This is a pencil drawing of the most influential artist in my life, Jackson Browne. Only Roger Waters could challenge his influence. While growing up in the '60's and '70’s I listened to many great musical artists, but Jackson Browne by far had the greatest impact on me. His music resonated within my soul and I could relate to each and every word he spoke or sang.

I recall I would listen for hours to the same album, to the same songs over and over again. This would’ve been The Pretender album, which wasn’t even mine, it was my older brother Sammy’s record. It wasn’t until later in life I would learned of and could afford Jackson Browne’s earlier works (Late for the Sky and For Everyman). I think Running on Empty was the first album I actually purchased on my own.

Having lost my parents early in life, I related deeply with three songs on this album. The “The Only Child” taught me some life lessons my parents could not and would never be able to share with me. Like the importance of family, how kindness can guide you in your search for love, and once you’ve found it you have to take good care of it.

A tear still catches me by surprise when I hear the “Daddy’s Tune” song. Never having had the opportunity to speak with my own father on such life matters, this song gave me voice and a chance to say what I would’ve liked to have had said to him. The line “Nothing survives, but the way we live our lives” echoes down the years to me.

The song “Sleep’s Dark and Silent Gate” still resonates with me as well. The line “But the times when we were happy, were the times we never tried” taught me so much about love and happiness.

Now don’t get me wrong, there are other great songs on this album. Rarely have I found myself liking every song on a single album, but with this album I did. Each gave me hope and promise of a better tomorrow, and for that I thank the author.

I drew this drawing because I felt it necessary to pay tribute to Jackson Browne. Hopefully this will be the first of many. If you look closely, you will see I drew this entirely with one direction diagonal hash lines. I didn’t use cross-hashing since I felt that would make the drawing too hard. I wanted the drawing to have a soft feel, and I think I reach that goal. I truly love this piece and I enjoyed drawing it. I look forward to drawing more. I hope you like this drawing too.