Tender Is The Night

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some sweet vibes as we spin "Tender Is The Night" by Jackson Browne from his 1983 album Lawyers in Love here at THE ZOO! This track, co-written with Danny Kortchmar and Russ Kunkel, is a love song with a twist, capturing both the bliss and the sting of romance. In a Songfacts interview, Kortchmar shared that the song sparked from a casual jam session in his living room, where he and Kunkel tossed ideas around with Browne. The title draws inspiration from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, but Browne flips it into a meditation on love’s highs and lows, with lyrics like “And in the hard light of an angry sun / No one remembers what was said or done.” That slide guitar solo? It’s the work of Rick Vito, who Browne called “amazing” for his soulful contribution. Fun fact: the music video features actress Daryl Hannah, Browne’s partner at the time, adding a personal touch to the visuals.

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s reception. Rolling Stone’s Christopher Connelly praised “Tender Is The Night” as “an outstanding bit of songcraft” with a “gutbucket bottom” and Craig Doerge’s lively keyboard flourishes. Fans on X have echoed this love, with posts calling it a nostalgic gem that captures the ‘80s MTV era. Some Zoo Freaks might relate to a comment from a fan on Songfacts, who noted the song’s duality—celebrating love’s tenderness while hinting at the pain of arguments, like “the way we fight.” It peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, hanging on the chart for 17 weeks, and hit #18 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks, proving its staying power.

Let’s dive into how Jackson Browne got his start. Born on October 9, 1948, in Heidelberg, Germany, to an American serviceman, Browne moved to Los Angeles at age three. By his teens, he was already a folk music enthusiast, strumming guitar and penning songs at local clubs. At just 16, he wrote “These Days,” later covered by Nico in 1967. In 1966, Browne briefly joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, contributing songs to their early records. By 1967, he landed a publishing deal with Elektra Records’ Nina Music, which led to his tunes appearing on albums by Tom Rush and Steve Noonan. His big break came with his 1972 self-titled debut album, featuring hits like “Doctor, My Eyes” and “Rock Me on the Water.” Browne’s knack for introspective lyrics and laid-back folk-rock vibes made him a voice for the post-‘60s generation, cementing his place in the California sound.

Want to keep up with Jackson Browne? Check out his official website for tour dates and news. Connect with him on Facebook, where he has over 653K followers, or follow his Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots. On X, he shares updates and interacts with fans. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the community, the Jackson Browne Fans Facebook group is a great spot to swap stories and setlists. Fan sites like Jackson Browne’s Fan Community offer forums and exclusive content to keep the good vibes flowing. So, crank up “Tender Is The Night” and let’s keep the love alive, Zoo Crew style!