What is Jackson Browne's Net Worth?
Jackson Browne is an American singer-songwriter with a net worth of $50 million. Starting his career in the mid-1960s, Browne has sold over 18 million albums in the United States. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2007.
Some of his most notable singles include:
- "Doctor My Eyes" (1972) – From his debut album "Jackson Browne" ("Saturate Before Using"), this song was his first hit single, establishing him as a prominent artist.
- "Running on Empty" (1977) – The title track of his album "Running on Empty" is one of Browne's most iconic songs, reflecting the exhaustion and disillusionment of life on the road.
- "The Pretender" (1976) – The title track of his album "The Pretender" explores themes of idealism and life's challenges.
- "Somebody's Baby" (1982) – From the "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" soundtrack, this single peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming one of Browne's biggest commercial successes.
- "Take It Easy" (1972) – Co-written with Eagles' Glenn Frey, Browne later included the song on his own album "For Everyman" (1973).
Early Life
Browne was born on October 9, 1948, in Heidelberg, Germany. His father, Clyde, was an American serviceman working for the "Stars and Stripes" newspaper. Raised in Germany for a few years, Browne moved to Los Angeles with his family at the age of three. He developed an interest in music, performing folk songs at local venues like Ash Grove and The Troubador Club. Browne graduated from Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, California, in 1966.
Career
Post-high school, Browne briefly joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band before moving to New York. Working for Electra Records' Nina Music, he wrote about New York City's musical events and performed as a backup musician. By 1968, he returned to Los Angeles and formed a folk band, with his early songs being performed by other artists. In 1971, he signed with Asylum Records, managed by David Geffen. His self-titled debut album in 1972 was a success, leading him to tour with Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell. Subsequent albums like "For Everyman" (1973) and "Late for the Sky" (1974) solidified his growing fanbase and showcased his personal lyrics set to memorable melodies.
His album "The Pretender" was released in 1976, featuring "Here Come Those Tears Again," inspired by the death of his first wife. The 1977 album "Running on Empty" became his biggest commercial success, recorded entirely on tour. Browne's music adopted a political tone in the late 1970s. His 1980 album "Hold Out" became his only number-one U.S. pop album. "Somebody's Baby" from the 1982 "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" soundtrack was another major hit. Into the 1990s and 2000s, Browne released several albums, including "Downhill from Everywhere" in 2021. He received six Grammy Award nominations, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007. Occidental College awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Music.
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Activism and Charity
Browne is an environmental activist, campaigning against plastic use and participating in the "Plastic Free Backstage" movement. He is a founding member of Plastic Pollution and the REFUSE Disposable Plastics Campaign, and co-founded MUSE, Musicians for Safe Energy, with Bonnie Raitt and John Hall in 1979. Browne has received multiple environmental awards, including Save Our Shores' Ocean Hero Award in 2011, the Duke LEAF Award for Lifetime Environmental Achievement, and the Gandhi Peace Award in 2018. He has performed in numerous benefit concerts for causes like environmental disaster relief, mental healthcare, and Amnesty International.
Personal Life
In 1971, Browne began dating actress and model Phyllis Major, marrying her in 1975. They had a son named Ethan. Tragically, Phyllis died of an accidental overdose in 1976. Browne married Australian model Lynn Sweeney in 1981, and they had a son in 1982 before divorcing in 1983. He then dated actress Daryl Hannah until 1992. Since the mid-1990s, Browne has been with artist and environmental activist Dianna Cohen.
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Real Estate
Browne owns various properties, mainly 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 outside Aptos, California, and a valuable 100-acre property in the Hollister Ranch community outside Santa Barbara, likely worth $10-20 million.
