Jackson Browne revealed on March 24 that he has tested positive for the coronavirus. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the singer-songwriter said he thinks his recent trip to New York City to perform at the annual Love Rocks NYC benefit concert on March 12 was where he contracted the virus.
“As soon as I had a small cough and a temperature, I tested [for Covid-19],” he told the website. He self-quarantined and recuperated at his Los Angeles home.
Hours after that revelation, Browne, 71, announced the release of two new recordings, “Downhill From Everywhere” and “A Little Soon to Say,” from an upcoming studio album. Listen to both; they’re also available for pre-order here.
Listen to “A Little Soon to Say”
Browne shared the bill at the concert at New York’s Beacon Theatre with Dave Matthews, Cyndi Lauper, Warren Haynes, brothers Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson, and others. “And now it turns out that several people who were at that show have tested positive,” he says. “I’m going to try and get in touch with everybody and keep talking with them.”
Listen to “Downhill From Everywhere”
The song, which Browne has been writing for almost ten years, is featured in the trailer for the upcoming documentary, The Story of Plastic, which takes a sweeping look at the man-made crisis of plastic pollution and the worldwide effect it has on the health of our planet and the people who inhabit it.
“I feel lucky that I’m not really badly affected,” said Browne of the coronavirus. “I guess I’ve got a really strong immune system. There’s so much we don’t know. The one thing you can do is not go anywhere, not show up anywhere. Now I wish I hadn’t gone to New York and done this benefit. How much simpler would it have been had I just called in and said, ‘No, I’m not going to travel on a cross-country flight and spend two days in New York with all these people that are singing all over the country.’”
Musician Larry Campbell, who performed at the same benefit, tested positive on March 23.
Watch Browne perform at the March 12 Love Rocks NYC concert
“So many people that have it aren’t going to be tested,” he says. “They don’t have symptoms, but they might have it and might be able to pass it on.”
Browne’s summer tour with James Taylor has been postponed. The tour with Taylor, who turned 72 on March 12, and Browne, two of America’s most accomplished singer-songwriters, had been highly anticipated. (Once it’s rescheduled, tickets will be available here and here.)
Browne is known for his laid-back vibe, which helped set the tone for much of the music that came out of California in the ’70s. It was during this time that Browne co-wrote “Take it Easy” with Glenn Frey, which would go on to become the first hit song for the Eagles.
The singer-songwriter has also written such classic rock songs as “Running on Empty,” “The Pretender” and “Doctor My Eyes.” He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
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Thank god Jackson still loves performing.
I’m sure many people have had the virus, thinking it might pass. He still brings great joy to his audience. Seeing him a number of times, he always makes a great impression.
Hope he and the bandmates recover quickly.
Youth is fickle. My personal/fav. as an enlightened teen ( lol..). But Jackson released ‘Lawyers in love’, the Only tune in which his voice cracked on the High note. I was Done ! Couldn’t believe he’d allow that ! ‘We’re older than that now ( I think ?). May God Bless & Keep You Brother Jackson.
Quick recovery Jackson! ❤️You still rock after all these years!
You’re the best!! You are responsible for the excellent state of my head-space every time I hear your music, from the early 70’s to present. When I need help getting through difficult times, celebrate great times and everything in-between I always turn to your music. Thank you!