Jackson Browne’s Sons: Ryan and Ethan’s Story

Jackson Browne’s Sons: Ethan and Ryan

Jackson Browne, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for hits like "Fishin’ in the Dark" and "Running on Empty," welcomed two sons during his previous marriages. These children, Ethan and Ryan, grew up to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, each leaving their own mark in different ways.

Ethan Browne: A Life in the Spotlight

Ethan was born in 1973 to Jackson and his then-girlfriend, Phyllis Major. His early life was marked by both fame and tragedy. At just a few weeks old, he appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone, an image that captured him nuzzled against his father’s face. However, in 1976, Phyllis died by suicide when Ethan was only two years old, leaving Jackson to navigate the challenges of single parenthood while managing his rising career.

Ethan eventually found his own path in the entertainment world. He worked as an actor, appearing in projects such as the cyber thriller Hackers and the dark comedy series Birds of Prey. He also had a small role in the 2004 rom-com Raising Helen. In addition to acting, Ethan modeled for designers like Isaac Mizrahi. His talent and charisma were recognized by producer Mark Ronson, who described him as "the real deal — with an angular face and soulful gaze that seemed to reveal his deepest truths."

Ethan also ventured into the music industry, founding Spinside Records, an imprint on Jackson’s independent label Inside Recordings. He became a father himself, and in a 2022 interview, Jackson praised his son’s parenting skills, calling him a "great father" and "a great man." Despite these achievements, Ethan’s life ended tragically in November 2025 at the age of 52 due to an accidental overdose involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and lidocaine.

Ryan Daniel Browne: A Creative Legacy

Ryan, born in 1982 to Jackson and his ex-wife Lynne Sweeney, followed a different creative path. He earned a master’s degree in film directing from the California Institute of the Arts and went on to work as an editor and filmmaker. His clients included major companies such as Amazon, Sony Music, and the NFL Network. Ryan also collaborated with his father on the music video for Jackson’s 2022 track "Minutes to Downtown."

In addition to his work in film, Ryan has pursued a career in music, playing bass in the rock band Sonny & the Sunsets. Jackson often spoke about his son’s musical talents, noting that Ryan is "a better musician than I am." Ryan is also a devoted father, with Jackson describing him as a "terrific parent" to his young child.

Despite the challenges of being a parent, Jackson reflected on his own experiences, acknowledging that he could have been a better father. He expressed admiration for Ryan’s approach to parenting, noting that it was not something he learned from him but rather from his mother.

A Family’s Grief

The loss of Ethan in 2025 was a profound blow to the family. Jackson shared a statement on his Facebook page, expressing deep sorrow over his son’s passing. "It is with deep sorrow that we share that on the morning of November 25, 2025, Ethan Browne, the son of Jackson Browne and Phyllis Major, was found unresponsive in his home and has passed away," the statement read. "We ask for privacy and respect for the family during this difficult time."

While the details of Ethan’s death remain private, the impact of his life and legacy continues to be felt by those who knew him. His contributions to the entertainment industry and the love he showed as a father left a lasting impression on his family and friends.