51 years after the initial release of his breakthrough song, Jackson Browne has reimagined “Doctor, My Eyes” for Playing for Change‘s Song Around the World initiative.
First released in 1972, Browne’s debut single was a top 10 hit in the US, and even performed well in Australia, reaching the top 45 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
Five decades later, the rock singer-songwriter joined with musicians from across the world, including guitarist Char, singers Roselyn Williams and Chavonne Stewart, and drummer Jorginho Gomes to revisit “Doctor, My Eyes”.
“ [Original ” Doctor, My Eyes” rhythm section] Russ Kunkel and Lee Sklar and I sat down and played it the same way we did on the basic track on my first album – fifty years ago! – just piano, bass and congas,” Browne says. “It’s exciting to hear all these musicians add their instruments and voices to my song. Brilliant street musicians as well as oft recorded masters like Russ, Leland and Zakir Hussain – I’m honored to be with them all in the same time and place, thanks to Playing for Change.”
The accompanying video was the idea of Playing for Change’s co-founder Mark Johnson. “I had known Mark for quite a few years, and was really moved by the videos Playing for Change had made, and also by the way they invest in music and education in the countries they travel to,” Browne adds. “Playing for Change makes such a positive impact on everyone they come into contact with – players and viewers alike. They connect people all over the world in ways that transcend our cultural differences.”
Browne’s Playing for Change collaboration follows previous videos from Robbie Robertson (“The Weight”), John Paul Jones (“When the Levee Breaks”), Peter Gabriel (“Biko”), and more.
Browne is still going strong on the touring front in 2o23, and just recently finished a four-night stretch at New York City’s Beacon Theatre. Next month, he’ll also head to Las Vegas for a five-night residency at the Venetian Theatre.
