Jackson Browne: The songwriter Bruce Springsteen calls “simply one of the best”
While other artists scramble to be considered amongst the best of the best, Bruce Springsteen seems to have secured a permanent place there. Well and truly putting the heart into heartland rock, Springsteen has endeared himself to millions with his lyrical depictions of working-class life. Lovingly dubbed ‘The Boss’, a nickname that reflects his top dog position in the industry, it’s difficult to dispute Springsteen’s well-earned reputation.
Springsteen’s praise is worth more than most as a giant of the industry. True to the authenticity and enthusiasm of his own career, the Boss has never been shy about sharing his admiration for his peers. Springsteen has freely littered his lyrics, appearances and interviews with shout-outs to fellow sonic innovators, from Roy Orbison to The Motifs.
In 2004, Springsteen delivered a particularly lengthy and laudatory speech about one artist in particular – songwriter and activist Jackson Browne. Inducting the rock icon into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Boss shared the story of how he first met Browne at a show he was playing at The Bitter End in the early 1970s. Immediately, Springsteen was struck by Browne’s great talent, finding each song he played to be as precious as a diamond.
“I was brought down there by David Blue, a folk singer, after a set I did at Max’s Kansas City,” he recalled, “On David Blue’s word, Jackson was kind enough to let somebody he’d just met get up on stage and play a song during his set.” Springsteen returned the favour and watched Browne’s set, which stunned him. “As I listened that night, I knew that this guy was simply one of the best,” he recalled.
His first impression was correct. From the moment he penned ‘These Days’ as a teen, Browne continued to prove his songwriting prowess by writing for the Eagles and, eventually, himself. Browne has secured a similar position to Springsteen amongst the all-time great songwriters by infusing his work in the industry with his unflinching activism.
After the first encounter between the pair, they became friends, with ‘The Boss’ even opening for Browne. Even as they became closer, Springsteen remained a fan of Browne’s work, admiring his staunch commitment to his political beliefs as well as his songwriting. “Jackson’s influence and his voice has always been his own,” he enthused, “He’s one of the true activist musicians I’ve ever known.”
A great songwriter, a committed activist, and a real rockstar, Browne seems more than worthy of the title the Boss has bestowed upon him. Like Springsteen, he has secured a place as one of the best.
