Bruce Springsteen: From 'Born to Run' to Broadway
He is The Boss!
Bruce Springsteen, or should we say 'The Boss', is an American singer, songwriter and musician. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters and performers of all time, with hits like 'Dancing in the Dark', 'Born to Run' and 'Born in the USA', it's easy to see why!
The Boss has released more than 20 studio albums, with a new greatest hits album 'Best of Bruce Springsteen' on the way. He's also toured countless times alongside the E Street Band, won 20 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award and a Tony. He has also cemented himself in musical history by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame... not once, but twice!
Fans of Bruce had the chance to see him in concert in 2023, when he came to the UK, and he will be returning later this year for four more dates in Cardiff, Sunderland and London.
Find out more about Bruce Springsteen...
Who is Bruce Springsteen?
Bruce Springsteen is an American singer, songwriter and musician with a career spanning over 60 years. He has released 20 studio albums, won countless awards and played huge shows around the world with his band the E Street Band. Bruce has also received a National Medal of Arts award from President Joe Biden!
Where is Bruce Springsteen from?
Bruce Springsteen was born in Long Branch, New Jersey and spent his childhood in Freehold, New Jersey. He was born to Douglas Frederick Springsteen and Adele Ann Springsteen. His father was a bus driver and his mother was a legal secretary.
How old is Bruce Springsteen?
He was born on 23rd September 1949, making him 74-years-old.
What are Bruce Springsteen's biggest songs?
'Born to Run'
Released in August 1975, 'Born to Run' is the title track from Bruce's third studio album.
'Born in the USA'
Perhaps Bruce Springsteen's best-known single, 'Born in the USA' was released in 1984 as a single from the album of the same name.
'Dancing in the Dark'
The first single from the 1984 album 'Born in the USA', 'Dancing in the Dark' helped the album become Bruce's best-selling of his career. The video also features a young Courteney Cox, who went on to star as Monica Geller in Friends!
'If I Was The Priest'
Although not one of this biggest songs, 'If I Was The Priest' was a song that is credited with helping The Boss secure his first record deal. The singer performed 'If I Was The Priest' for the first time in more than 50 years while on tour in the Texas, in February 2023.
Take a look at Bruce Springsteen's incredible career:
1964: Inspiration and career beginnings
In 1964, legendary Liverpool band The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and played hits including 'I Saw Her Standing There' and 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' to a record-breaking audience of 73 million Americans.
One of those viewers was a young Bruce Springsteen who shortly after the performance went to buy first guitar. In the following years, he went on to play local venues as part of a number of bands including the Rogues, Castiles and Earth.
1969 - 1972: Label attention and forming the E Street Band
From 1969 to 1971, Bruce played with his band Steel Mill in venues across the Jersey Shore, Nashville, Richmond and California and he recorded three original tracks with the group.
During the next couple of years, Bruce performed with his bands Dr. Zoom & the Sonic Boom, the Sundance Blues Band and the Bruce Springsteen Band. This musical and lyrical evolution would gain the attention of his future record label, Columbia Records, who he auditioned for in 1982.
1972-1973: Getting signed and forming the E Street Band
Bruce Springsteen formed a new band for the recording of his debut album 'Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.' This band would eventually be known as the E Street Band, who went on to be Bruce's backing band for the remainder of his career.
Bruce signed to Columbia Records in 1972 and released his debut album January 1973. He released the follow up album, 'The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle' just eight months later!
1975: Born To Run
Despite taking 14 months to record, 'Born To Run' was released in August 1975 and became Bruce's breakthrough album, catapulting the singer-songwriter to international stardom and sell-out shows.
The album's title track 'Born To Run' remains one of Bruce's biggest hits!
1979: Madison Square Garden
In September 1979, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band took part in the historic No Nukes concert, organised by the Musicians United for Safe Energy collective, who protested against nuclear power.
A live album and documentary film was subsequently released documenting the performance. In 2021, it was announced that the performances will also be released as a new live film.
1984: Born in the USA
Springsteen released his seminal album and most famous work 'Born In The USA' in 1984. The LP sold over 30 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time.
The title track and single 'Dancing In The Dark' were stand-out successes, with the latter's music video featuring a young Courteney Cox, who would later find fame in TV show 'Friends'.
The song also earned Bruce his very first GRAMMY Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance in 1984. Bruce has gone on to win 20 GRAMMY Awards in his career so far.
1999: Bruce is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame
In 1999, Bruce Springsteen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside artists including Sir Paul McCartney, George Martin, Dusty Springfield, Curtis Mayfield and Billy Joel.
He also reformed the E Street Band this year and they embarked on a huge reunion tour, which lasted over a year.
2002: 'The Rising' and The Rising Tour
In July 2022, Bruce Springsteen released his first studio album alongside the E Street Band in 18 years. The band toured the album playing huge arenas in the USA and Europe.
The album won the GRAMMY Award for Best Rock Album and its title track won the GRAMMY for Best rock Song and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
2008: Bruce supports Barack Obama's presidential campaign
Bruce supported Barack Obama's campaign to become the 44th President of the United States in 2008. He played acoustic performances in support of the campaign throughout 2008 and upon Obama's Inaugural Celebration, Bruce was the first to perform at the ceremony.
The pair remain good friends, and in 2021 are publishing a book based on their hugely successful podcast.
February 2009: Super Bowl XLIII
After previously declining invites to play the prestigious Superbowl halftime show, Bruce finally agreed to perform and on 1st February 2009 wowed fans around the world with hits like 'Born To Run', 'Glory Days' and 'Working on a Dream'.
December 2009: Kennedy Centre Honours
On 6th December 2009, Bruce received the Kennedy Centre Honours, an annual honour given to those in the arts for their lifetime of contribution to American culture.
Barack Obama introduced Bruce by saying: "I'm the president but he's The Boss."
In November 2016, Bruce received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama.
2016-2017: Autobiography and Springsteen on Broadway
In September 2016, Bruce released his autobiography 'Born to Run' which quickly became a New York Times Best Seller.
In June 2017, the 'Born in the USA' singer announced Springsteen On Broadway - an eight-week run of shows which would commence in Autumn 2017. The show included live performances, stories and excerpts from his autobiography. The production was extended three times and he was honoured with a Special Tony Award in 2018.
In 2021, Springsteen returned to Broadway for another limited run of Springsteen on Broadway shows.
2021: Podcast series with Barack Obama
In February 2021, Bruce announced he would be releasing an eight-part podcast series with former US President and good friend Barack Obama called Renegades: Born in the USA.
The podcast features the singer in conversation with Obama, discussing a wide range of topics. Later in 2021, it was announced that the popular series would be published as a book.
2022: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band announce international tour
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band announced a 2023 international tour, taking them across the United States, Europe and the UK in spring and summer.
2022: Bruce Springsteen announces 'Only The Strong Survive' album
In September, Bruce Springsteen announced that he would be releasing a soul music album. Titled 'Only The Strong Survive', it was released on 11th November with 15 tracks, including reimagined classic soul songs.
Of the album, he said: "My goal is for the modern audience to experience its beauty and joy, just as I have since I first heard it. I hope you love listening to it as much as I loved making it."
2023: 'Springsteen and E Street Band Tour'
Bruce embarked on the 'Springsteen and E Street Band Tour' in 2023, which is a tour with his backing band. It began in Tampa, Florida in February and later came to the UK, with dates in Edinburgh, Birmingham and London.
Unfortunately, Bruce was forced to postpone his September North American tour dates due to being treated for peptic ulcer disease.
2023: Bruce Springsteen receives National Medal of Arts award
Bruce Springsteen received a prestigious National Medal of Arts award from President Biden in March 2023. Bruce was part of the 2021 class of the National Medal of Arts but the ceremony has previously been stalled due to the pandemic.
2023: Bruce Springsteen at BST Hyde Park
Bruce Springsteen gave an amazing performance at two sold-out gigs in Hyde Park, London.
2024: Bruce makes a return to performing
In March 2024, Bruce made a triumphant return to performing with The E Street Band following a six month absence due to health issues. Bruce had previously told fans that he was suffering from peptic ulcer disease, which causes ulcers to form in the stomach and/or small intestine.
2024: Best Of Bruce Springsteen
On 19th April 2024, Bruce released his 'Best of Bruce Springsteen' album, featuring a massive 31 tracks on the digital version, including his hits such as 'Born To Run', 'Badlands' and 'Streets of Philadelphia'.
Is Bruce Springsteen on tour?
Bruce Springsteen embarked on UK leg of his tour in 2023, where he was supported by some fantastic acts. He then continued his tour in the USA. Unfortunately, Bruce then had to cancel all of his performances scheduled for September 2023, due to receiving treatment for peptic ulcer disease.
A statement issued by his representatives said: “Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band have postponed all performances currently scheduled for September 2023, beginning with tomorrow's show scheduled for the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, N.Y.
“Mr. Springsteen is being treated for symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and the decision of his medical advisors is that he should postpone the remainder of his September shows.”
In March 2024, Bruce returned and performed his first concert in six months with The E Street Band. Taking to the stage at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, Bruce performed a three-hour, 29-song set.
Excitingly, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band extended their world tour and will be coming to the UK in May and June 2024, performing stadium shows in Cardiff, Sunderland and London.
Is Bruce Springsteen married?
Bruce Springsteen married Patti Scialfa, a member of his E Street Band, in 1991.
Does Bruce Springsteen have any children?
Yes! Bruce and Patti have three children. Evan James Springsteen, Jessica Rae Springsteen and Samuel Ryan Springsteen. Jessica competes for the USA in equestrian events.
Are Bruce Springsteen and Barack Obama friends?
Yes! Bruce performed throughout 2008 alongside Obama on his presidential campaign, and subsequently at his Presidential Inauguration. The former President honoured Bruce with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
Did Bruce Springsteen sell his entire music catalogue?
Bruce Springsteen sold his entire collection of music for an enormous £376m (approx) to Sony, allowing them to license his music and collect royalties.
The sale for the master recordings and publishing rights for all of his music, including his 20 studio albums, is said to be the most expensive sale of its kind to date.
Is Bruce Springsteen bringing out new music?
Although not technically new music, Bruce released a greatest hits album called 'Best of Bruce Springsteen' on 19th April. The album features 31 songs on the digital version, and 18 on the physical version, including some live tracks.
Other than this, Bruce's most recent new music was back in September 2022. Bruce announced that his next album would be a soul music record, with reimagined classic soul songs as he took inspiration from the likes of Diana Ross, Levi Stubbs, David Ruffin, Dobie Gray, and Scott Walker.
He announced the news in a video, and also reflected that the album allowed him to "rediscover the power of his own voice."
'Only The Strong Survive' was released in November 2022.
Bruce Springsteen speaks about last meeting with Clarence Clemons
Clarence Clemons was a founding member and saxophonist in the E Street Band, playing on the majority of Bruce's albums. He sadly passed away in 2011, and Bruce revealed that on the day he died, he played his guitar for Clarence in the hospital.
He explained: "I had a feeling he could hear me, because he could squeeze your hand. I took the hunch and brought the guitar, and strummed ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’."
You can hear songs by Bruce Springsteen on Greatest Hits Radio.
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