This captivating clip from Alison Ellwood and Alex Gibney’s acclaimed Eagles documentary on Showtime offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative development of Glenn Frey, the iconic lead singer of The Eagles. For those who grew up with their music, the documentary is a nostalgic journey, as Bill Simmons eloquently describes here. However, beyond the band’s history, the documentary reveals a crucial aspect of Frey’s musical journey: his early education in songwriting, thanks to an unexpected mentor – his neighbor, Jackson Browne.
The clip vividly illustrates how Glenn Frey honed his songwriting skills by simply listening to Jackson Browne Jackson Browne Songs being crafted through the thin walls separating their apartments. Frey recounts this unique learning experience:
“I didn’t really know how to write songs. I knew I wanted to write songs, but I didn’t know exactly, did you just wait around for inspiration, you know, what was the deal? I learned through Jackson’s ceiling and my floor exactly how to write songs, ’cause Jackson would get up, and he’d play the first verse and first course, and he’d play it 20 times, until he had it just the way he wanted it. And then there’d be silence, and then I’d hear the teapot going off again, and it would be quiet for 20 minutes, and then I’d hear him start to play again … and I’m up there going, so that’s how you do it? Elbow grease. Time. Thought. Persistence.”
This anecdote is more than just a charming story; it’s a powerful illustration of how creative mastery is often developed. Frey’s experience highlights several key principles that are invaluable for aspiring songwriters and creatives in any field, particularly when learning the craft of creating Jackson Browne songs or any musical composition.
Here are the key takeaways from Frey’s eavesdropping education, revealing the secrets behind crafting compelling Jackson Browne Jackson Browne songs and more:
1. The Power of Proximity and Mentorship: Glenn Frey’s songwriting breakthrough didn’t come from textbooks or formal lessons. It stemmed from being in close proximity to someone actively engaged in the craft. His social network, in this case, his neighbor Jackson Browne, became his informal songwriting school. This highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who are further along in their creative journey. Observing Jackson Browne songs take shape firsthand was far more impactful than any abstract instruction.
2. Habit Over Inspiration: The Disciplined Approach to Songwriting: Frey’s observation of Browne’s routine debunked the romanticized notion of songwriting as solely reliant on fleeting inspiration. As artist Chuck Close famously said, “Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us show up and get to work.” Browne’s consistent schedule, marked by the morning teapot, demonstrated that songwriting is a disciplined practice. This systematic approach, evident in the creation of numerous Jackson Browne songs, emphasizes the role of consistent effort over waiting for a spark of genius.
3. Looping and Iteration: Refining the Structure of a Song: Frey witnessed Browne’s iterative process – repeatedly working on the same verses and choruses. This “looping” technique is fundamental to creative endeavors. It involves refining small parts while constantly considering the impact on the entire structure. Whether writing lyrics, composing melodies, or crafting Jackson Browne songs, this iterative process of construction and refinement is crucial for achieving a polished and cohesive final product.
4. Repetition as a Tool for Mastery: For Frey, observing Browne’s repetition was a revelation. It demonstrated that repetition isn’t tedious but rather a vital tool for building a song. This repetitive engagement allows for deep exploration of musical ideas, lyrical phrases, and the nuances that transform a simple idea into a memorable song, much like the enduring appeal of Jackson Browne songs.
Glenn Frey’s story offers a valuable lesson: mastery in songwriting, and likely many other creative fields, is less about sudden inspiration and more about consistent work, learning from those around you, and the persistent refinement of your craft. Just as Frey learned from listening to Jackson Browne Jackson Browne songs being built from the ground up, aspiring creatives can find inspiration and practical guidance by observing and emulating the processes of masters in their chosen field.
