It was appropriate to have my copy of Martin Simpson's Prodigal Son recording arrive today as our nation is marking the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. One of the songs is Randy Newman's "Louisiana 1927" which was written well before Katrina but contains prophetic lines about the city of New Orleans and imagery which reminds me of Bush's "you're doing a helluva job, Brownie" line----"President Coolidge came down here in a railroad train with a little fat man with a notepad in his hand. Now President Coolidge he said, 'Little fat man isn't it a shame what the river has done to this poor cracker's land?'". Well, the connection may only be in my own mind but that's the way songs are. Jackson Browne does a nice job of backing vocals and if you enjoy old English folk style guitar/banjo music you'll enjoy the album as much as I do. He even lists his instrument tunings in the liner notes!

Wondering if anyone saw the Living with Ed episode last night with Jackson's ranch in it. Towards the end, the camera focused for a second on a tree. It looked just like the one that Jackson's was sitting in for some promo pictures of the Naked Ride Home. Does anyone know if it is? It was a very interesting show and a very scenic location. Thanks.

I agree--that tree has to beÝthe one he was sitting on in that photo. The photo is in the gallery at his official website. Second row, far right.

I loved that episode of Living with Ed! IÝhad a couple of friends up to watch it with me. It was fun to get a peak at the place. It looked very peaceful and comfortable. So did Jackson. We wondered if the young man there with him might have been a nephew.

Take care, Russ, and thanks.

I got on an elevator once in a hotel in Manchester, NH...it was 87 or 88...and the only other person on the elevator was Jackson Browne. We road up about 7 floors together, he was kind of slumped in the corner, he seemed tired. I decided not to bother him. We acknowledged one another and i remember he had a nice smile. I went to his show that night. It was just across the street from the hotel, in an outside amphitheatre, and he was so good. I just remember thinking, wow, he's not tired at all. I really think he did get his energy from the audience, from singing.

I am a lifelong Jackson Browne fan.

Been through most of his albums, back to the early 70s. Saw him in concert twice in different parts of the country. In different ages.

I think Jackson has an incredible poetry and way with lyrics. Going well beyond about 99% of artists currently or in the past (in fact, up in the league of Joni Mitchell/Bob Dylan).

Musically, he is very talented. Both on guitar and piano. Professional grade all the way. So with his playing and songwriting, he has the one, two punch that all artists strive for, and what most lack in one area or both. Jackson is a top tier talent and always has been.

As far as his political activism, well, he is not doing or saying anything different than he ever has. On environmental issues, I couldn't agree with him more.

On foreign policy issues....well, as I say, his position is unchanged. The USA is the bad guy in the world. I think this is overly simplistic in this day and age. I note that Jackson and the old crowd are going to "Pray for Peace" at the Washington Cathedral. But, if they really wish to promote peace, shouldn't they be doing it in Baghdad? How about Afghanistan? Does Jackson really think that Bush is the only evil force in the world today? (I am not defending Bush). Does he regard Osama as just an innocent victim of American imperialism? How about Hugo Chavez? Should we help Iran build a bomb? How about some prayers in Tehran?

Hi Russ,

Just read the latest letter. Don't want to go there, but I must say what I am sure at least a few of us may be thinking, and that is this: If there is one thing Jackson isn't, it's simplistic. Nothing is simple these days, the whole world is in trouble, and I thank God for Jackson and the 'old crowd', complete with their political and social views. They're my age, and I am so glad to be in the world with them. They've been part of our culture since I became aware that there was a world going on out there beyond my little realm. Without them and their music and their sociopolitical acuity, life would not be as rich.

There will always be critics of people who are out there doing things. The real do'ers let it roll off and just keep doing. Thank God for that. I just wish I could be at the Washington Cathedral on October 16 to be part of it. It will be an experience to treasure, I am sure.

Thanks, Russ, for all you do. Your website is a great work of art.