Bob Seger's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Bob Seger. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Bob Seger is a retired American singer, songwriter, and musician. He started as a local Detroit artist, performing with Bob Seger and the Last Heard and the Bob Seger System in the 1960s, achieving initial success with "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" in 1969. In the early 1970s, he pursued wider success. He formed the Silver Bullet Band in 1973, achieving national fame with the album Live Bullet (1976). He broke out nationally with the studio album Night Moves in 1976. Seger also collaborated with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section on several hit singles and albums.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1966: Release of "East Side Story"

In 1966, Bob Seger, as Bob Seger and the Last Heard, released "East Side Story" on Hideout Records, which became his first big Detroit hit.

1969: Release of Ramblin' Gamblin' Man Album

In 1969, Bob Seger achieved his initial breakthrough with the album "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man," which featured his inaugural national hit of the same title.

1969: Release and success of "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man"

In 1969, Bob Seger released "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man", which became a major hit in Michigan and his first nationwide hit, peaking at No. 17, leading to the release of an album of the same name.

1975: Beautiful Loser Album Release

In 1975, Bob Seger released the album "Beautiful Loser". The success of Night Moves in 1976 boosted sales of Seger's previous releases, including Beautiful Loser, which eventually sold two million copies.

1975: Return to Capitol and Release of Beautiful Loser

In 1975, Bob Seger returned to Capitol Records and released the album Beautiful Loser, featuring the song "Katmandu" which was his first national break-out since "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man".

October 1976: Release of Night Moves Album

In October 1976, Bob Seger achieved commercial breakthrough with the release of his album "Night Moves." The title track became a hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart. The album also featured "Mainstreet" and "Rock and Roll Never Forgets".

1976: National Breakout with Night Moves

In 1976, Bob Seger achieved national recognition with the studio album Night Moves.

1978: Release of Stranger in Town Album

In 1978, Bob Seger released the album "Stranger in Town", which included the hit singles "Still the Same", "Hollywood Nights", and "We've Got Tonight". "Old Time Rock and Roll" was also featured on this album.

1980: Release of Against the Wind Album

In 1980, Bob Seger released "Against the Wind", which became his first and only No. 1 album on the Billboard album chart. The album included hit singles such as "Fire Lake" and "Against the Wind".

March 13, 1987: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On March 13, 1987, Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 1750 Vine Street, for their contributions to the music industry.

1987: Recording "Shakedown" for Beverly Hills Cop II Soundtrack

In 1987, Bob Seger recorded "Shakedown" for the soundtrack to Beverly Hills Cop II. The song became Seger's first and only No. 1 hit on the pop singles chart and earned him an Oscar nomination.

1987: Shakedown tops Billboard Hot 100

In 1987, Bob Seger's song "Shakedown", written for the movie Beverly Hills Cop II, topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

1994: Release of Greatest Hits Compilation Album

In 1994, Bob Seger released "Greatest Hits", a compilation album that became his biggest record in terms of sales.

2001: Won Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race

In 2001, Bob Seger won the Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race aboard his sailboat Lightning.

2001: "Old Time Rock and Roll" named Song of the Century

In 2001, Bob Seger's recording of "Old Time Rock and Roll" was named one of the Songs of the Century.

2002: Won Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race

In 2002, Bob Seger again won the Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race aboard his sailboat Lightning.

March 15, 2004: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On March 15, 2004, Bob Seger was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fellow Detroiter Kid Rock gave the induction speech, and Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm proclaimed the date Bob Seger Day.

2004: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2004, Bob Seger was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2005: Induction into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame

In 2005, Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band were inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame. Seger was also featured singing with 3 Doors Down on the song "Landing in London".

2006: Release of Face the Promise Album

In 2006, Bob Seger released his first new album in eleven years, titled "Face the Promise". The album quickly achieved platinum status, selling over 1.2 million copies, and the supporting tour sold out rapidly.

2006: Induction into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame

In 2006, The Bob Seger System was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame, recognizing their contribution to the Michigan music scene.

May 28, 2011: Bob Seger Day Proclaimed in Michigan

On May 28, 2011, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder proclaimed that date as Bob Seger Day, honoring Seger's musical contributions.

2012: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 2012, Bob Seger was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2015: Billboard's Legend of Live Honoree

In 2015, Bob Seger was named Billboard's 2015 Legend of Live honoree at the 12th annual Billboard Touring Conference & Awards.

November 17, 2017: Bob Seger Day declared in Lincoln Park

On November 17, 2017, Lincoln Park declared "Bob Seger Day." Mayor Thomas Karnes recognized Seger as the voice of the city for their generation, highlighting Seger's connection to the city through his education and performances at the city's bandshell in the 1960s.