Did Bruce Springsteen sing backup on Jackson Browne's "Running on
Empty?"  I heard somewhere that the voice singing "Running on. . . "
during the chorus and some of the verses is Springsteen's,  but have
not been able to prove it.  I would like to find proof in the form of
an article in a reputable magazine/newspaper, or in something produced
by the PR reps of either Browne or Springsteen (ie some piece of
trustworthy info, not just a Web chat).

---

Clarification of Question by curious718-ga on 05 May 2003 13:20 PDT

Thanks to bobbie7 for the comment.  Just to clarify - I'd like to know
if Springsteen is singing backup on the officially recorded version of
"Running on Empty" (ie the title track of the Jackson Browne album of
the same name).  I'll look at the links that bobbie7 suggested to see
if there is any help there, but these appear to refer to impromptu
live appearances where Springsteen joined jB in performing these songs
live.

Hello curious718,

I’m posting this information as a comment for now so that you can
check if it proves that Bruce Springsteen sang backup on Jackson
Browne's "Running on Empty.

Here are two references where Browne performed Running on Empty with
Springsteen on a mini CD Live in the Central Park in New York on June
12, 1982.

RALLY FOR DISARMAMENT (MINI CD) 
1992, Free mini CD includes with the Italian Bruce Springsteen Fanzine
Live in the Central Park in New York on June 12, 1982. 
The Pretender (performed together with Gary U.S. Bonds) 
The Promised Land (Bruce and JB) 
Running on Empty (JB and Bruce)
http://www.xs4all.nl/~wimpos/jcd.htm

JACKSON BROWNE:
RALLY FOR DISARMAMENT 
Label: Great Dane Records
The Pretender (6:19) 
The Promised Land (4:39) 
Running On Empty (5:44) 
Track 2-3 w/ Bruce Springsteen
http://www.mv.com/ipusers/richbreton/d/titles/RFD_GDR.htm


Here are some articles about Jackson Browne and Springsteen performing
Running on Empty together:


From Press of Atlantic City News dated March 6, 2003:

“Those fortunate enough to attend the Jackson Browne concert in June
1989 at the now defunct Bally's Grandstand under the Stars were
treated to a surprise appearance by Springsteen. He walked on stage
while Browne was singing his hit song "Running On Empty. They finished
that tune then ripped into the Springsteen classic "Born To Run."
http://216.239.57.104/search?q=cache:EE6DUcOs3TcC:www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/lifestyle/030603M06BRUCE.html+Springsteen+on+Jackson+Browne+%22Running+on+Empty&hl=en&ie=UTF-8


MSN Entertainment News:

“Springsteen, 52, a native of Freehold, has only appeared in Atlantic
City once before. In 1989, he jumped on stage at the end of a Jackson
Browne concert, joining Browne for the last part of "Running on Empty"
and singing "Born to Run" with him.”
http://entertainment.msn.com/news/article.aspx?news=117033


From the Amazon Website:

“An interesting concept at the time and some of the songs, like
Running on Empty and the Load Out/Stay became big hits. Load Out/Stay
is the mandatory end to a Jackson Browne concert, as it was when Bruce
Springsteen and the E street band performed the song along with
Jackson at the No Nukes concert in 1980.”
Reviewer: Don McNay, CLU, ChFC, MSFS, CSSC
Certified Structured Settlement Consultant
President: McNay Settlement Group Inc.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000002GW5/o/qid%3D962641589/sr%3D2-4/102-3648469-3470516


If you consider that the above information is an adequate answer to
your question please let me know and I will gladly post it as the
official answer.

Thanks
Bobbie7-ga

Hmmm - I don't think so, but I can't find more solid evidence. Here is
a list of album credits :


Yahoo Album Credits - Running on Empty (1977)
http://shopping.yahoo.com/shop?d=product&id=1921002338&subpage=credits

I just listened to the song again - and I am certain the main male
singing is Jackson himself (singing Running on Empty chorus). The
womans voice is definitely Rosemary Butler. The other male is more
than likely one of the guys listed on the page that I found, but I can
not make any more connections.

Maybe another researcher will have better luck -

SgtCory