Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bruce Springsteen
How Bruce Springsteen built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Bruce Springsteen, nicknamed "the Boss", is an iconic American rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist. As a pioneer of heartland rock, his music blends commercially successful rock with poetic and socially conscious lyrics, reflecting working-class American life. He is renowned for his energetic and lengthy live performances, often with the E Street Band, his backing band since 1972. He has released 21 studio albums over six decades.
1974: Jon Landau "saw rock and roll future, and its name is Bruce Springsteen."
In 1974, music critic Jon Landau, after witnessing Bruce Springsteen's performance at the Harvard Square Theater, famously declared that he had "seen rock and roll future, and its name is Bruce Springsteen".
February 1975: Landau becomes co-producer of "Born to Run"
In February 1975, Jon Landau, having become close friends with Bruce Springsteen, became the co-producer of Springsteen's album "Born to Run".
July 20, 1975: Mixing for Born to Run completed
On July 20, 1975, the mixing for "Born to Run" was completed, just before the commencement of a concert tour.
August 1975: "Born to Run" Released
In August 1975, Bruce Springsteen released "Born to Run", which became a breakthrough album, propelling him to worldwide fame. The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart and was eventually certified seven times platinum in the US.
October 1975: Springsteen on covers of Newsweek and Time
In October 1975, Bruce Springsteen was featured on the covers of both Newsweek and Time magazines in the same week, becoming the first artist to achieve this feat. This media attention led to a backlash and scrutiny about his authenticity.
1975: Appearance on Time Cover
In 1975, Bruce Springsteen appeared on the cover of Time magazine, which led to increased scrutiny of his finances by the government.
1976: Compositions for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes
Between 1976 and 1978, Bruce Springsteen provided four compositions to Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, including "The Fever" and "Hearts of Stone", and collaborated on four more with Steven Van Zandt.
May 1977: Settlement with Appel
In May 1977, Bruce Springsteen reached a settlement with Mike Appel, his former manager, and returned to the studio after being kept out for nearly a year due to legal disputes.
1977: Manfred Mann's Earth Band success with "Blinded by the Light"
In early 1977, Manfred Mann's Earth Band achieved a U.S. No. 1 pop hit with a heavily rearranged version of Bruce Springsteen's "Blinded by the Light".
June 1978: Darkness on the Edge of Town Released
In June 1978, Bruce Springsteen released "Darkness on the Edge of Town". The album sold fewer copies than its predecessor but remained on the Billboard chart for 167 weeks, selling three million copies in the U.S. The Darkness Tour in support of the album solidified Springsteen and the E Street Band as a top live act.
1978: Patti Smith releases "Because the Night"
In 1978, Patti Smith reached No. 13 with her version of Bruce Springsteen's unreleased song "Because the Night", with revised lyrics by Smith.
September 1979: Musicians United for Safe Energy concert
In September 1979, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band participated in the Musicians United for Safe Energy anti-nuclear power collective at Madison Square Garden. They played an abbreviated set and premiered songs from Springsteen's upcoming album. This event represented Springsteen's first official recordings and footage of his live act and his initial foray into political involvement.
1979: The Pointer Sisters release "Fire"
In 1979, The Pointer Sisters reached No. 2 with Bruce Springsteen's then unreleased song "Fire".
October 1980: "The River" Release
In October 1980, Bruce Springsteen released "The River", a 20-track double album, which became his biggest and fastest-selling album. It topped the U.S. Billboard chart and included the single "Hungry Heart", which became his first top ten single.
September 1982: "Nebraska" Album Release
In September 1982, Bruce Springsteen released "Nebraska", a minimalist, folk-inspired solo effort. The album, recorded as demo recordings at his home, featured dark and bleak tales of blue-collar workers, criminals, and cops. Despite selling less than his previous albums, it reached No. 3 on the Billboard chart and was praised by critics.
June 1984: Born in the U.S.A. Tour Start and Relationship Developments
In June 1984, Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A. Tour began and he asked Patti Scialfa to join the E Street Band. It seemed they were developing a relationship during the first leg of the tour.
1984: "Born in the U.S.A." Release and Impact
In 1984, Bruce Springsteen released "Born in the U.S.A.", which became a massive commercial success, selling 30 million copies worldwide. The title track, a bitter commentary on the treatment of Vietnam veterans, was widely misinterpreted as patriotic but made a significant political impact.
1984: Political attention and "Born in the U.S.A."
In 1984, Bruce Springsteen's work, especially the song "Born in the U.S.A.", garnered political attention. Conservative columnist George Will praised Springsteen's work ethic, and President Ronald Reagan mentioned Springsteen in a campaign rally. Springsteen responded at a concert by alluding to Reagan's potential misunderstanding of his music and playing "Johnny 99".
August 10, 1985: Springsteen's back catalog charted in the UK
On August 10, 1985, Bruce Springsteen had all seven of his albums appear on the UK Albums Chart simultaneously, marking the first time an artist had achieved this feat.
1985: Success of "Dancing in the Dark" and collaboration on "We Are the World"
In 1985, Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard singles chart and its music video helped launch Courteney Cox's career. Springsteen also played on the "We Are the World" song and album, and his live cover of "Trapped" received airplay and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart.
1986: "Live/1975–85" Released
Near the end of 1986, Bruce Springsteen released "Live/1975–85", a five-record box set which debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. album charts. It became one of the most commercially successful live albums of all time.
October 1987: "Tunnel of Love" Release
In October 1987, Bruce Springsteen released "Tunnel of Love", a more sedate and contemplative album reflecting on love. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 despite selling less than "Born in the U.S.A.".
February 1988: Tunnel of Love Express Tour Begins
In February 1988, the Tunnel of Love Express Tour began. During this time, Springsteen convinced Scialfa to postpone her solo record and join the tour.
July 19, 1988: Concert in East Germany
On July 19, 1988, Bruce Springsteen performed a concert in East Germany that attracted 300,000 spectators. The concert, intended to placate East German youth, is considered by some to have catalyzed opposition to the regime and contributed to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
1988: Headlining Human Rights Now! tour
In 1988, Bruce Springsteen headlined the worldwide Human Rights Now! tour for Amnesty International, supporting human rights causes.
October 1989: Dissolution of the E Street Band
In October 1989, Bruce Springsteen dissolved the E Street Band, marking a significant change in his career.
1992: Release of Human Touch and Lucky Town
In 1992, Bruce Springsteen released two albums at once: "Human Touch" and "Lucky Town", after moving to Los Angeles and working with session musicians, risking fan accusations of "going Hollywood".
1994: Academy Award win for "Streets of Philadelphia"
In 1994, Bruce Springsteen won an Academy Award for his song "Streets of Philadelphia", which appeared on the soundtrack to the film "Philadelphia".
1995: Release of The Ghost of Tom Joad Album
In 1995, Bruce Springsteen released his second folk album, The Ghost of Tom Joad. The album was inspired by John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and Journey to Nowhere: The Saga of the New Underclass by Dale Maharidge and Michael Williamson.
1995: Previous Recording of "High Hopes"
Prior to the 2014 release of the High Hopes album, Bruce Springsteen had previously recorded the song "High Hopes" in 1995.
1998: Release of Tracks box set
In 1998, Bruce Springsteen released the sprawling, four-disc box set of outtakes, Tracks.
1999: E Street Band Reunion and Reunion Tour
In 1999, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band reunited and began their extensive Reunion Tour. A new song played at these shows, "American Skin (41 Shots)", proved controversial.
1999: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1999, Bruce Springsteen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Bono, the lead singer of U2.
2000: Movie Theater Count
The documentary Springsteen & I was released in over 2000 movie theaters worldwide
2002: Previous Saturday Night Live Appearance
In 2002, Bruce Springsteen made an appearance on Saturday Night Live before his December 19, 2015 appearance.
2002: Release of The Rising Album and Tour
In 2002, Bruce Springsteen released his first studio effort with the full E Street Band in 18 years, The Rising. The album, mostly about the September 11 attacks, was a critical and popular success, and the title track gained airplay. The Rising Tour commenced, with Springsteen playing 10 nights at Giants Stadium in New Jersey.
April 2005: Release of Devils & Dust Album and Tour
In April 2005, Bruce Springsteen released the solo record Devils & Dust and began the Devils & Dust Tour. The title track concerns an ordinary soldier's feelings and fears during the Iraq War.
2005: Returning the Favor to Bono
In 2005, Bruce Springsteen returned the favor of inducting someone into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to Bono.
April 2006: Release of We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions and Tour
In April 2006, Bruce Springsteen released We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions, an American roots music project. A tour began the same month with the Seeger Sessions Band.
October 2007: Release of Magic Album
In October 2007, Bruce Springsteen's album, Magic, was released. Recorded with the E Street Band, it had 10 new songs plus "Long Walk Home" and a hidden track, "Terry's Song", a tribute to Springsteen's assistant Terry Magovern.
April 2008: Endorsement of Barack Obama
In April 2008, Bruce Springsteen announced his endorsement of Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign and appeared at several rallies in support of Obama that year.
2008: Support for Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign
Throughout 2008, Bruce Springsteen supported Barack Obama's presidential campaign. He gave solo acoustic performances and debuted the song "Working on a Dream" in a duet with Scialfa.
January 11, 2009: Golden Globe Award for "The Wrestler"
On January 11, 2009, Bruce Springsteen won the Golden Globe Award for Best Song for "The Wrestler", from the Darren Aronofsky film by the same name. He supplied the song for the film for free.
January 2009: Release of Working on a Dream album
In late January 2009, Bruce Springsteen released "Working on a Dream", which was dedicated to Federici.
February 1, 2009: Super Bowl XLIII Halftime Performance
On February 1, 2009, Bruce Springsteen performed at the halftime show at Super Bowl XLIII. His set included abbreviated renditions of "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out", "Born to Run", "Working on a Dream", and "Glory Days".
November 2009: End of Working on a Dream Tour
In November 2009, Bruce Springsteen's Working on a Dream Tour concluded. The band performed five final shows at Giants Stadium, opening with a new song highlighting the historic stadium, and Springsteen's Jersey roots, named "Wrecking Ball".
2009: Reference to Album Ranking
As of 2009, Bruce Springsteen's album, Wrecking Ball became Springsteen's tenth No. 1 album in the U.S., tying him with Elvis Presley for third most No. 1 albums of all time, behind the Beatles and Jay Z.
2009: Support for LGBTQ Rights
In 2009, Bruce Springsteen posted a statement on his website expressing his support for LGBTQ rights and gay marriage.
March 2012: Release of Wrecking Ball album
In March 2012, Bruce Springsteen's 17th studio album, Wrecking Ball, was released. It became Springsteen's tenth No. 1 album in the U.S., tying him with Elvis Presley for third most No. 1 albums of all time.
July 31, 2012: Longest Concert Performance
On July 31, 2012, in Helsinki, Finland, Bruce Springsteen performed his longest concert at four hours and six minutes, featuring a total of 33 songs.
2012: Springsteen Campaigns for Obama's Re-election
Despite initially saying he would sit out the 2012 presidential election, Bruce Springsteen campaigned for Barack Obama's re-election in several states.
2012: "We Take Care of Our Own" Used as Theme Song
In 2012, Barack Obama used "We Take Care of Our Own" as one of his theme songs. Springsteen's song was also used by Joe Biden later.
2012: Campaigning for Barack Obama's Re-election
In 2012, Bruce Springsteen campaigned for President Barack Obama's re-election, appearing and performing at rallies in various states. At these rallies, he performed a short acoustic set that included a newly written song titled "Forward".
2012: Support for Gay Marriage Ad Campaign
In 2012, Bruce Springsteen lent his support to the Four 2012 ad campaign for gay marriage.
2012: Recognition for Wrecking Ball Tour and Album
In 2012, the Wrecking Ball Tour was named Top Draw by the Billboard Touring Awards. Springsteen finished second only to Madonna as the top money maker of 2012. The Wrecking Ball album was nominated for three Grammy Awards, and Rolling Stone named it the number one album of 2012.
July 2013: Release of Springsteen & I Documentary
In late July 2013, the documentary Springsteen & I, directed by Baillie Walsh and produced by Ridley Scott, was released simultaneously via a worldwide cinema broadcast.
January 2014: Release of High Hopes Album
In January 2014, Bruce Springsteen released his eighteenth studio album, High Hopes. It was the first album by Springsteen in which all songs are either cover songs, newly recorded outtakes from previous records, or newly recorded versions of songs previously released.
December 19, 2015: Appearance on Saturday Night Live
On December 19, 2015, Bruce Springsteen made his first appearance on Saturday Night Live since 2002, performing "Meet Me in the City", "The Ties That Bind", and "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town".
January 2016: The River Tour 2016 Start
In January 2016, Bruce Springsteen began The River Tour 2016 in support of The Ties That Bind: The River Collection box set. All first-leg shows included an in-sequence performance of the entire The River album.
April 2016: Cancellation of Show to Protest Bathroom Law
In April 2016, Bruce Springsteen cancelled a show in Greensboro, North Carolina, to protest the state's Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, also referred to as the "bathroom law", which discriminated against transgender people.
2017: Statement on Women's March
During a 2017 show in Perth, Australia, Bruce Springsteen celebrated the post-inauguration Women's March against the incoming Trump administration, expressing support for tolerance, inclusion, and various rights.
October 13, 2020: Song Featured in Anti-Trump Video
On October 13, 2020, Bruce Springsteen's song "Streets of Philadelphia" was featured in a video critical of Donald Trump, released by author Don Winslow.
May 2021: Woody Guthrie Prize
In May 2021, Bruce Springsteen became the eighth recipient of the Woody Guthrie Prize, which honors an artist who speaks out for social justice.
September 2023: Concert Postponement Due to Illness
In September 2023, Bruce Springsteen announced the postponement of all his concerts in the US from that month through December due to his ongoing treatment for peptic ulcer disease.
October 3, 2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris
On October 3, 2024, Bruce Springsteen endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 United States presidential election.
Mentioned in this timeline
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins known professionally as Adele is a...
Michelle Obama is an American attorney author and former First...
John Legend born John Roger Stephens is an accomplished American...
California is a U S state on the Pacific Coast...
Bob Dylan is a highly influential American singer-songwriter renowned as...
Trending
Hamas short for the Islamic Resistance Movement is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamist organization that blends political and military action Its military...
20 days ago Guardians' Clase Trade Buzz: Phillies, Braves Interested; Kwan Impact Assessed.
Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a specific party group or socioeconomic class This practice involves...
4 months ago Amanda Knox discusses redemption, prison experiences, and the Kercher case in recent interviews.
Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia predominantly in the Himalayas bordering China to the north and India to...
1 month ago Madison Keys vs Elena Gabriela Ruse: Wimbledon 2025 Predictions and Match Details
Popular
John Michael Ozzy Osbourne is a prominent English singer songwriter...
Jupiter is the fifth and largest planet from the Sun...
Candace Owens is an American political commentator and author known...
Jeff Bezos is an American businessman renowned as the founder...
Hulk Hogan born Terry Gene Bollea is a retired American...
Charlie Kirk is a prominent American conservative activist author and...