Jackson Browne Rehearses “That Girl Could Sing” During Intimate Soundcheck in Hollywood
On May 11, 2016, Jackson Browne offered a rare and revealing glimpse into his live process during a soundcheck performance of That Girl Could Sing at Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood, California. Captured ahead of the evening’s concert, the moment strips away the polish of a finished show and places the focus squarely on musicianship, communication, and feel.
Originally released on the 1980 album Hold Out, That Girl Could Sing marked a turning point in Browne’s career, introducing a sharper rhythmic drive and a more extroverted energy into his songwriting. Hearing the song revisited in a soundcheck setting decades later highlights how firmly it has remained part of his musical vocabulary.
Without the pressure of a full audience, the performance reveals Browne’s precision and calm authority as a bandleader. The groove is tested, adjusted, and refined, emphasizing dynamics rather than volume. It is a reminder that for Browne, even preparation is a form of performance.
Moments like this are rarely documented, yet they carry a special value. This soundcheck rendition of That Girl Could Sing captures Jackson Browne not as a headline act, but as a working musician, quietly ensuring that every note lands exactly where it should before the lights come up.