal Tragedy
  6. The Impact of "Running on Empty"
  7. Later Career and Recognition
  8. Legacy

Early Life and Influences

Jackson Browne was born into a family of American civil servants stationed overseas. His family returned to Los Angeles when he was three years old. Initially aspiring to a career in sports, Browne developed an interest in jazz and began playing the trumpet.

Through his schoolmates, Greg Copeland and Steve Noonen, Browne was introduced to the world of folk music. The trio frequented the "Paradox" club, where Browne encountered members of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. In 1966, he briefly joined the band, and his compositions later appeared on NGDB's albums.

Career Breakthrough and The Jackson Five

A contract with Nina Music, the publishing subsidiary of Elektra Records, led to Browne's songs being performed by artists on the label. He relocated to New York, accompanying Nico at Andy Warhol's club "The Dom." Three of Browne's compositions appeared on Nico's album "Chelsea Girl." However, after a disagreement with Nico, Browne returned to California.

In 1968, Browne pursued a solo album, but like his plans to form a "supergroup" with Ned Doheny and Jack Wills, these projects failed to materialize. Disappointed, Browne resorted to performing at local clubs with limited success.

Breakthrough with Asylum Records

A pivotal moment in Browne's career occurred with a contract from the newly formed Asylum label, which expressed interest in his material. The album "Jackson Browne / Saturate Before Using" showcased his enduring talent with tracks like "Jamaica Say You Will" and "Doctor My Eyes," which became a top-10 hit for The Jackson Five.

Equally celebrated was the song "Take It Easy," co-written with Glenn Frey of The Eagles. Their collaboration continued with songs like "Nightingale," "Doolin' Dalton," and "James Dean."

Critical and Commercial Success

Browne's second album, "For Everyman," included the hit single "These Days." It marked the beginning of his long-term collaboration with multi-instrumentalist David Lindley. Despite the local success of "Redneck Dean," the album failed to achieve broader recognition.

The concept album "Late For The Sky" demonstrated Browne's exploration of contemporary sounds, and extensive touring expanded his fan base.

Political Activism and Personal Tragedy

In 1975, Browne produced Warren Zevon's debut album. Introspection and melancholy permeated his subsequent work, exemplified by "The Pretender," produced by Jon Landau. The album's title track became a touchstone of the 1970s, frequently aired on adult-oriented radio stations. However, its success was marred by the suicide of Browne's wife in March 1976.

The Impact of "Running on Empty"

"Running on Empty," recorded primarily during live performances, further solidified Browne's popularity. It became a top 20 hit in the U.S. and No. 12 in the U.K., marking the culmination of a period in his career.

Later Career and Recognition

Browne's involvement in political activism and personal struggles affected his creative output in the late 1970s. While "Hold Out" was musically competent, it lacked the emotional depth of previous works. "Lawyers In Love" disappointed, but "Lives In The Balance" and "World In Motion" showed improvement.

In 2004, Browne was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by his friend Bruce Springsteen. He participated in the "Vote for Change" tour with R.E.M., Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, and others, endorsing John Kerry in the 2004 presidential election.

Legacy

Jackson Browne continues to be an influential singer-songwriter, and his musical legacy has garnered him a devoted following.

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