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. He's a pioneer of heartland rock, known for his commercially successful rock music combined with poetic, socially conscious lyrics reflecting working-class American life. With 21 studio albums released over six decades, many featuring the E Street Band, Springsteen is lauded for his descriptive lyrics and high-energy concerts, which often extend beyond four hours, cementing his place as a legendary performer.
1964: Inspired by The Beatles
In 1964, after seeing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, Bruce Springsteen bought his first guitar and started playing in a band called the Rogues.
1965: Joins The Castiles
In 1965, Bruce Springsteen became the lead guitarist and one of the lead singers of the Castiles, with the help of Tex and Marion Vinyard.
1969: Formation of Child
From 1969, Bruce Springsteen performed with the band Child, which later changed its name to Steel Mill.
January 1970: Steel Mill Show Review
In January 1970, music critic Philip Elwood reviewed Steel Mill's show at The Matrix, praising their performance and Springsteen's songwriting.
1971: End of Steel Mill Era
By early 1971, Bruce Springsteen was still performing with Steel Mill.
1971: Band Performances
Throughout 1971, Bruce Springsteen performed with several bands, including Dr. Zoom & the Sonic Boom, the Sundance Blues Band, and the Bruce Springsteen Band.
May 1972: Audition for Columbia Records
In May 1972, Bruce Springsteen auditioned for John Hammond, a talent scout at Columbia Records, which was a major step in his career.
October 1972: Formation of New Band
In October 1972, Bruce Springsteen formed a new band for his debut album, which would later become known as the E Street Band.
1972: Signing with Columbia Records
In 1972, Bruce Springsteen was signed to Columbia Records by John Hammond, marking a significant step in his professional music career.
1972: E Street Band Formation
In 1972, the E Street Band began forming and would become Bruce Springsteen's backing band.
January 1973: Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. Release
In January 1973, Bruce Springsteen released his debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., establishing him as a critical favorite.
March 1973: Crawdaddy Profile
In March 1973, Crawdaddy magazine editor Peter Knobler wrote a profile of Bruce Springsteen, comparing him to Bob Dylan.
November 1973: Release of The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle
In November 1973, Bruce Springsteen released his second album, The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle.
1973: Early Album Releases
In 1973, Bruce Springsteen released his first two albums, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. and The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle. Both albums were well-received by critics.
February 1974: The Stone Pony Opens
In February 1974, The Stone Pony, a music venue and bar, opened in Asbury Park, where Bruce Springsteen played regularly.
May 22, 1974: Jon Landau's Review
On May 22, 1974, music critic Jon Landau wrote in Boston's The Real Paper that, "I saw rock and roll future, and its name is Bruce Springsteen,".
September 1974: E Street Band Name
In September 1974, the band formed in 1972 for Bruce Springsteen's debut album officially became known as the E Street Band.
February 1975: Landau Co-Produces Born to Run
In February 1975, Jon Landau became the co-producer of Bruce Springsteen's album, Born to Run.
July 20, 1975: Mixing for Born to Run
On July 20, 1975, the mixing process for the album "Born to Run" was completed, just before Bruce Springsteen began a concert tour.
August 1975: Release of Born to Run
In August 1975, Bruce Springsteen released "Born to Run", which became a breakthrough album that led him to worldwide fame.
October 1975: Newsweek and Time Covers
In October 1975, Bruce Springsteen appeared on the covers of both Newsweek and Time magazine in the same week, resulting in media backlash.
1975: Breakthrough with Born to Run
In 1975, Bruce Springsteen achieved worldwide popularity with the release of his album Born to Run, marking a change in his musical style.
1975: Crawdaddy Profile
In 1975, Crawdaddy magazine editor Peter Knobler wrote a profile of Bruce Springsteen.
June 1976: Private Performance at Crawdaddy Party
In June 1976, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band gave a private performance at Crawdaddy magazine's 10th Anniversary Party, acknowledging their support.
1976: Springsteen 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 Appel and returned to the studio, beginning nine months of recording sessions with the E Street Band that resulted in "Darkness on the Edge of Town".
1977: Manfred Mann's Earth Band releases 'Blinded by the Light'
In 1977, Manfred Mann's Earth Band reached No. 1 in the US with their version of Bruce Springsteen's 'Blinded by the Light'.
June 1978: Release of Darkness on the Edge of Town
In June 1978, Bruce Springsteen released "Darkness on the Edge of Town".
1978: Darkness on the Edge of Town Release
In 1978, Bruce Springsteen released the album Darkness on the Edge of Town, further solidifying his place in the music industry.
1978: Crawdaddy Profile
In 1978, Crawdaddy magazine editor Peter Knobler wrote a profile of Bruce Springsteen.
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."
September 1979: Musicians United for Safe Energy Concert
In September 1979, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band joined the Musicians United for Safe Energy anti-nuclear power collective at Madison Square Garden, premiering songs from his upcoming album.
1979: The Pointer Sisters hit No. 2 with Springsteen's "Fire"
In 1979, The Pointer Sisters hit No. 2 with Bruce Springsteen's unreleased song "Fire".
October 1980: Release of The River
In October 1980, Bruce Springsteen released "The River", which topped the U.S. Billboard chart.
1980: The River Tops Charts
In 1980, Bruce Springsteen released The River, which became his first album to top the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant milestone in his career.
September 1982: Release of Nebraska
In September 1982, Bruce Springsteen released the album "Nebraska".
1982: Release of Nebraska
In 1982, Bruce Springsteen released the solo acoustic album Nebraska, showcasing a different side of his musical talent.
June 1984: Scialfa Joins E Street Band for Tour
Early in 1984, specifically June 1984, Bruce Springsteen asked Patti Scialfa to join the E Street Band for the Born in the U.S.A. Tour.
1984: Release of Born in the U.S.A.
In 1984, Bruce Springsteen released "Born in the U.S.A.", which sold 30 million copies worldwide.
1984: Born in the U.S.A. Album Release
In 1984, Bruce Springsteen released Born in the U.S.A. with the E Street Band, which became his most commercially successful album.
1984: Political attention surrounding Born in the U.S.A.
In 1984, Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." attracted considerable attention during the presidential campaign, including being mentioned by Ronald Reagan.
August 10, 1985: Springsteen charts entire back catalogue in UK
On August 10, 1985, all seven of Bruce Springsteen's albums appeared on the UK Albums Chart simultaneously.
1985: Springsteen plays on 'We Are the World'
In 1985, Bruce Springsteen played on the "We Are the World" song and album.
1986: Release of Live/1975-85
In 1986, Bruce Springsteen released "Live/1975-85", a five-record box set.
October 1987: Release of Tunnel of Love
In October 1987, Bruce Springsteen released "Tunnel of Love".
1987: Tunnel of Love Release
In 1987, Bruce Springsteen released the album Tunnel of Love, for which he mostly hired session musicians.
February 1988: Tunnel of Love Express Tour Begins
In February 1988, the Tunnel of Love Express Tour began, and Bruce Springsteen convinced Patti Scialfa to postpone her own solo record and join the tour.
July 19, 1988: East Germany Concert
On July 19, 1988, Bruce Springsteen performed a concert in East Germany that attracted 300,000 spectators.
October 1989: Dissolution of the E Street Band
In October 1989, Bruce Springsteen dissolved the E Street Band.
1992: Human Touch and Lucky Town Release
In 1992, Bruce Springsteen released the albums Human Touch and Lucky Town, for which he mostly hired session musicians.
1992: Release of Human Touch and Lucky Town
In 1992, Bruce Springsteen released two albums at once: "Human Touch" and "Lucky Town".
1994: Academy Award Win
In 1994, Bruce Springsteen won an Academy Award for his song "Streets of Philadelphia".
1995: Greatest Hits and The Ghost of Tom Joad
In 1995, Bruce Springsteen reassembled the E Street Band for Greatest Hits, and he recorded the acoustic album The Ghost of Tom Joad solo.
1995: Release of The Ghost of Tom Joad
In 1995, Bruce Springsteen released his second folk album, "The Ghost of Tom Joad".
1996: Blood Brothers EP
In 1996, Bruce Springsteen released the EP Blood Brothers solo.
1998: Release of Tracks box set
In 1998, Bruce Springsteen released the four-disc box set of outtakes, "Tracks".
1999: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Bruce Springsteen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 by Bono.
1999: Reunion Tour with the E Street Band
In 1999, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band reunited and began their Reunion Tour.
2002: The Rising Release
In 2002, Bruce Springsteen released The Rising, an album dedicated to the victims of the September 11 attacks.
2002: Release of "The Rising" and Commencement of The Rising Tour
In 2002, Springsteen released "The Rising", his first studio album with the full band in 18 years, which reflected on the September 11 attacks and became a critical and popular success. The Rising Tour also commenced in 2002 with an Asbury Park appearance on The Today Show, barnstorming through the U.S. and Europe, including 10 nights at Giants Stadium.
April 2005: Release of "Devils & Dust" and Start of Solo Tour
In April 2005, Springsteen released his solo record "Devils & Dust", a mostly acoustic album, and started the solo Devils & Dust Tour, playing both small and large venues.
2005: Bono's Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2005, Bruce Springsteen inducted Bono into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2005: Devils & Dust Release
In 2005, Bruce Springsteen released the folk album Devils & Dust.
April 2006: Release of "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions" and Tour
In April 2006, Springsteen released "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions", an American roots music project, and began a tour with the 18-strong ensemble of musicians dubbed the Seeger Sessions Band.
2006: We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions Release
In 2006, Bruce Springsteen released We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions, his first cover album.
October 2007: Release of "Magic"
In October 2007, Springsteen's album "Magic" was released, featuring new songs and a hidden track. It debuted at No. 1 in the U.S., Ireland and the UK.
2007: Magic Album Release
In 2007, Bruce Springsteen released the album Magic with the E Street Band.
2008: Support for Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign
Throughout 2008, Springsteen supported Barack Obama's presidential campaign, giving solo acoustic performances and debuting the song "Working on a Dream" with Scialfa at a November 2 rally. After Obama's victory, "The Rising" was played after his victory speech.
January 2009: Release of "Working on a Dream"
In late January 2009, "Working on a Dream", dedicated to Federici, was released.
February 1, 2009: Super Bowl XLIII Halftime Show Performance
On February 1, 2009, Springsteen performed at the Super Bowl XLIII halftime show with the E Street Band and the Miami Horns. His 12-minute 45-second set included abbreviated renditions of "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out", "Born to Run", "Working on a Dream", and "Glory Days."
November 2009: End of the Working on a Dream Tour
The Working on a Dream Tour ran from April to November 2009. 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: Working on a Dream Album Release
In 2009, Bruce Springsteen released the album Working on a Dream with the E Street Band.
March 2012: Release of "Wrecking Ball"
In March 2012, Springsteen's 17th studio album, "Wrecking Ball", was released. It became Springsteen's tenth No. 1 album in the U.S.
July 31, 2012: Longest Concert Ever
On July 31, 2012, in Helsinki, Finland, Springsteen performed his longest concert ever at four hours and six minutes with 33 songs.
2012: Wrecking Ball Album Release
In 2012, Bruce Springsteen released the album Wrecking Ball, which topped album charts worldwide.
2012: Billboard Touring Awards and Grammy Nominations
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. Additionally, "Wrecking Ball" was nominated for three Grammy Awards.
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 in cinemas worldwide.
2013: MusiCares Person of the Year
In 2013, Bruce Springsteen was named MusiCares person of the year, honoring his philanthropic efforts.
January 2014: Release of "High Hopes"
In January 2014, Springsteen released his eighteenth studio album, "High Hopes", featuring re-recorded versions of previous songs and covers. It became his eleventh No. 1 album in the US.
2014: High Hopes Album Release
In 2014, Bruce Springsteen released the album High Hopes, which topped album charts worldwide.
January 2016: Start of The River Tour 2016
The River Tour 2016 began in January 2016 in support of The Ties That Bind: The River Collection box set. Initial shows included an in-sequence performance of "The River" album.
May 2016: European Leg of The River Tour 2016
In May 2016, The River Tour 2016 expanded to include dates in Europe.
August 2016: North American Leg of The River Tour 2016
In August 2016, another North American leg of The River Tour 2016 started.
September 7, 2016: Longest Show in the United States
On September 7, 2016, Springsteen performed his longest-ever show in the United States, clocking in at four hours and four minutes, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
September 2016: Release of "Chapter and Verse" and Autobiography "Born to Run"
In September 2016, "Chapter and Verse", a compilation album, was released. His 500-page autobiography, "Born to Run", was also published and quickly became a best-seller.
2016: Mention of Autobiography
In 2016, Bruce Springsteen's autobiography was released, which would later be used as material for his performances of Springsteen on Broadway.
June 2017: Announcement of Springsteen on Broadway
In June 2017, Springsteen on Broadway, an eight-week run at the Walter Kerr Theatre, was announced.
2017: Springsteen on Broadway Debut
In 2017, Bruce Springsteen began performing the critically acclaimed show Springsteen on Broadway.
December 15, 2018: Final Performance of Springsteen on Broadway
On December 15, 2018, the last performance of Springsteen on Broadway occurred, after being extended three times.
December 2018: Release of "Springsteen on Broadway" Live Album
In December 2018, the live album "Springsteen on Broadway" was released and reached the top 10 in more than 10 countries.
2018: Springsteen on Broadway Album Release
In 2018, an album version of Bruce Springsteen's Broadway performances was released, after a year of critically acclaimed performances.
June 2019: Release of "Western Stars"
In June 2019, Springsteen's nineteenth studio album, "Western Stars", was released.
July 23, 2019: Western Stars Film Premiere Announcement
On July 23, 2019, it was announced that Bruce Springsteen's film, "Western Stars", which he co-directed with Thom Zimny, would premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2019.
2019: Western Stars Album Release
In 2019, Bruce Springsteen released the solo album Western Stars.
May 29, 2020: Dropkick Murphys Livestream Performance
On May 29, 2020, Bruce Springsteen made a remote appearance during a livestream concert by the Dropkick Murphys at Fenway Park in Boston, where he performed "Rose Tattoo" and "American Land" alongside Ken Casey.
June 2020: "Rosalita" Performance Milestone
As of June 2020, Bruce Springsteen has played the song "Rosalita" live 809 times, making it the ninth-most played song in his concert catalog.
October 2020: Letter to You Album and Documentary Release
In October 2020, Bruce Springsteen released his twentieth studio album, "Letter to You", along with an accompanying black and white documentary of the same name directed by Thom Zimny.
December 12, 2020: Saturday Night Live Performance
On December 12, 2020, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band appeared as musical guests on Saturday Night Live, performing "Ghosts" and "I'll See You in My Dreams", marking their first performance since 2017.
2020: Letter to You Album Release
In 2020, Bruce Springsteen released the album Letter to You with the E Street Band.
February 2021: Renegades: Born in the USA Podcast Announcement
In February 2021, it was announced that Bruce Springsteen would release an eight-part podcast on Spotify titled "Renegades: Born in the USA" featuring conversations with Barack Obama.
June 7, 2021: Springsteen on Broadway Return Announcement
On June 7, 2021, Bruce Springsteen announced the return of his "Springsteen on Broadway" shows for a limited run starting on June 26, 2021, at Jujamcyn's St. James Theatre.
June 10, 2021: Collaboration with The Killers Announced
On June 10, 2021, Bruce Springsteen announced an upcoming collaboration with The Killers, later revealed to be a song titled "Dustland".
June 26, 2021: Springsteen on Broadway Returns
Bruce Springsteen's "Springsteen on Broadway" show returned for a limited run at Jujamcyn's St. James Theatre on June 26, 2021.
September 2021: Collaboration with John Mellencamp
In September 2021, Bruce Springsteen provided co-lead vocals and guitar on John Mellencamp's song "Wasted Days".
December 13, 2021: John Henry's Friends Benefit Concert
On December 13, 2021, Bruce Springsteen gave a surprise four-song performance at the John Henry's Friends benefit concert for children diagnosed with Autism, joined by Steve Earle and the Dukes.
December 16, 2021: Sale of Music Catalog to Sony Music
On December 16, 2021, Bruce Springsteen sold the masters of his entire catalog and music publishing rights to Sony Music for $500 million.
2021: Continued Springsteen on Broadway Performances
In 2021, Bruce Springsteen continued performing the critically acclaimed show Springsteen on Broadway.
May 24, 2022: International Tour Announcement
On May 24, 2022, Bruce Springsteen announced an international tour with the E Street Band for 2023, marking their first tour since 2017.
November 24, 2022: Thanksgiving Performance on The Tonight Show
Bruce Springsteen performed on a special Thanksgiving episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on November 24, 2022, to promote his new album.
2022: Only the Strong Survive Album Release
In 2022, Bruce Springsteen released the solo covers album Only the Strong Survive.
February 1, 2023: Launch of the 2023 Tour
On February 1, 2023, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band launched their first tour in six years, scheduled to conclude in July 2025.
June 15, 2023: David Sancious Announces Return
On June 15, 2023, former E Street Band member David Sancious announced that he is set to appear on a follow-up to "Only the Strong Survive" and expects to tour with Springsteen in 2024.
October 2023: Collaboration with Gaslight Anthem and Bryce Dessner
In October 2023, Bruce Springsteen provided vocals on the song "History Books" by the Gaslight Anthem and collaborated with Bryce Dessner on "Addicted to Romance".
April 2024: Announcement of Nebraska Biographical Film and Release of Compilation Album
In April 2024, 20th Century Studios announced a film, "Deliver Me from Nowhere", based on the making of Nebraska, and Springsteen's "Best Of" album was released on April 19.
July 2024: Forbes Reports Springsteen's Billion-Dollar Net Worth
In July 2024, Forbes reported that Bruce Springsteen had a net worth exceeding $1.1 billion, making him one of the richest celebrities and musicians.
August 23, 2024: Denouncement of Farewell Tour Rumors
During his August 23, 2024, show in Philadelphia, Bruce Springsteen publicly denounced rumors of a farewell tour.
September 2024: Road Diary Documentary Release
In September 2024, Disney+ and Hulu released a documentary about Springsteen's 2023-2024 tour, "Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band".
2024: Continued Musical Success
As of 2024, Bruce Springsteen has sold more than 71 million albums in the U.S. and over 140 million worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
2024: Born in the U.S.A.'s Continued Success
As of 2024, Bruce Springsteen's 1984 album Born in the U.S.A. remains his most commercially successful album and is the 23rd-best selling album of all time.
