Bruce Springsteen Biography
Like Elvis earned the title The King, Bruce Springsteen's musical career has earned him the title The Boss, along with his very own spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Springsteen’s heartland rock music with Americana influence produced instant classic songs. Not everyone has a personal liking for Springsteen, but few can deny they have heard of him or his music.
Bruce Springsteen was in fact born in the USA, specifically in Long Branch, New Jersey, on September 23, 1949. He grew up in a middle class, working family and was inspired to become a musician after seeing Elvis Presley on television. He bought his first guitar when he was thirteen and began lessons with a local guitarist. By 1965, Springsteen was performing with a local band as lead vocals and guitar.
He was discovered nationally while playing with Steve Van Zandt, Danny Federcici, and Vini Lopez. Even after Springsteen was nationally acclaimed, he continued to return to his roots in New Jersey and perform at the places where he first started out on stage.
In 1972, Springsteen signed his first record deal with Columbia Records assisted by John Hammond, who had also signed Bob Dylan years before. Springsteen formed the E Street Band with some of his New Jersey-based musician friends including Steve Van Zandt, and went on to release his debut album Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ and others, which didn’t gain immediate success, but held singles like “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)” that would become fan favorites years later.
In 1980, his album The River produced his first hit single, “Hungry Heart.” His path to success was heavily paved and by 1984, Springsteen’s best-known album Born In The U.S.A. was released and yielded seven top ten singles, launching a hugely successful world-wide tour. The music video “Dancing in the Dark” from this album featured Courteney Cox on stage with Springsteen, a gig that is said to have launched Courteney’s career. The remainder of the 80s marked the height of Springsteen’s pop culture career, but by no means ended it. However, by 1988, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band no longer played together, except for a brief reunion in 1995.
Over the years, Springsteen has released numerous albums and hit singles, written hit songs for other artists, won a total of thirteen Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Hall of Fame in 1999 where U2’s Bono gave the induction speech. That same year, Springsteen was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has written songs for numerous movie soundtracks, including the Academy Award-winning song “Streets of Philadelphia” from the film Philadelphia.
Bruce Springsteen was married to actress and photographer Julianne Phillips from 1985 to 1989. In 1991 he married Patti Scialfa and together they have three children. Springsteen continues to write music for both film and recording. He also continues to perform both professionally and at benefits for various social and political causes.
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