The 2014 Americana Music Awards at the Ryman Auditorium saw Jackson Browne awarded the Spirit of Americana/Free Speech in Music award. If that sounds like a made-up award aimed solely at the recipient well then, so what? Browne has never been afraid to bring politics into his songwriting, to champion the underdog or challenge the establishment. After a lifetime in the industry the man deserves all the recognition and plaudits he continues to get.
Browne also performed at the awards and the clip below sees him alongside another Americana giant/legend in JD Souther. However you choose to describe him Souther’s influence is found running like a thread through the genre. Along with Don Henley and Dan Fogelberg Souther provided harmonies on the original 1974 recording of ‘Fountain of Sorrow‘ so it was highly apt to see him appearing alongside Browne here 40 years on.
Thanks for this beauty. Two musical giants indeed, delivering a classic song. Also that’s Ry Cooder on guitar/slide I do believe, so make that three giants.
A great way to start the day.