Hated His Biggest Hit SO MUCH...He REFUSED to PUT IT On New ALBUM-COSTING Him #1 | Professor of Rock
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- Coming up, legendary singer-songwriter Jackson Browne was asked to write a song for the 80s teen movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. It was a Huge Departure for him and it took a few famous friends to convince him to do it. When he finished the song known as Somebody’s Baby, everyone KNEW it was a smash and told him to put it on his new album. He REFUSED the song saying it was a meaningless pop tune. It ended up being his biggest hit and an 80s classic and by not putting it on his new album it probably cost him platinum status and the #1 spot… He ragged on the song for years until his therapist of all people told him he was DEAD WRONG and that the song was about the most fundamental thing in life. Find out what song it is… Why this legend at first despised it and how he learned to love it next on Professor of Rock.
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#classicrock #80smusic #vinylstory
Poll: What is your pick for the greatest non album single from an artist of the rock era?
Dreaming OMD. It was on the 1988 greatest hits but was the last single of the original iteration of the band. It did not chart in the top 40 in the UK but made the US top 20.
Between The Wars Billy Bragg. He had to explain to one of the presenters of Top Of The Pops the meaning of his song about poverty in Britain in the 1920s and 1930s.
Theme From Mash The Manic Street Preachers- Wales' finest sons. Their lack of profile in America is a shame.
Masses Against The Classes The Manic Street Preachers. Not surprising that a socialist band never quite landed in the American charts. Meeting Castro cannot have helped and even as a fan I do not think meeting the former dictator could be justified. The left has some blind spots and Castro was definitely that.
Band Aid Let Them Know It’s Christmas
Paperback Writer/Rain
Another Day - Paul McCartney
"Hey Hey What Can I Do" comes to mind. Was originally just a B-Side.
The Jesus and Mary Chain "Sidewalking"
My good friends brother is Jackson Brown’s lead guitarist. He was in LA at the “Guitar Center” store, and was buying a guitar. He walked out of the store and was subsequently robbed at gunpoint. He went into the studio pissed off and told Jackson Brown what happened. Jackson Brown canceled the session and took him back to the “Guitar Center” shop, and purchased him a 30k Martin Guitar. Jackson Brown is a class guy.
I’m so sorry for him. Wish we all had a friend like Jackson.
wow
This channel has saved my life. Life has been hard, but there is always music. Thank you and keep going!
Jackson Brown is brilliant. I remember when this song came out. It was indeed a huge hit. My favorite Browne song is the pretender. I'm a blue collar guy, and it gets me every time.
For sure. I love it too. Reminds me of my Dad.
I’ve been meaning to learn more about Jackson Browne. I will definitely check out this song (The Pretender).
Just listened to The Pretender. Mature, thought-provoking song… I can understand how it gets to both of you. Kind of sad/wistful, tired but never giving up, jaded but hopeful. Amen. I can relate. Thank you for the recommendation.
The pretender is a great tune,, the Ode to the blue collar man...
@@ProfessorofRock He reminds me of my Dad too. He had all his CD's. (R.I.P. Dad❤).
I hate it that so many great artists like Jackson Browne are now over age 70. I don’t want them ever to leave us. 😭
Hope he’s still healthy.
Every time I see him on a recent UA-cam I worry about this as well...
They will never leave us as long as we continue playing their music. We will remember good times, listening
to their albums, discussing their lives w/mutual fans & never forgetting their concerts! "If there's a Rock 'n Roll Heaven, you know it's a Helluva Band"! Most "meaningful" Jackson Browne song? "Daddy's Tune". The last line, not only most powerful but so true! "...nothing survives, but the way we live our lives"! True musical Genius! Jackson will live forever in his poetry! 👍🤘❤
I agree with you!! I have commented on other sites too! The thing is I'm getting old with em as I saw a lot of their shows including Jackson who did great shows!! And his friend and player David Lindley who passed away was an amazing musician!! I'm on my way too! Runnin On Empty!! Luckily they leave us with the music to remember.
I feel the same way. Mortality sucks.
Rest In Peace David Lindley who was a frequent musician with Jackson Browne but also had a solo career. Passed away March 3. He worked with many other performers including Linda Ronstadt, Ry Cooder, Bonnie Raitt, Warren Zevon, Curtis Mayfield and Dolly Parton. He mastered such a wide variety of instruments that Acoustic Guitar magazine referred to him not as a multi-instrumentalist but instead as a "maxi-instrumentalist." I must add he was not involved on the recording of "Somebody's Baby". But was part of The Running On Empty album.
If you want to hear some David Lindlay, Check out his albums with his band El-Rayo X. Fun records!!
Never ceases to amaze me how an artist can sometimes be their own worst enemy. So many times has a song subverted the artist's expectations, that it makes you wonder how much gold was left on the studio cutting room floor.
So many stories like this. We will tell them all!
I TOTALLY think about all the good stuff we'll never hear. Just songs that weren't accepted and bands not signed and able to grow and worst of all the business decisions that destroyed so much art. Money is an enemy.
He wasn’t the first ever artist to hate his signature song.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 There's lots of UA-cam clips from various channels about artists hating their own songs. REM hating Shiny Happy People is one example.
@@ssunfish According to Page & Plant, there were dozens of Zeppelin tunes in record company vaults - that all got stolen. They called the album CODA, "The best of the rest that didn't get stolen."
About six years ago, I had the opportunity to host Jackson along with Tal Wilkenfeld and her band for a private show for 100 friends in Cincinnati. In addition to his classics like late for the sky, Running On empty, the pretender, and others, he also played somebody’s baby. I had the opportunity to spend several hours with him that night, before during, and after the show, I can see that he is a wonderful person. Over the years, I have seen him in concert more than 50 times, and this song is included more often than not it seems.
That’s amazing! He seems like a nice guy.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I played some piano with him after the show and also helped carry his guitars to the hotel van. Amazing evening!
@@pistolpeteOH Cool! Thanks for helping him!
Jackson Browne’s Running On Empty album was one of those albums that I didn’t know until much later in life that it was one of Those Records for me: part of the very foundation of what became my extremely eclectic musical tastes. One of my all time favorite one-two punches of any album HAS to be “The Load Out” into “Stay”.
Agreed. Load out and stay are my very faves.
The Load Out is a GEM.
I loved that l.p./8-Track from the moment I heard it circa 76, and time only deepened the feeling. It still causes goosebumps to break out on my body 🎤🎸💯
Still want to hear @professor of rock. Give a story on that album. They recorded the whole album while on tour. Some live, some tracks in hotel rooms. A couple were recorded ona moving bus. You can hear it changing gears in the background. Jackson told the story behind the song Rosie on VH1 storytellers
That album was primarily a live album with live songs recorded exclusively at the fabulous Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. A great album!!
I love a lot of Jackson's "deeper" songs. But "Somebody's Baby" was one of my first "favorite songs" when I was age 9, so it holds a special place in my heart. I still love it. Amazing guitar riff.
I think we must be about the same age.
I feel the same about it, was one of the tons of songs I liked when I was 4 in 1988 (I know it's from 82 but was still playing a lot then)
It is a great song.
@@ProfessorofRock I think this is a generational difference that informs your love and my loathing (although Fast Times is a great film ;) ) I listened to Browne from the first and am only a few years younger than him, and a whole lotta years older than you.
Jackson Browne was 16 years old when he wrote “These Days.” Steven Tyler 14 when he penned the lyrics to “Dream On.” Prince…19 when he released his first album. To say that pool of talent is rare these days would be the understatement of the century…thus far.
Greg Lake wrote Lucky Man when he was 12........
True
Fast Times is a cultural milestone for my generation, our first teen movie. The soundtrack is essential listening to anybody my age. Somebody's Baby is such a HUGE part of it. Hard to believe he felt that way about the song. It's such a touchstone soundtrack song. As old as I'm getting, the Fast Times soundtrack takes me back to being a teen every time......
It's actually quite underrated in my view.
@@ProfessorofRock I agree, it's a sensational song....... among many on this soundtrack..... which is also underrated when you compare the attention given to later 80's soundtracks like Footloose, Pretty in Pink etc.
@Anna Trail it was the BEST time.
@@TheSlowoldman what makes that insipid song underrated? In the context of Fast Times it has a place like many soundtrack tunes do, but by itself it's poppy trash.
"You got to act like wherever you are... is the place to be... Hey Debbie, isn't this great?!"
Fast Times at Ridgemont High had 5 very memorable songs to me.
1. opening song We Got the Beat - Go Gos
2. Somebody's Girl - Jackson Brown
3. Moving in Stereo - The Cars (pool dream scene)
4. Kashmir - Led Zeppelin (Spiccoli joyride in Trans-Am)
5. American Girl - Tom Petty (school hallway)
They really nailed it with the song placements.
#4 is wrong.That was Rat cruising with Stacy going out to eat.
@@Jameschewingfoil You are right. I guess that's why it was #4 because it wasn't as memorable in the movie itself.
It would be my #1 song, if rated by which was my favorite. I like them all, though.
I rewatched the scene of the crash and it was actually a Sammy Haggar tune.
@@frommatorav1 And a Camaro Z/28. 😀
Somebody’s baby
I won two tickets to the preview of Fast Times in 1982 from a radio call in contest. I invited this girl I had a crush on to go with me. The date ended up being a disappointment. No big loss because she wasn't all I thought she was - haha!. The movie became one of my all time favorites. Every time I hear "Somebody's Baby" it reminds me of the movie and the date.
The date bombed but you saw phoebe cates. Lol. A win in my opinion.
Oh, we all have those moments.
That's right! No one can ever take the sight of Phoebe Cates away from you! Fast Times has got to be one of those "coming of age" movies that you never get tired watching! Jackson Browne is by far one of the most open, honest & thoughtful men in music today. Let's not forget Bowie, the man's man, a TRUE Gentleman! RIP BOWIE, you're sadly missed!
NAILED IT!!! Many of we Country Girls out in the Boonies did experience a tremendous amount the discomfort in debilitation' not to mention the isolation, awkwardness and embarrassment about the whole situation growing out of male/female relationships. THIS SONG DID MATCH WHAT WE FELT...EXACTLY. Was a really catchy tune...And, it always came up as we rode home on the bus and was one of those rare tunes EVERYBODY SANG OUT LOUD which quieted the chaos. Few of us girls "did find out early of how to open doors with just a smile" and the first time a boy did look at us with yearning as this song most certainly paints, as opposed to lust which was disgusting...It just intensified the whole domino effect of embarrassment. Gosh, you're correct...The values, morals and ethics contributing towards those more simple times WERE AND ARE far better and healthier than the pressures confronting kids...Our Grandkids, now.
Must be somebody’s baby…
How to open doors with just a smile is from the Eagle's Lyin' Eyes, not Somebody's Baby.
These crazy stories of an artist hating some of their biggest hits always amaze me especially when everyone around them tells them it's a smash. There is nothing wrong with making a pop hit even if it's not your thing. Somebody's Baby was placed perfectly in the movie and became an instant classic. Great episode professor
Thanks My Name!
I think it’s because the person who records the song notices their imperfections and their flaws more perfectly than anyone else.
I don't think it's ego. It's more akin to an actor who realizes certain roles/successes could box them in. So they push back against it, not because they hate the thing so much, but more about looking to the future.
For an actual artist vs a philistine it's about not feeling like they are selling out.
Got a promo copy of Doctor My Eyes from a teacher that dated a DJ, at that time. Little did I know that the song would be a Top 10 hit and become one of my favorite Jackson Browne songs.
It’s a classic song.
"Almost Famous", one of my all-time favorite films. I was a little young (barely) for "Empire Records" to be my teenage rock film. However, I turned 17 the May before "Almost Famous" came out. I remember seeing it in theaters and just falling into the story. That scene with "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John is just such an incredible moment, and it feels so real to life. I need to rewatch that Cameron Crowe movie.
Great film!
Almost Famous is awesome!
I saw it twice alone at the theater. It was so good.
Another great pairing of music to help make the movie by Crowe, for sure.
One of the best. I am Crowe's age and every time I watch it, Almost... tears my heart out.
The Load Out/ Stay is one of my faves from him. A wonderful tribute to his roadies, the arena staff and fans
Wow! You summarized this song beautifully, and I couldn’t agree more. Especially when you were talking about rural isolation and how this song opens up possibilities in the mind. I love Jackson Browne’s music. You did a great job articulating the feelings that occur when listening to certain songs. 👍
The soundtrack to Fast Times is such an INTEGRAL part of the movie. Until I saw this episode, I couldn't have named but a few of the songs. Within the context of the film, they evoke such feelings that support the plot without detracting from the action. The music is like the key piece that completes a puzzle. I'm going to have to watch it again now!
Integral with a capital I
I saw this film in 82 at the theater, must have been 16/17 it was one of the few films that really connected to teenagers. I was a skateboarder, guitar player and connoisseur of herbal delights so the Jeff Spicoli character "Totally" resonated with me, I had to go out buy checkerboard vans like the next day! And yes, the music made the movie- especially the JB track somebody's baby! Serendipitously I had recently watched Fast Times a week ago and was taken back my High School days in El Paso Tx. That song especially captures the intent and vibe of the whole film- I would dare to say "Somebody's Baby" is the quintessential track to Fast Times. Great video
The movie could not have worked without the fantastic soundtrack.
The director, Amy Heckerling,
actually wanted the music to be
all new wave stuff, but those in charge
(the studio people, I guess) wanted
the southern California-style rock,
like Joe Walsh, Don Henley,
Jackson Browne, Sammy Hagar...
I'm sure she would've been thrilled
to have the B-52's, Devo & others
heard in the film, but she did win
some of her battles--she got
songs by The Go-Gos, The Cars
& Oingo Boingo on the soundtrack.
Agreed. Oh, and whenever it comes down to making out, whenever possible, I put on side one of Led Zeppelin IV to this day.
Jackson Browne is my all time favorite artist of our time. From the first time I heard Doctor My Eyes at the age of 2 in 72 because my mother played the LP all the time to 1983’s Lawyers in love and everything in between to today. He’s so underrated in the narrative of the music industry. His vision of everyday life and all our struggles just comes alive in his music.
Born in ‘69 and I also literally grew up on his music and he’s still my all time favorite. I see him every chance I get, almost always with my mom, and sometimes with both my mom and daughter both. For me Late For the Sky is the greatest album of all time and For a Dancer is the greatest song of all time. How lucky were we to grow up with his music!
One of the most underrated musician storytellers.
His hit Running On Empty keeps reminding me of Forrest Gump running all day for three years.
Not underrated, just too good and deep for mainstream music.
This guy is sensational, gotta love the depth he goes and the interviews he puts together ❤👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻✝️☮☯️🇺🇲
🌬💀🏴☠️
I was in the music business back in the 70s-80s. You know a LOT, sir! And a professor you are! I’m enjoying your channel so very much. Naturally, there’s a dark side on both the part of the label and artist. I know. I was there. Did it. I lived. Thank you so so much!! Love you !
Thanks Kathy! What part did you work in.?
Were you a radio DJ, Kathy?
@@ProfessorofRock All of it. Traveled with artists ( not much of that) , did concerts and hospitality, artist liaison at music fests both coasts, retail, wholesale, management (not talent), lt’s really burning the candle at both ends, every day. I was young, naive, cute, vibrantly creative. It took a while for it to knock me over. Yet, I wouldn’t trade those days for anything. That crisp vinyl sound…………………
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Uhhhmmmm let’s say that part was short lived. Lol. Radio is sensational. Being with the right people is essential.
Saw David Lindley a few times in the 80s, he was the guitarist for Jackson Brown. RIP Mr. Lindley
So sad we lost him.
I love Jackson Browne! He has so many fantastic songs. Not to mention, he has those boy next door good looks. What’s not to love right?!!
❤️💜💚
Fantastic singer/songwriter. I have had the privilege to see him live a little over 10 years ago in Ottawa at the National Arts Center in Ottawa, and the acoustics in that room are so good, he said it was as much a treat for him as it was for us. He did more with guitars and pianos by himself than a lot of folks do with a full band behind them. I'd see him again in a heartbeat.
Wife & l saw him for the 1st time at the Murat Theater in lndianapolis yrs ago & the same thing , he had no band but a stand of guitars & a piano . He was on point that night like we were listening to his CD , it was so good , l have listened to Jackson since the early 70's but my wife had missed out til we got married in 2000 & l turned her on to his music , now he is one of her favorites .
This Song Is Everything to me that you said it was to you Professor. it made the 80's..... The 1980's !!!!!
If you were ever tardy for 1st period because you pulled over and called the radio station to see who was that amazing song you just heard, then this channel is for you!
That was me a few minutes ago! 😆
Glad I grew up in the 70s/80s (born in 71)!
Really wish we could get back to true singer/songwriter music!
I love the way you weave the story that you’re telling. It’s beautiful and enchanting. Thank you for all the research and hard work that you put in to these videos. ❤
You sir are a wordsmith that weaves nostalgia and correct music analysis Into a show I always want to watch.... Well done .
2024# still jamming im young man i can tell it's a hit 🎯
Somebody’s Baby is a flat out masterpiece. Great combination of catchy tune & lyrics. To me, the organ riff is the key - simple, but brilliant!
I love to come here and Remember. I have pictures somewhere of my high school days in California. Good times that will never come back ❤ I appreciate you so much Professor !
THanks!
Thanks Texas........thought it was just me
This whole MOVIE was and IS instrumental to the formation of who I am as a person, as a human being since I first saw it as a teenager in the early eighties. That’s all I’m going to say because I’m about to cry, I am so moved 😢
Right on Michele!
Somebody's Baby always reached me deeply...I was a shy, quiet guy with a stutter and awkward with girls...watched my friends who had a better talking game walk away with the girls I was in love with...it was so hard for me to talk to pretty girls and I related to this tune so much...if I could only have just walked up and talked to her...if only I could have.....
I’m not that romantic of a person by heart but I like to hang around with mostly teachers. Kids my age I find pretty immature, and I can sometimes be shy around them.
In The Shape Of A Heart is my personal favorite song from Jackson Browne but Somebody's Baby is a close second from an amazing soundtrack.
Same Daniel!
That song speaks volumes to me.
The first time I heard it I thought to myself, did I write these Lyrics?
So close to home.
Both great songs though.
You have become such an amazing UA-camr
What about the use of Moving In Stereo in the film? It was EPIC!!! The musical direction of the film was great.
As far as Jackson Browne being a tremendous lyricist and songwriter, without Jackson Browne the song Take It Easy wouldn't have been such a big hit!
Yes, a forgotten fact right there, Eagles!
"Infectious" is so accurate! The song jerked my ear when I first heard it and I also thought "Somebody's Baby" didn't seem to fit Jackson Browne. It's a nostalgic touchstone now and nice to hear the story behind it. Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchel, and Paul Simon are poets first.
Love that word for music.
It infected me with its stellar message.
Another great video. Hey, Adam, if you haven't done one already, can you do a video on BOZ SCAGGS! I love the guy and think he belongs in the R&R Hall of Fame. Totally under rated.
That's gonna be a longgg video! ❤
Agreed! Loan Me a Dime, Silk Degrees--masterpieces!
Jackson is one of my favorite lyricists of all time! His song The Pretender is one of the greatest poems ever written! Since he’s so cerebral it doesn’t shock me to hear he didn’t want a pop song attributed to himself but in true Jackson fashion even it had layers! Thanks 🙏
Glad you chose to highlight Danny Kortchmar and the Section. Kortchmar and the Section contributed so much to the music I grew up with.
Jackson Brown has two songs that straight up make me weep, “ Fountain of Sorrow” and “ These Days “. I can’t listen to either of those in front of anyone because I seriously ugly cry during both of these.
I understand.
How weird is it that at about the same time this video became available today, a co worker and I were discussing this very film while this very song was playing on the radio. 😮
SMH.
What a fascinating story. Love your videos professor. I learn so much!
Funny you're doing Jackson Browne & Fast Times today... just started putting together another YT '80s playlist, and I can't believe I forgot how many great artists and songs are on this soundtrack! It's far more than I remember from the movie itself, but ofc, it's Amy Heckerling and Cameron Crowe.😉
Haha!
So right! This song in that movie really captures exactly what you said..the amazing possibilities of that time of life. Who hasn't had THAT feeling?! PS. Love your channel and show.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High was the first movie me and my friends walked three miles to the Mall to see and it reallly made an impression on us 14 year olds. Somebody's Baby was a big part of that, it really summed up the Stacy character..
Jennifer Jason Leigh and that song…forever connected.
i've seen him four times and EVERY TIME he plays this song the audience goes nuts .
The lyrics are simple but carry emotional memories for most everyone from their high school days .
Rightly or wrongly, “Somebody’s Baby” is THE song that gives me that “Jackson Browne” vibe every time I hear it, even over “Running on Empty” and other JB classics.
This song reminds me of one of the great loves of my life. I realized I was falling for her whenever I heard this play. I admire your passion for music & insight on this song! Very well done 👍
I love Jackson Browne! There's no mistaking that voice, and the sound of his music.
🙌🏾
Wow thank you so much! I loved this song growing up but never knew it was Jackson Browne because when I think of Jackson Browne of course my mind goes to These Days. I love the version with Gregg Allman. I totally forgot about this song until now! Im glad to know Jackson Browne got over his hang up. I always felt some people who love classic rock people loved some pop songs but had an image to keep LOL. Me I grew up loving the doors to icehouse! My young sons through you got to learn son many songs of our generation. Its a wonderful father sons thing for us. He will add this one to his channel. Thanks! Keep up the good work on keeping these songs and back stories alive!
I believe this could have hit #1 easily. I was working at a Pizza restaurant when this came out and it was in our jukebox. It got SO much play from our customers. I heard it at least three or four times per shift.
Great song that still moves me. How about you?
Was it Showtime?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 No, Pizza Inn in Houston.
@Professor of Rock Definitely a great song.
@@dranet47 Oh, I miss those Pizza Inns.
I remember being surprised by this song from JB. Thanks for the background!
I've seen Jackson Browne in concert three times and he's never played this song... Too bad because I've always liked it a lot and it takes me back to that awesome '80s movie!
Same! He did it acoustic once!
@@ProfessorofRock he’s playing it more regularly these days (no pun intended). It always gets the crowd up dancing. I see him every time he comes near where I live.
All the tight little circles in the music biz: “Kootch” was a well-known session guitarist back in the day and played on Carole King’ Tapestry and James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James” albums. Jackson Browne was travelling those circles as well, as were other session guys like bassist Lee Sklar, guitarist Waddy Wachtel and drummer Russ Kunkel, with whom Kootch recently formed a band with called The Immediate Family. Lifelong partnerships. Thanks Adam!
They were all hanging out back in the day! Robster I am going to get you taken care of my friend. Hang in there!
These guys were comrades.
1982/83 was the highest point for Jackson. Somebody's Baby, Tender is the Night and Lawyers In Love were absolute classics.
Jackson Browne has influenced my life and helped shape me into the person I am today. My all time favorite. I totally understand the feelings of being isolated, being raised in rural Montana.
Back in the day I had a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band album named, "Rare Junk". It had the Jackson Browne tune, "These Days" on it. I didn't care for the album or the tune. A few years later I bought Jackson Browne's "For Everyman" and Greg Allman's "Laid Back". Browne's version of his tune "These Days" on the album was excellent. So was Greg Allman's on "Laid Back". When I read the liner notes on the back of "For Everyman", I noticed that Jackson Browne credited Greg Allman for the arrangement of "These Days". It just goes to show how much a good arrangement can contribute towards making a great record.
So true.
It’s a really good song.
He talks about how much Greg made that song become what it was. Hard to believe he wrote it when he was 16!
Kortchmar. So many mind blowing guitar parts and solos he’s created, especially with Linda Ronstadt. Much respect.
And Warren Zevon and Crosby/Nash.
Jackson Browne amazing artist ! For me "Load Out & Stay" BBC 78' is one of the best performance ever ! Remember hearing his voice during the movie and knew i had to get that record ASAP ..... epic montage song
For sure! Thanks RandY!
Right on!
End of Summer 1982 driving cross country from NY to Denver,Co. Late night driving through Indiana as a State Trooper pulls me over for speeding…Somebody’s Baby playing on the radio. Might have been my Lucky Charm….No Ticket! Awesome Song and sound just right for the time. Thanks Professor!
@Professor of Rock
It just occurred to me that Tom Petty is not listed on the cover of the soundtrack. Speaking of perfect song placement, "American Girl" came on at just the right spot as I recall.
Yep. Also in Silence of the lambs.
Yes, that was the perfect song!
I agree 100 percent that this song is vital to a comedy that defined our generation. one of the best movie soundtracks ever
This song and Tom Petty's American Girl made Fast Times for me. Well, aside from Sean Penn. I can't believe Jackson Browne hated it.
Moving in Stereo was also pretty memorable to a teenager, and the outro song Goodbye Goodbye by Oingo Boingo was PERFECT for this movie.
You nailed it.
Same. How?
BOINGO!
@@ProfessorofRock American Girl with all the scenes from high school, other than the toilet paper, were classic high school scenes. As you said in the video, Jennifer Jason Leigh was the star, as much as Sean Penn stole his scenes. Somebody's Baby still to this day makes me think of her in Fast Times. How did Tom Petty not make the actual soundtrack?
In mid high school then. As I was listening to you the words were in my head. You spoke them just as I was thinking.. This song was the essence of the 80s. Found my girl back then as she is my wife today😊
I was coming of age at the time, so this movie and song are part of my DNA. I had the realization (whether true or not) a few years ago that when he goes falsetto it reflects a teen boy’s voice cracking right at the precise moment he finally garnered the “courage” to talk to the girl. I chuckle every time since. Like countless other examples, this movie and song is so relatable.
PS - Great channel.
I get those embarrassing feelings sometimes too.
this song dose more than you can articulate . J Brown voice and songs encouraged and helped my Lust for life and love in a big way. very rare that you feel things that money can never hope to buy. we are very lucky to have all this in our life time.
Good call Gabe!
@@ProfessorofRock thank you Adam. i have a son named Adam also. you have a great thing going here so keep it up.we look for it daily .
Money cannot always buy happiness.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 but it helps . wealthy and unhappy better that poor and unhappy.
@@nageeb96 True.
As someone who played guitar on the road during the 70s and 80s, this piece is truly outstanding!
Always found those stories interesting. The biggest songs that the everyone likes, except for the person who made it happen. It takes time, but I'm glad he found an appreciation for his work!
His therapist helped him appreciate it.
@@ProfessorofRock Absolutely. Therapists are very valuable and amazing in their work.
Not everyone though! 😂
When it first came out, I thought it sucked! Too poppy for my taste; especially coming from Jackson Browne!
It never fails to fascinate me.
I grew up in LA in the punk scene so you don’t have to be from a small town to realize how perfect this song was for the scenes in one my all time movies. You did a great job telling the story of it. 😊
You can't work an 8 hour overnight shift at Lowe's without hearing this song AT LEAST twice! 😍
It apparently was played on WKRP during it's last season in the background on a segment of the sitcom.
I can still see the history book covered by a brown paper garbage bag and Jackson Browne’s name in black scribbled on the front cover. She sat a few rows over and I was desperately in love with her but never did tell her. Jackson Brown became the voice of my teen years and angst. Every once in awhile I’ll sit and put on my Jackson Browne Pandora playlist and drift back to the late 70’s, early 80’s. The good times....and bad. Always worth the trip. Thanks Jackson
Didn't Radiohead's Thom Yorke hate the song Creep so much that he more or less refused to play it live for the longest time? I think it was only recently that's he's relented and accepted the fact that's it is indeed a very good and very much loved song, so he will play it live now.
Right. I’m glad he’s come around to it.
I saw Jackson Brown playing with James Taylor a few years ago at the Tacoma dome in Washington state. What a show! They both sounded at looked great! I grew up listing to the both on radio and my mom’s record player. My husband and I had a great time. When will you get a chance to see two legends like that again? The only hitch in that great night is when we left. I slipped going up some stairs and spiral fractured my ankle.😂 But the way I see it, it was well worth the surgery and the 4 and a half months I had to heal.
Cameron Crowe is brilliant, and he knows how to pick good music to fit the films and scenes. Singles is a great movie, and I’m pretty sure NBC ripped it off and turned it into Friends (Crowe has said NBC wanted a Singles TV series, but he told them no.)
Cameron’s awesome.
Wow.. I didn't realize Danny Kootch was the push for this song. I imagined the reason it wasn't on HIS album was maybe a "rights" issue. At the time with Steely Dan and "FM" it wasn't initially on and Album etc Very Impressed with your background info!! Keep Rockin' Professor!!
Such a cool song ! Love the lyrics ! Feel good song too ! A guy’s song !
It's something we've ALL felt!
The melody to this one is great!
It's such a fabulous expression of the longing for young love. Thanks for telling us the story of how it helped you. Another song that epitomizes young love for me is I'm Into Something Good, written by Goffin-King and performed by Herman's Hermits.
I don't think this song is an more of a pop song than Tender is the Night is from Lawyers in Love. I wouldn't be surprised if they added it as a bonus track on Lawyers in Love someday.
A lot of times they have songs on soundtracks only to keep people buying it to get the exclusive tracks.
Coincidentally, Tender is the Night was written by Browne, Kutch, and Kunkel.
True. It’s common marketing.
Tender is not a fave of mine, but it is an infinitely better song than Somebody's Baby!
Loved this JB song. It was such a joyous song about a girl who was full of life & expectation - “with the light coming’ up in her eyes”.
The 80's had some magnificent soundtracks and Fast Times at Ridgemont High was one of the best. It is not talked about as much, but Vision Quest is high on my list as well. I had a crush on a girl a little older than me in high school that I figured was way out of my league so I never acted upon it. That made "Love Rules" really stick out for me. Decades later we made contact again through Face Book and it seems she flirted with me but I was a little slow on the pickup. You live and you learn.
The Vision Quest soundtrack is KILLER. Add to that, 1983’s Valley Girl.
I’m fond of the line, “Time passes slow between the storefront shadows and the streetlight’s glow” from Boulevard.
It's no running on empty. Sounds like disposable pop fluff.
Have loved Jackson Browne since hearing that first piano chord of Doctor my Eyes in 1972. Lifelong fan, just saw him live in June 2023. He is still amazing.
I could see Rick Springfield singing this
Yes, totally, and Rick would’ve owned it. I love that Rick never was afraid to put out pop hits
It’d sound like Don’t Talk to Strangers
🙌 One of the highest quality unapologetically pop songs ever written, sung, composed and produced. The track’s particular placement within Fast Times… really boosted both song and movie.✌️
I know I've asked this question before, but how many of you go straight to the artist of the day, right after the professor's daily episode? Yeah, me too... 🎶🎶🎶❤️ Thanks again professor, and all you music junkies...see ya tomorrow!
Awesome to hear!
I always do it.
An ex boyfriend dedicated this song to me and sang it to me all the time. We didn’t last, but I still like this song. Love your channel Professor!
Jennifer Jason Leigh was such a cutie back in the day. And she's still smokin' hot. WAY hotter than Phoebe Cates.
Agreed!
I was in the Army with a girl named Stacy who looked a lot like JJL. We hooked up.
She’s 61 and DEFINITELY has a beauty routine.
This song teleports me back. I love it. I always thought she was saying tonight if he tries I am going to let him go all the way.
Thanks Professor, you are just amazing and so is your show. I never cease to be amazed by it. So glad that I subbed. Steve
Thanks for the support Steve!
'For Everyman' was a favorite song for a long time. Calmed me somehow. Then 'Barricades of Heaven' came along. May I confess during the whole 'Lawyers in Love' and 'Somebody's Baby' era?? I was disappointed in him- his pop music and that aqua leather jacket. I referred to him as a 'Trendy SOB' I blamed Darryl Hannah. Oh, sure, I got over it. Made my peace with him.
Want to hear Something funny? I have always been a huge Neil Young fan. (Some who might not be aware? Neil married Darryl Hannah like 5 - 6 years a go).
Would not have heard the incredible music catalogue of @JacksonBrown had I not fell in love with this song. Big smile and fond memories of watching the movie with my friends. ❤
I've been fortunate to have seen Jackson Browne six times. The last time was a couple of years ago when he teamed up with James Taylor.
WOW a night, I won't forget!
Jackson certainly helped make Ridgemont High, a more memorable movie.
Always love your reviews and insight, Adam!
👍👍❤️😊
george
😎🤿🦈🐙🇺🇲
TEXAS
Jackson did some monumental work,, another easy listening staple of classic rock... And the way you psychologize a tune is fascinating,, we don't call you The Professor for nothing... Respect 👍...
Good call.
Right!
Running on Empty will forever bring back memories of Senior Week 1978 and beyond for me, I love Jackson Browne's music
Should be called The Philiospher of Rock because you keep nailing it! haha thanks always!!!!!