Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen is a renowned singer and songwriter, born on September 23, 1949. He has 20 studio albums under his belt, and some of them even feature his backing group, the E Street Band. Springsteen is among the founders of heartland rock music, which combines mainstream rock with narrative songs that are about working-class American life. He is also widely popular because of his poetic and socially conscious lyrics, as well as his eccentric stage performances that last for hours. This incredibly talented artist has sold over 150 million records globally and 64 million albums in the U.S. alone. Today, we are celebrating his birthday and incredible career.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen

Nickname:

The Boss

Birth date:

September 23, 1949

Age:

74

Zodiac Sign:

Libra

Height:

5' 9"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$81 million

Bruce's Social Media:

Background

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen is a musical legend, born on September 23, 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey. In over 50 years of his career, he transformed the music industry and pioneered heartland rock music, forever changing the game. His early years were spent alongside his two sisters, Virginia and Pamela, and as it would later be seen, the artistic gene ran in the family. Pamela even pursued acting before settling on photography as her full-time career. In his youth, Springsteen went to St. Rose of Lima Catholic school in Freehold. His rebellious nature caused him to have several problems with the nuns, and later on, a part of his music was inspired by his life there.

He grew up listening to Frank Sinatra on the radio, and this prompted his decision of being a musician. In 1964, after seeing The Beatles for the first time on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” he was inspired to go and buy his first guitar, and thereafter, he started playing with a band called The Rogues for audiences at local venues such as Elks Lodge. In the same year, his mother took out a loan and bought him a $60 Kent guitar that he, later on, went on to memorialize in his single “The Wish.” His prolific and specific songwriting ability brought his skills to the attention of several people which would later change his life. These were people like Jim Cretecos, who introduced him to John Hammond, the Columbia Records talent scout back then. He was signed in 1972 to Columbia Records by Clive Davis and released his first two albums, “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.” and “The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle” in 1973. He rose to worldwide fame with “Born to Run” in 1975, after changing his style. Later on, in 1980, “The River” topped the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tape, and in 1984, he released “Born in the U.S.A.,” together with the E Street Band, and it became his most commercially successful album.

Springsteen is one of the world’s best-selling music artists and has been a recipient of numerous awards and accolades in his career, including 20 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award, and a Special Tony Award. He was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1999, and in 2009, he received the Kennedy Center Honors. In 2013, he was named MusiCares person of the year, and in 2016, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

Career timeline

1973
The Debut Album

Springsteen releases his first album, “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.,” with Columbia Records.

1975
The Worldwide Success

Springsteen gains global recognition through his album “Born to Run.”

1980
The Chart-Topping Album

Springsteen releases his fifth studio album, which tops the U.S. Billboard 200.

1984
The Most Successful Album

Springsteen’s most successful album is released.

1999
The Halls of Fame Inductee

Springsteen is inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.

2016
The Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Barack Obama awards him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Why We Love Bruce Springsteen

  1. He is open about his emotions

    On many occasions Springsteen has openly talked about how he feels, the hard parts of his life, and his struggles. His lyrics are also very emotional, which has made him relatable to millions of fans worldwide.

  2. He fights for change

    Springsteen is involved in political topics and defends his social views vehemently. Before President Obama’s re-election, he spoke about the right to transparency and integrity in the government, and the many rights Americans have — education, jobs with living wages, and dignified life.

  3. He is an activist

    Springsteen has always fought for L.G.B.T.Q. rights. He is a vocal supporter of gay marriage and equal and fair treatment of anyone regardless of sexual orientation.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He has two middle names

    Springsteen was given two middle names, instead of just one, Frederick and Joseph.

  2. The “Chicken Man” is a mob boss

    In his song “Atlantic City,” when he talks about the “Chicken Man,” he is referring to Phil Testa, the mob boss.

  3. Chocolate smell is a childhood memory

    The house he grew up in was close to a Nestlé factory, and Springsteen grew up surrounded by the smell of chocolate and coffee.

  4. He found love in a music video

    Springsteen first saw Julianne Phillips, his first wife, in a 38 Special's music video.

  5. A planet has his name

    Astronomers in New Zealand spotted a small planet while listening to his music, and thus named it “23990 Springsteen.”

Bruce Springsteen FAQs

Why is Springsteen called The Boss?

Springsteen got his nickname because he collected the money earned during shows, and then distributed it evenly among his bandmates. He doesn’t like it very much, though.

Is Bruce Springsteen a vegetarian?

He’s a fan of classic American cuisine, but also follows a pretty vegetarian diet.

Does Bruce Springsteen have an illness?

Bruce Springsteen has revealed he’s suffered two emotional breakdowns and has battled depression.

Bruce Springsteen’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024September 23Monday
2025September 23Tuesday
2026September 23Wednesday
2027September 23Thursday
2028September 23Saturday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.