Every Christmas season I enjoy playing Jackson's "The Rebel Jesus" as I feel a kinship with the words. Today I was ecstatic to find an article written by John Nichols for The Nation Magazine all about "The Rebel Jesus". He reaps praise on Jackson's Christmas song even printing the entire lyrics. (It should be noted that some of the words he gets wrong...) To read this Nichols article go to: www.commondreams.org/views05/1127-21.htm

Hello Russ. My name is Jan. I worked on the "Running On Empty" tour. I've known Jackson for close to thirty years.

You may know that he has always used his fame to help many important causes. Jackson Browne has supported issues dealing with helping children, the environment, standing up for the rights of others and so many more causes.

I wanted to share a pretty cool thing that he did for me this week. Jackson knew that the theater that I am working with was trying to raise money for a play I wrote featuring a deaf actress. We needed to raise funds to help pay for an American Sign Language Interpreter for the actress during rehearsals, and also to use the interpreter during the performances, so we could open up the play to deaf patrons. The L.A. Philharmonic donated a space at the Hollywood Bowl for us to hold the benefit, and a few performers signed on to help us.

The day before Thanksgiving I was talking to Jackson, and I mentioned that ticket sales were a bit slow. Without hesitation, Jackson said he would play and that I could use his name to advertise the event. As much as I wanted to jump on his offer, I told him that I knew he was busy and that I didn't want to burden him with this. You see, he was already doing me a favor by letting me use some of his songs in my play, including the Pretender, one of my favorites. Jackson offered again, so I'm no fool, I called the event publicist right away and told her the good news.

I know how I want to pay Jackson back. If any of you live in L.A., I'd like to ask you for your help.

Please write to the Mayor's office and ask him to please acknowledge Jackson Browne's numerous contributions to worthy causes here in Los Angeles. The more detailed info you may have about the benefits, the better.

If you could please help me to spread the word, that would be great.

Thanks!

Here is the Mayor's info:

Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa
Mayor of Los Angeles
200 N. Main St. Rm 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Or email the Mayor's office at Mayor@lacity.org

THANKS!!!!!!

FYI Here is a link to the fundraiser: www.eyespyla.com. (Scroll down until you see Jackson's picture on the left side. Click on the picture.)

I bought this for my boss for the holiday as he had told me (he's an attorney who is 46) that when he got arrested in high school in 1977, he remembered that as his car hit the tree he was listening to "Running on Empty" on an 8-track. I had never heard this album before as I never went to a Jackson Browne concert until 2003. I loved it. But, it was very melancholy for someone my age (57). I remember the days when cocaine meant nothing, when there were 8-tracks and rock "stars" were very accessible. A lot of people I knew have passed on now, usually by drugs in the 80s or car crashes, or other things. It was a very different experience listening to this collection of songs now than it would have been for me in 1977 or 1978.

I had never even known that Jackson was talking about the 101 Freeway (I live about 2 blocks from the 101) until I listened to this. And the drug and alcohol use in those days for all of us .. amazing to listen to in retrospect. My own two daughters love music and plan to go into that business when they graduate. Many of the groups they have gone to have had them come up onstage (21 year old cute twins seem, for some reason, appealing to young musicians), but they never have thought about hooking up with one of them .. they are thinking of careers in the business when they graduate in May. One as a venue manager and the other as a production person. In "my era" .. like this CD represents, the groupie era was in full force. Maybe it stil is, but with security the way it is, I can't imagine it was like in my era when anyone could get backstage. I would highly recommend this for anyone who either loves this music or is interested in an era so different from today .. no cell phones, no answering machines, no Diet Coke, no Ipods, etc.

I made a spur of the moment ticket purchase for Thursday's show at the Hollywood Bowl to see Jackson. I decided I couldn't make it down without writing bad checks so I would appreciate your help...one ticket - $50.

Thanks - take it easy

I just got home from the show at the Hollywood Bowl Cottage. I'm 24, but have grown up listening to Jackson Browne (my dad forced me to listen to good music as a child...I missed out on New Kids on the Block but I think I got the better end of that bargain). My dad and I were sitting on the floor, pretty much at Jackson Browne's feet, and I was thinking that I couldn't be luckier, happier or more grateful that Mr. Browne is such an amazing philanthropist that he'd be willing to play a 60-seat venue (essentially a living room) to help out a friend's theater company.

Of course, like a complete moron, when I got the chance to talk to Mr. Browne, instead of asking him about what it's like to be arguably one of the most brilliant living lyricists of our time (okay, maybe that wouldn't have been a great question either), I asked him for... his autograph. He politely demurred (because, as I hadn't realized, part of the fundraiser was also a silent auction selling a cd with his autograph) but promised he'd sign my CD before I left.

He played Rebel Jesus, The Pretender, Late for the Sky (by request)...a number of other songs, I'll let someone else post the setlist. He talked about the asinine war, which spurred him to play Lives in the Balance, an amazingly relevant song for our time, perhaps even more so than when he wrote it in the Reagan era. He played solo, and for over an hour. I am still in a haze, but wanted to capture my thoughts before I go to sleep. And I'd like to echo Jan (the playwright for whom Jackson participated in this event)--please do write to Mayor Villaraigosa about Mr. Browne's numerous contributions to our community. At a time when we sorely need talented artists to vocalize what we all feel, and to contribute to causes that we all believe in, it seems that all too often what we see instead are the plastic pop stars that make up too much of today's music industry.

I left without further pursuing the autograph. He had already given enough of himself for the evening, and the night couldn't really get any better anyway. Thank you to Jan and Secret Rose for putting together such an incredible event, and thank you to Jackson Browne for giving so much of your energy to us tonight.

Russ,

That was such a fun evening for my daughters and myself. I saw the mention in the Times yesterday morning but would not have gone at the last minute so I really appreciated the "heads up" from you.

I'd never been to a house concert before and it really spoiled me for see Jackson Browne in a big venue again. He was sitting on the sofa by himself when we came in but noticed Kathy and Jessie when they came in. They were the youngest people by far plus twins who are rather attractive tend to attract attention. Anyway, I looked over at him and he came over and I introduced the girls and mentioned that they had just come back from Australia. He told the girls that he had a son in Australia so they talked about Australia for awhile and then we looked around for somewhere to sit and I guess the folks on the sofa thought we were with him or something as they moved over and we ended up on the sofa front and center. As I guess is typical at house concerts, people were outside and sitting on the floor and whereever they could find space.

It was also a bargain as for the $50 you got the concert (Kenny Rankin was very good also) and all the food and drinks you could have. Kathy was our designated driver.

Except for forgetting some lines and having the use his reading glasses more frequently than in the past, he's held up pretty darn good for a geezer. In fact Jessie (the one Jackson was mainly talking to) said after he left her, "He's hot" and when I gave her a look, she said, "For someone his age, I mean." He mentioned that his girlfriend was not there.

So, again, thanks very much as it was a very festive holiday event and raised money for a good cause. The interpreter asked me to keep her jacket for her and she was very nice. Jackson seemed amused by all the signing and asked her how to do "get it up again" in sign language. She actually blushed. She seemed rather conservative for the crowd there last night and very sweet.

Hi

I think I'm just echoing a chorus but we need an In Concert DVD.

I've been to several of JB's concerts over the years but these days my 22 year old son worries if his mother and I stay out after 11pm. Besides I think by buying every album (in all 3 formats) I've earned the right to fall asleep in comfort without publicly dissing Jackson or bringing shame on my family.

I had the pleasure of attending the fund raiser at the Hollywood bowl Thursday night and it was so worth the drive from Palm Springs. It was a festive but informal gathering held inside a cottage decorated with holiday lights. There was an abundance of interesting people, good food and lively entertainment. And although Jackson was a bit hoarse that night, ever the performer, he sang his heart out. And, as usual, he was delightful, personable and very amusing as he shared stories about his earlier days in that neighborhood. When the evening was over, I left with a sense of just how humble a man he really is and what an honor it must be to be called his friend.

Which brings me to the purpose of this letter; Jan's idea to get everyone to write the Mayor is brilliant. Jackson should be recognized not only for his music contributions, but also for all the selfless, "random acts of kindness" he has practiced throughout his life as well. I think this would be a tremendeous way of saying thank you to someone who has given so much, to so many. I would just like to encourage everyone to take a minute and do this because he really does deserve it....and also....because he'd do it for you.

Peace

My husband and I were fortunate enough to score tickets to the fundraiser event at the Hollywood Bowl Cottage on December 8th.

Just imagine this....A house party up in the hills by the Hollywood Bowl and who's mingling and asking how I liked the food?........Jackson Browne!!

He was so cool talking to everyone and thanking all of us for coming and helping out with the fundraiser. It was so surreal...

After the "living room" performance by Jackson, he was happy to pose with everyone. I had my chance to tell him I was a big fan. Got a picture and a hug!!

How's THAT to end a year!! You're the best Jackson!

Hi Russ,

Thank you for always keeping fans informed on the benefits Jackson Browne so generously participates in. Living in Southern California allows us so many opportunities to not only donate to a cause in our community; but also, to see and hear Jackson Browne in intimate venues. My husband and I have been to so many through the years and we are always impressed with the example Jackson is to us as an activist.

The benefit December 8, 2005 was amazing. Jackson was very real and open in sharing his feelings on many levels, both personally and politically. What a treat it was for everyone there to see 3 great performers. To finally hear Arnold McCuller as solo act was wonderful. James Taylor refers to him and his other back singers as voices of angels. Jan is lucky to have such giving friends to support his upcoming production. And because of them, I was able to help and enjoy.

Writing the Mayor of Los Angeles is a great idea to honor Jackson Browne. I'm sure he doesn't do what he does for the glory, but it's a chance for all of us to honor and thank him.

Sincerely,

Russ,

Happy Holidays to you and yours. I've been on cloud nine ever since Solo Acoustic Volume One came out. It hasn't left the CD changer and has been getting a thorough workout on the iPod. I'm now patiently waiting for Volume Two. You have graciously given us your opinion on when you think Volume Two will come out (sometime late 2006 or 2007) and I'm sorry but that's just too long of a wait. So in an effort to "move things along", I offer this proposal to Jackson:

Yo Jackson (I'm e-mailing from Philly),

I know you have been up to your usual selfless self lately and popping up to play for anyone who needs a helping hand. As usual, you radiate the Christmas spirit year round and not just in December. So, knowing your busy schedule, but at the same time, as a service to Jackson Browne fans everywhere, I want to help you out this Christmas. I have the next "playlist" (intros included) for your Solo Acoustic Volume Two. With the set list out of the way you can concentrate on a quick turn around and have Volume Two ready to go in the next three months or so and bring joy and happiness to JB Nation. Here it goes:

1. I'm Alive
2. Farther On
3. Intro to Looking into You ("This song is about the house my grandfather once lived in...")
4. Looking into You
5. Intro to Mohammad's Radio ("You know, lately I've been singing a different Warren Zevon song every night...")
6. Mohammad's Radio
7. Intro to Song For Adam ("When Warren popped too many pills that the doctor had prescribed, he passed out. The last thing that went through his mind before his head hit the ground was that he hoped this wasn't the end because he didn't want Jackson Browne to have to write another "death song"...)
8. Song For Adam
9. Late For the Sky
10. Intro to Lawless Avenue ("This is a song about a part of Orange County where I grew up...)
11. Lawless Avenue
12. Intro to Rock Me on the Water ("Here's another song from California...")
13. Rock Me on the Water
14. Intro to The Times You've Come ("Would you please welcome a good friend of mine - Bonnie Raitt...")
15. The Times You've Come
16. World in Motion
17. I Am a Patriot
18. Intro to Here Come Those Tears Again ("I wrote this with a friend of mine - actually she was my mother-in-law at the time, and she always thought that this song should be a country song...")
19. Here Come Those Tears Again
20. Don't You Want to be There
21. Encore - Runinng On Empty

So there it is, Jackson. 14 songs (only one more than Volume One) that are all in the can and ready to go (except maybe for the updated duet with Bonnie - I thought I'd treat myself with that one). It's a mix of old songs and new songs - 5 piano songs (just like Volume One) - a double shot of "call to action" songs and a fitting tribute to your friend Warren Zevon. Of course there are dozens of other songs that I would love to hear too, but you can add them to the Solo Acoustic Box Set DVD which you can put together for next Christmas!

"Go out and make a joyful sound!"