Ethan Browne, Son of Jackson Browne, Dies at 52

Ethan Browne, the son of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jackson Browne, has died at age 52. Browne, a multifaceted talent known for modeling, acting, and music production, passed away on November 25 in Los Angeles after a brief illness. His death was confirmed by family spokesperson Jennifer Nicholson, who noted the loss occurred peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.

Born on February 14, 1973, in Los Angeles, Ethan was the only child of Jackson Browne and his first wife, Phyllis Major, a model who died by suicide in 1976 when Ethan was three. Jackson Browne, 77, has maintained a low public profile regarding his son but collaborated with him on select projects over the years. The elder Browne’s representatives have requested privacy, with no further details on the cause of death released as of November 26.

Ethan Browne carved a niche in entertainment blending creative pursuits across disciplines. He debuted as an actor in the 1998 independent film ‘The Other Sister,’ playing a supporting role opposite Juliette Lewis and Giovanni Ribisi in the romantic comedy directed by Garry Marshall. The film, which grossed $27.4 million on a $35 million budget, featured Browne as Drew, a character in a group home for adults with developmental disabilities, marking his sole credited screen role to date.

Transitioning to music, Browne served as a producer and engineer for indie acts in the 2000s, including contributions to albums by artists like Lyle Lovett and the multicultural ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock. He co-produced tracks for the 2003 release ‘Turn the Wheel’ by Carrie Newcomer, handling mixing duties at studios in Nashville and Los Angeles. His modeling career spanned runway shows for designers such as Calvin Klein and appearances in campaigns for Gap and Tommy Hilfiger during the early 2000s, leveraging his 6-foot-2 frame and striking features inherited from his parents.

Browne’s professional path intersected with his father’s legacy through informal collaborations, including guest appearances at Jackson’s benefit concerts for environmental causes. In a 2013 interview with Rolling Stone, Jackson Browne described Ethan as “a quiet force in the studio, with an ear for melody that surprises everyone.” Ethan maintained residences in Los Angeles and New York, focusing on behind-the-scenes work rather than seeking the spotlight, with credits on over 20 recording projects logged on Discogs.

The Browne family’s statement, shared via Nicholson, read: “Ethan brought joy and creativity to everyone he touched. His spirit lives on in the music and art he loved.” Tributes poured in from the music community, with Eagles co-founder Don Henley, a longtime collaborator of Jackson’s, posting on social media: “Heartbroken for Jackson and the family. Ethan was kind and talented beyond measure.” No public memorial plans have been announced.

Ethan’s passing comes amid a reflective period for Jackson Browne, who released his 16th studio album ‘Downhill from Everywhere’ in 2021, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album. The album included tracks co-written with family influences, underscoring the personal threads in Browne’s catalog. Ethan’s discography also features uncredited session work on his father’s 2008 live album ‘Solo Acoustic, Volume 1,’ captured during a series of intimate U.S. theater performances.

This loss marks the second major family tragedy for Jackson Browne, following Phyllis Major’s death and the 2023 passing of his longtime partner, Bonnie Raitt’s collaborator Lowell George. Browne’s career, spanning over 50 years, includes hits like ‘Running on Empty’ and sales exceeding 18 million albums worldwide. Ethan’s understated contributions highlighted a generational bridge in the California folk-rock scene.

As news spreads, industry outlets like Variety and Billboard have archived Ethan’s credits, noting his avoidance of nepotism-driven fame. A private gathering for close friends and collaborators is expected in the coming weeks, per family sources. Jackson Browne’s team emphasized gratitude for the outpouring of support, directing fans to his official site for updates on future projects honoring Ethan’s memory.