Jackson Browne Net Worth

Jackson Browne: Net Worth, Career, and Life of the Iconic Singer-Songwriter

What is Jackson Browne’s Net Worth?

Jackson Browne, the acclaimed American singer-songwriter, boasts a net worth of $50 million. His career, which began in the mid-1960s, has spanned several decades, during which he has sold over 18 million albums in the United States. Browne’s contributions to music have been widely recognized, leading to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2007. His iconic songs continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying his status as a significant figure in music history.

Browne’s discography includes a string of hits that have become staples in popular music. Some of his most well-known singles are:

1. “Doctor My Eyes” (1972) – This track, from his debut album “Jackson Browne” (also known as “Saturate Before Using”), launched his career and marked him as a prominent artist.
2. “Running on Empty” (1977) – The title track from the album “Running on Empty” is one of Browne’s most celebrated songs, capturing the essence of life on the road.
3. “The Pretender” (1976) – This song from the album “The Pretender” is another fan favorite, exploring themes of idealism and its challenges.
4. “Somebody’s Baby” (1982) – Featured on the “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” soundtrack, this single was a commercial success, peaking at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
5. “Take It Easy” (1972) – Co-written with Glenn Frey of the Eagles, though most famously associated with the Eagles, Browne also included it on his own album “For Everyman” (1973).

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Jackson Browne’s journey began on October 9, 1948, in Heidelberg, Germany. His father, Clyde, was an American serviceman stationed there while working for the “Stars and Stripes” newspaper. He spent his early years in Germany with his parents, Beatrice and Clyde, and his siblings, Roberta and Edward. A younger sister, Gracie, later joined the family.

At age three, Browne’s family moved to Highland Park in Los Angeles. As he grew, music became a passion. He began singing folk songs in local venues such as Ash Grove and The Troubadour Club. He graduated from Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, California, in 1966, setting the stage for his professional music career.

Career: From Songwriter to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer

After high school, Browne briefly joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. He soon left to move to New York, where he worked as a writer for Electra Records’ publishing company, Nina Music, before his eighteenth birthday. During his time in New York, he wrote about various musical events and also performed as a backup musician for artists like Tim Buckley and Nico of the Velvet Underground. In 1968, he returned to Los Angeles and formed a folk band. Some of his earlier compositions were recorded by other artists, like the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Nico, before he released his own versions later.

In 1971, Browne signed with David Geffen’s Asylum Records. His self-titled album, “Jackson Browne,” was released in 1972 and became a success, with numerous tracks gaining significant radio play. He toured with Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell to promote the album, further expanding his fanbase.

Browne’s musical output continued with the release of “For Everyman” in 1972 and “Late for the Sky” in 1974. “Late for the Sky” was particularly successful, reaching number 14 on the Billboard album chart. His personal and introspective lyrics, combined with memorable melodies, resonated with listeners.

His fanbase continued to grow, as did his reputation for writing very personal lyrics, which were set to memorable melodies. This was even more apparent in his next album, “The Pretender,” which was released after the untimely death of his first wife. A track inspired by her death, “Here Come Those Tears Again,” which he co-wrote with the mother of his deceased wife, peaked at number 23 on the Hot 100.

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In 1977, “Running on Empty” became his biggest commercial achievement. Recorded on tour, the album featured a blend of live performances and recordings made in hotel rooms and backstage, offering a unique insight into life on the road.

Browne’s music took on a more political tone in the late 1970s, reflecting his increasing involvement in activism. “Hold Out,” released in 1980, became his only album to reach number one on the U.S. pop albums chart. His hit single, “Somebody’s Baby,” was released in 1982 as part of the “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” soundtrack, and it further solidified his mainstream appeal.

Browne continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s. While not always reaching the commercial heights of the 1970s, he maintained a solid core fanbase. He has released four albums in the 2000s, including “Downhill from Everywhere” in 2021, demonstrating his sustained relevance in the music industry.

His work has earned six Grammy Award nominations. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007. In recognition of his contributions, Occidental College in Los Angeles awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Music in 2004.

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Activism and Charity Work

Beyond his musical achievements, Browne is a dedicated environmental activist. He has campaigned against plastic use and worked to minimize plastic consumption on tour, participating in the “Plastic Free Backstage” movement. He is also a founding member of Plastic Pollution and the REFUSE Disposable Plastics Campaign. In 1979, he co-founded MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) with Bonnie Raitt and John Hall, supporting the anti-nuclear movement in the United States.

His involvement extends to Save Our Shores, a California ocean advocacy group, which honored him with their Ocean Hero Award in February 2011 for his environmental and anti-plastic work. He received the Duke LEAF Award for Lifetime Environmental Achievement the previous year and the Gandhi Peace Award in 2018.

Browne has also participated in numerous benefit concerts, both solo and with other musicians, to raise funds for environmental disaster relief, mental healthcare, scholarships for underprivileged children seeking music lessons, Amnesty International, and the ALS Association, among other causes. His commitment to these causes demonstrates a deep sense of social responsibility.

Personal Life

In 1971, Browne began dating actress and model Phyllis Major. They had a son, Ethan, in 1973 and married in December 1975. Tragically, Phyllis was found dead from an accidental overdose in their home in March 1976, at the age of 30.

In January 1981, Browne married Australian model Lynn Sweeney. They had a son in January 1982 but divorced in 1983. He then dated actress Daryl Hannah until 1992. Since the mid-1990s, Browne has been in a relationship with artist and environmental activist Dianna Cohen.

Real Estate Holdings

Jackson Browne owns multiple properties, primarily in California. In 2010, he purchased a 4,000-square-foot home in Los Angeles for $2.7 million. He also owns a rural ranch near Aptos, California.

His most valuable real estate asset is his 100-acre property in the Hollister Ranch community outside Santa Barbara, which he has owned since the 1970s. This property alone is estimated to be worth between $10 and $20 million, showcasing his significant real estate portfolio.

Conclusion

Jackson Browne’s impact on the music industry is undeniable. From his early folk beginnings to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his career spans decades of artistic achievement. Beyond his music, Browne’s commitment to environmental and social causes illustrates a life dedicated to making a difference. With a lasting legacy of iconic songs and a continued presence in the industry, Jackson Browne remains a respected and influential figure.