Jackson Browne Performs “A Child in These Hills” for the 2021 Dream Concert
In 2021, Jackson Browne delivered a deeply moving studio performance of “A Child in These Hills” as part of the Dream Concert, a special musical event created to support education and cultural awareness for Indigenous communities. Recorded in an intimate studio setting, the performance brought together an exceptional group of musicians, including Greg Leisz, Val McCallum, Jeff Young, Bob Glaub, and Mauricio Lewak, all longtime collaborators who understand Browne’s music at its most subtle and emotionally resonant.
“A Child in These Hills” is one of Jackson Browne’s more introspective compositions, a song rooted in reflection, memory, and the enduring relationship between people and the land they inhabit. In this stripped-back live setting, the song unfolded with quiet grace. The arrangement emphasized space and texture rather than volume, allowing the emotional weight of the piece to surface naturally. Greg Leisz’s atmospheric steel guitar lines floated gently through the performance, while the rhythm section provided a restrained, almost meditative foundation.
What made this performance particularly significant was its purpose. The Dream Concert was conceived not only as a musical event, but as a platform for meaningful action. All proceeds from the concert were directed to the Native American Scholarship Fund, reinforcing an ongoing commitment to tuition assistance, educational access, and broader support for Indigenous students. Beyond financial aid, the fund also plays an important role in supporting Indigenous artists, activists, and scholars, helping them share their heritage and lived experiences within educational environments such as Verde Valley School.
Browne’s participation aligned naturally with the spirit of the event. Throughout his career, he has consistently used his music and public presence to advocate for social responsibility, environmental awareness, and human dignity. His performance at the Dream Concert did not feel like a symbolic gesture, but rather a continuation of long-held values expressed through song. The choice of “A Child in These Hills” reinforced that connection, as the song’s themes echo ideas of stewardship, ancestry, and respect for place.
The studio setting enhanced the intimacy of the moment. Without the distance of a large concert hall, the performance felt personal and immediate, as though the listener were invited directly into the room. Browne’s vocal delivery was calm and reflective, shaped by decades of experience rather than dramatic emphasis. The musicians responded with sensitivity, listening closely to one another and allowing the song to breathe.
As part of the broader Dream Concert initiative, this performance stands as a reminder of how music can function beyond entertainment. It can serve as a bridge between communities, a source of awareness, and a practical means of support. Jackson Browne’s rendition of “A Child in These Hills” in 2021 remains a quiet but powerful example of how artistry and purpose can align, leaving an impact that extends well beyond the final note.