That Girl Could Sing

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin Jackson Browne’s “That Girl Could Sing” from his 1980 album Hold Out. This track, a heartfelt rock anthem, peaked at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Browne’s seventh-biggest hit. Fans long speculated the song was about Laura Nyro or Linda Ronstadt, but Browne revealed in 2017 that it was inspired by Valerie Carter, a talented singer-songwriter and his sometime backup vocalist. At a Winnipeg concert, he shared, “It’s a song I wrote about her, there was a time that I was just crazy about her,” admitting the song helped him process his feelings for her. Carter, who passed away in 2017, also co-wrote Browne’s 1977 song “Love Needs a Heart” and collaborated with artists like Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor. The song’s haunting instrumental opening, driven by David Lindley’s lap steel guitar and Craig Doerge’s keyboards, sets the stage for Browne’s introspective lyrics about a fleeting, impactful relationship.

The song’s production is a standout, with minimal processing on Lindley’s guitar sound, as producer Greg Ladanyi noted: “The tone of the record is pretty true to what came out of Lindley’s amp.” Lindley himself mentioned using a broken Fairchild limiter amplifier, adding a raw edge to the track. Lyrically, lines like “Running into the midnight with her clothes whipping in the wind” evoke a vivid, almost cinematic image, praised by critics like Kit Rachlis, though he critiqued the “celestial bodies” line as overwrought. Fans on sites like The Jackson Browne Fan Page have long embraced Carter as the song’s muse, with Browne’s tributes to her after her death cementing this connection. The track’s emotional depth and musical intensity make it a perfect fit for our Zoo Crew vibe, capturing the free-spirited essence of love and loss.

Jackson Browne, born Clyde Jackson Browne on October 9, 1948, in Heidelberg, Germany, to American parents, kicked off his musical journey in the mid-1960s Los Angeles folk scene. Moving to LA at age three, he was steeped in the city’s vibrant music culture. As a teenager, he wrote songs like “These Days,” covered by Nico in 1967, showcasing his early talent. Browne briefly joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1966 before diving into the coffeehouse circuit. His big break came in 1971 when he signed with David Geffen’s Asylum Records, releasing his self-titled debut in 1972. The album featured hits like “Doctor My Eyes” and “Rock Me on the Water,” establishing him as a leading singer-songwriter. His knack for blending catchy melodies with reflective lyrics caught the ear of artists like the Eagles, who scored a hit with his co-written “Take It Easy.”

Browne’s career took off through the 1970s with albums like Late for the Sky and The Pretender, earning him a devoted following and critical acclaim. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, with Bruce Springsteen praising his songwriting, Browne has sold over 30 million albums in the US. Beyond music, he’s a committed activist, supporting environmental and social justice causes, earning the John Steinbeck Award in 2002. His evolution from a teenage folk troubadour to a rock icon mirrors the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, soulful spirit, making him a staple for our airwaves.

Stay connected with Jackson Browne through his official website for tour dates, news, and merch. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Zoo Freaks can also join fan communities like The Jackson Browne Fan Page or the Jackson Browne Fans Facebook group to share stories, discuss his music, and keep the vibe alive. Keep it locked to THE ZOO for more Browne and those classic cuts that make your soul sing!