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 influential American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. A pioneer of heartland rock, he's released 21 studio albums across six decades, frequently collaborating with his backing band, the E Street Band, since 1972. He is a significant figure in American music and culture.
July 20, 1975: Mixing for Born to Run Completed
On July 20, 1975, the mixing for the album "Born to Run" was completed, marking the end of the recording process just before Bruce Springsteen embarked on a concert tour.
August 1975: Release of Born to Run
In August 1975, "Born to Run" was released, becoming a breakthrough album that propelled Bruce Springsteen to worldwide fame and commercial success, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart.
October 1975: Springsteen on Covers of Time and Newsweek
In October 1975, Bruce Springsteen appeared on the covers of both Newsweek and Time magazines in the same week, marking a significant milestone in his career and generating media attention, though he disliked the ensuing backlash.
1975: Springsteen on the Cover of Time Magazine
In 1975, Bruce Springsteen appeared on the cover of Time magazine, after which the government started paying attention to his taxes.
May 1977: Settlement with Appel and Return to Studio
In May 1977, Bruce Springsteen reached a settlement in his legal battle with Appel, allowing him to return to the studio and begin recording sessions for "Darkness on the Edge of Town" with the E Street Band.
June 1978: Release of Darkness on the Edge of Town
In June 1978, "Darkness on the Edge of Town" was released. Although it sold fewer copies than its predecessor, the album spent 167 weeks on the Billboard chart. Springsteen's supporting tour solidified his reputation as a live performer.
September 1979: Springsteen Joins Musicians United for Safe Energy
In September 1979, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band joined the Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) anti-nuclear power collective at Madison Square Garden. They premiered two songs from an upcoming album, marking Springsteen's initial steps into political involvement.
October 1980: Release of The River
In October 1980, Bruce Springsteen released "The River", which became his biggest and fastest-selling album to date, topping the U.S. Billboard chart. "Hungry Heart" became his first top ten single, reaching number five.
September 1982: Release of Nebraska
In September 1982, Bruce Springsteen released the minimalist, folk-inspired solo album "Nebraska". Recorded as demos, the album showcased dark themes and was praised by critics for its artistic statement.
June 1984: Born in the U.S.A. Tour Start
In June 1984, the Born in the U.S.A. Tour began with Springsteen asking Scialfa to join the E Street Band. During the first leg of the tour, they seemed to become a couple.
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 and became one of the best-selling albums of all time. The title track became a subject of political discussion due to its misinterpreted patriotic message.
August 10, 1985: Springsteen's Albums Simultaneously Chart in the UK
From June 15 to August 10, 1985, Bruce Springsteen charted all seven of his albums simultaneously on the UK Albums Chart, becoming the first artist to achieve this feat.
1985: Springsteen's Success with "Dancing in the Dark" and Participation in "We Are the World"
In 1985, Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard chart, with its music video helping launch Courteney Cox's career. Springsteen also participated in the "We Are the World" song and album and his live cover of "Trapped" received airplay.
1986: Release of Live/1975–85
Near the end of 1986, Bruce Springsteen released "Live/1975–85", which became the first box set to debut at No. 1 on the U.S. album charts and one of the most commercially successful live albums of all time.
October 1987: Release of Tunnel of Love
In October 1987, Bruce Springsteen released the more sedate and contemplative album "Tunnel of Love", which reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
February 1988: Tunnel of Love Express Tour Begins
In February 1988, the Tunnel of Love Express Tour began, and Springsteen convinced Scialfa to postpone her own solo record and join the tour. Scialfa moved in with Springsteen shortly after he separated from Phillips.
October 1989: Dissolution of the E Street Band
In October 1989, Bruce Springsteen made the decision to dissolve the E Street Band, marking a significant change in his career.
1994: Academy Award Win for Streets of Philadelphia
In 1994, Bruce Springsteen won an Academy Award for his song "Streets of Philadelphia", which was featured on the soundtrack of the film Philadelphia.
1995: Release of The Ghost of Tom Joad
In 1995, Bruce Springsteen released his second folk album, "The Ghost of Tom Joad", inspired by John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. The album reflected a bleak and unrelenting atmosphere, focusing on characters facing hardships.
1999: Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1999, Bruce Springsteen was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1999: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction and Reunion Tour
In 1999, Bruce Springsteen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Bono, and he reunited with the E Street Band for the extensive Reunion Tour. During this tour, a new controversial song, "American Skin (41 Shots)", was played.
2002: Release of 'The Rising' and Commencement of The Rising Tour
In 2002, Bruce Springsteen released "The Rising", his first studio album with the full band in 18 years, which reflected on the September 11 attacks. The Rising Tour commenced, and Springsteen played 10 nights at Giants Stadium in New Jersey.
2005: Springsteen Inducts Bono into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2005, Bruce Springsteen inducted Bono (lead singer of U2) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, returning the favor from when Bono inducted him in 1999.
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 and began a tour with the Seeger Sessions Band.
April 2008: Springsteen endorses Barack Obama
In April 2008, Bruce Springsteen announced his endorsement of Barack Obama's presidential campaign and appeared at several rallies in support of Obama throughout that year.
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 film of the same name.
February 1, 2009: Halftime Show at Super Bowl XLIII
On February 1, 2009, Bruce Springsteen performed at the halftime show at Super Bowl XLIII with the E Street Band and the Miami Horns.
November 2009: End of the Working on a Dream Tour
The Working on a Dream Tour, in support of the album of the same name, ran until November 2009. The band performed five final shows at Giants Stadium, opening with the song "Wrecking Ball".
2009: Springsteen supports same-sex couples
In 2009, Bruce Springsteen posted a statement on his website in support of same-sex couples.
2009: Received Kennedy Center Honors
In 2009, Bruce Springsteen received the Kennedy Center Honors.
July 31, 2012: Longest Concert Performance
On July 31, 2012, in Helsinki, Finland, Bruce Springsteen performed his longest concert ever, lasting four hours and six minutes with 33 songs.
2012: Springsteen campaigns for Obama's re-election
Despite previously stating he would sit out the election, in 2012 Bruce Springsteen campaigned for Barack Obama's re-election in Ohio, Iowa, Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Wisconsin.
2012: Springsteen Supports Gay Marriage
In 2012, Bruce Springsteen lent his support to Four 2012, an ad campaign for gay marriage.
2012: "We Take Care of Our Own" Used as Theme Song
In 2012, Obama used "We Take Care of Our Own" by Bruce Springsteen as one of his theme songs.
2012: Billboard Touring Awards and Financial Success in 2012
In 2012, the Wrecking Ball Tour was named Top Draw by the Billboard Touring Awards. Springsteen finished second in earnings to Madonna, with $33.44 million.
2013: Named MusiCares Person of the Year
In 2013, Bruce Springsteen was named MusiCares person of the year.
January 2016: Start of The River Tour 2016
In January 2016, Bruce Springsteen began The River Tour 2016, supporting The Ties That Bind: The River Collection box set, including in-sequence performances of The River album.
April 2016: Springsteen cancels show to protest "bathroom law"
In April 2016, Bruce Springsteen cancelled a show in Greensboro, North Carolina, to protest the state's newly passed Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, also referred to as the "bathroom law".
September 7, 2016: Longest Show in the United States
On September 7, 2016, Bruce Springsteen performed his longest show in the United States, lasting four hours and four minutes, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 2016: Release of 'Chapter and Verse' and Autobiography 'Born to Run'
In September 2016, Bruce Springsteen released "Chapter and Verse", a career compilation, and his autobiography, "Born to Run", which topped The New York Times bestsellers list.
2016: Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2016, Bruce Springsteen was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
2017: Springsteen celebrates Women's March
During a 2017 show in Perth, Australia, Bruce Springsteen made a statement celebrating the post-inauguration Women's March against the incoming Trump administration.
2017: Springsteen admits to evading taxes
In a 2017 interview with Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen admitted that he evaded taxes early in his career. He also mentioned that he had only $20,000 by his 30th birthday, despite multiple bestselling records and tours, as most of his income went towards paying back taxes.
October 2019: Springsteen criticizes Donald Trump
In October 2019, Bruce Springsteen criticized Donald Trump, calling him a "conman from Queens" and stating that he "doesn't have a grasp of the deep meaning of what it means to be an American".
June 2020: Springsteen calls Trump a threat to democracy
In June 2020, Bruce Springsteen called Donald Trump a "threat to our democracy".
October 13, 2020: "Streets of Philadelphia" 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: Recipient of the Woody Guthrie Prize
In May 2021, Bruce Springsteen became the eighth recipient of the Woody Guthrie Prize, an award that honors artists who speak out for social justice and embody the spirit of the folk singer.
March 2023: Awarded the 2021 National Medal of Arts
In March 2023, Bruce Springsteen was awarded the 2021 National Medal of Arts from President Joe Biden at the White House. The award was originally scheduled for 2021 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 2023: Springsteen postpones concerts due to peptic ulcer disease
In September 2023, Bruce Springsteen announced the postponement of all his U.S. concerts beginning that month and through December, due to ongoing treatment for peptic ulcer disease.
March 2024: Springsteen Named Academy Fellow by The Ivors Academy
In March 2024, it was announced that Bruce Springsteen would be named an Academy Fellow by The Ivors Academy in May 2024.
May 2024: Springsteen Named Academy Fellow by The Ivors Academy
In March 2024, it was announced that Bruce Springsteen would be named an Academy Fellow by The Ivors Academy in May 2024.
May 23, 2024: Inducted Into the Fellowship by The Ivors Academy
On May 23, 2024, Bruce Springsteen became the first international songwriter that The Ivors Academy has inducted into its Fellowship in its 80-year history.
October 3, 2024: Springsteen endorses Kamala Harris
On October 3, 2024, Bruce Springsteen endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 United States presidential election and spoke at one of her campaign rallies.
October 18, 2025: Received Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Inaugural Legacy Award
On October 18, 2025, Bruce Springsteen received the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures inaugural Legacy Award "for an artist whose body of work has inspired generations of storytellers and deeply influenced our culture."
November 3, 2025: Inducted Into the Library Lions by the New York Public Library
On November 3, 2025, Bruce Springsteen was inducted Into the 2025 class of Library Lions by the New York Public Library.
January 17, 2026: Springsteen dedicates "The Promised Land" to Renée Good
On January 17, 2026, Bruce Springsteen dedicated the song "The Promised Land" to Renée Good, who was killed by an ICE officer in Minnesota, during a performance at the Light of Day Winterfest in New Jersey. He also spoke out against ICE activity in Minneapolis.
March 23, 2026: Springsteen allows 'Born in the U.S.A.' to be used in ACLU Ad
On March 23, 2026, Springsteen allowed his song "Born in the U.S.A." to be used in a one-minute ad in support of the ACLU in the name of birthright citizenship for their Supreme Court case Trump v. Barbara. The ad aired during MLB opening day games, Survivor, and American Idol, among other programming.
2026: Steven Cheung's Response to the Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour
In 2026, following the announcement of his 2026 Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour, which Springsteen stated was a tour in response to President Trump, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung issued a response to the tour through Politico by using Springsteen's own song titles to insult him.
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