History of Bruce Springsteen in Timeline
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.
1965: Bob Dylan's 'Desolation Row'
In 1965, Bob Dylan released the song "Desolation Row". Springsteen adapted the melody from Bob Dylan's 1965 song, as Dylan was born in Minnesota and lived in Minneapolis.
1966: Compilation dating back to 1966
In September 2016, "Chapter and Verse", a compilation from throughout Springsteen's career dating back to 1966, was released.
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.
1984: Political Attention and Misinterpretation of Born in the U.S.A.
In 1984, Bruce Springsteen's song "Born in the U.S.A." gained political attention during the presidential campaign. The song was misinterpreted as patriotic. Conservative columnist George Will praised Springsteen's work ethic, and President Ronald Reagan mentioned Springsteen in a campaign rally.
May 13, 1985: Springsteen marries Julianne Phillips
On May 13, 1985, Bruce Springsteen married actress Julianne Phillips at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The couple had an 11-year age difference and different backgrounds, and Springsteen's traveling took its toll on their relationship.
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.
June 1988: Concert at Villa Park Heard 20 Miles Away
In June 1988, Bruce Springsteen played a concert at Villa Park, where unusual atmospheric conditions allowed the music to be heard 20 miles away.
August 30, 1988: Phillips files for divorce
On August 30, 1988, Julianne Phillips filed for divorce from Bruce Springsteen in Los Angeles, citing irreconcilable differences.
March 1, 1989: Springsteen divorce finalized
On March 1, 1989, Bruce Springsteen's divorce from Julianne Phillips was finalized after a settlement was reached in December.
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.
July 25, 1990: Birth of First Child
On July 25, 1990, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa's first child, a son, was born.
June 8, 1991: Springsteen and Scialfa Marry
On June 8, 1991, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa married at their Los Angeles home in a private ceremony with family and close friends.
December 30, 1991: Birth of Second Child
On December 30, 1991, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa's second child, Jessica Rae Springsteen, was born.
January 5, 1994: Birth of Third Child
On January 5, 1994, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa's third child, a son, was born.
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: Original Recording of High Hopes
In 1995, Bruce Springsteen originally recorded the song "High Hopes", which was rerecorded and released as part of the High Hopes album in 2014.
1995: Springsteen reflects on marriage
In 1995, Bruce Springsteen reflected on his marriage to Patti Scialfa, noting its significance and societal implications after his divorce.
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.
1995: Springsteen discusses publicity with The Advocate
In 1995, Bruce Springsteen spoke about the negative publicity surrounding his relationship with Scialfa in an interview with The Advocate. He also reflected on not protecting Juli and feeling badly about how the situation was handled.
1998: Release of 'Tracks' box set
In 1998, Bruce Springsteen released "Tracks", a sprawling, four-disc box set of outtakes.
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: First SNL appearance Since 2002
Bruce Springsteen made his first apperance on Saturday Night Live since 2002 on December 19, 2015.
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.
2003: Start of the Magic Tour
Bruce Springsteen commenced on the Magic Tour in 2003 with the E Street Band.
2003: Grammy Awards for The Rising
In 2003, "The Rising" won the Grammy for Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, it was also nominated for Album of the Year and Song of the Year. At the ceremony, Springsteen performed the Clash's "London Calling" with other artists in tribute to Joe Strummer.
2003: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
In 2003, Rolling Stone ranked several of Bruce Springsteen's albums on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time including Born to Run, Born in the U.S.A., The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle, Darkness on the Edge of Town, Nebraska, The River, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., and Tunnel of Love.
2004: Vote for Change Tour Participation
In 2004, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band participated in the Vote for Change tour, alongside other musicians.
2004: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time
In 2004, Rolling Stone listed several Bruce Springsteen songs on their 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list, including "Born to Run", "Thunder Road", and "Born in the U.S.A."
April 2005: Release of 'Devils & Dust' and Start of Solo Tour
In April 2005, Bruce Springsteen released "Devils & Dust", a mostly acoustic album, and began the solo Devils & Dust Tour.
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.
July 2007: Death of Terry Magovern
In July 2007, Terry Magovern, Bruce Springsteen's long-time assistant, died, which led to the creation of the tribute song "Terry's Song".
October 2007: Release of 'Magic'
In October 2007, Bruce Springsteen released the album "Magic", recorded with the E Street 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.
2008: Death of Danny Federici
In 2008, Danny Federici, a longtime member of the E Street Band, died, marking the end of his final tour.
2008: Support for Barack Obama's presidential campaign
Throughout 2008, Bruce Springsteen supported Barack Obama's presidential campaign with solo acoustic performances. He debuted "Working on a Dream" in a duet with Scialfa at a rally.
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.
January 2009: Release of 'Working on a Dream'
In January 2009, Bruce Springsteen released the album "Working on a Dream", which was dedicated to Danny Federici.
January 18, 2009: Performance at Obama Inaugural Celebration
On January 18, 2009, Bruce Springsteen was the musical opener for the Obama Inaugural Celebration, performing "The Rising" and "This Land Is Your Land" with Pete Seeger.
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".
December 6, 2009: Kennedy Center Honors
On December 6, 2009, Bruce Springsteen received the Kennedy Center Honors, with President Obama giving a speech about Springsteen's incorporation of regular Americans' lives into his songs.
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.
2009: Wrecking ball ties elvis for number of albums in US
In 2012, Wrecking Ball became Bruce 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 (19) and Jay Z (12) as of 2009.
2010: Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time
In 2010, Rolling Stone ranked Bruce Springsteen 23rd on its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time", and described him as "the embodiment of rock and roll".
June 18, 2011: Death of Clarence Clemons
On June 18, 2011, Clarence Clemons, the E Street Band's saxophonist and founding member, passed away due to complications from a stroke.
March 2012: Release of 'Wrecking Ball'
In March 2012, Bruce Springsteen released his 17th studio album, "Wrecking Ball", which became his tenth No. 1 album in the U.S.
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: Campaigning for Obama's Re-Election
In 2012, Bruce Springsteen campaigned for President Barack Obama's re-election, performing at rallies and debuting a new song titled "Forward".
2012: Springsteen Supports Gay Marriage
In 2012, Bruce Springsteen lent his support to Four 2012, an ad campaign for gay marriage.
2012: Evan Springsteen Wins Singer/Songwriter Competition
In 2012, Bruce Springsteen's son, Evan, won the Singer/Songwriter Competition held during Boston College's Arts Festival.
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: Van Zandt comments on Springsteen's avoidance of drugs
In 2012, Van Zandt stated that Bruce Springsteen is the only person he knows who never did drugs.
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.
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 worldwide.
2013: Named MusiCares Person of the Year
In 2013, Bruce Springsteen was named MusiCares person of the year.
January 2014: Release of 'High Hopes'
In January 2014, Bruce Springsteen released his eighteenth studio album, "High Hopes", which became his eleventh No. 1 album in the US.
August 2014: Jessica Springsteen's Show-Jumping Debut with Team USA
In August 2014, Bruce Springsteen's daughter, Jessica Springsteen, made her show-jumping debut with Team USA.
2014: Highest grossing tour
The River Tour 2016 was the top-grossing worldwide tour of 2016; it pulled in $268.3 million globally and was the highest-grossing tour since 2014 for any artist.
August 6, 2015: Performance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
On August 6, 2015, Bruce Springsteen performed on the final episode of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart".
November 2015: "American Skin (41 Shots)" Performance
In November 2015, Bruce Springsteen performed "American Skin (41 Shots)" with John Legend at Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America.
December 19, 2015: Appearance on Saturday Night Live
On December 19, 2015, Bruce Springsteen made his first appearance on "Saturday Night Live" since 2002.
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: Boycott of North Carolina
In April 2016, Bruce Springsteen boycotted North Carolina due to the state's anti-transgender bathroom bill.
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.
November 7, 2016: Support for Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign
On November 7, 2016, Bruce Springsteen supported Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign by performing at a rally in Philadelphia.
2016: Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2016, Bruce Springsteen was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
2016: Springsteen discusses religion in autobiography
In his 2016 autobiography, Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen stated that he has a personal relationship with Jesus and discussed his relationship with Catholicism.
January 12, 2017: Performance at the White House for the Obamas
On January 12, 2017, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa performed a 15-song acoustic set at the White House for Barack and Michelle 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".
2019: Springsteen's health routine revealed
A 2019 Consequence article celebrating Bruce Springsteen's 70th birthday revealed that he still maintains his mostly vegetarian diet and exercise routine, which includes running and lifting weights.
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.
July 17, 2022: Springsteen Becomes a Grandparent
On July 17, 2022, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa became grandparents when their son Sam and his fiancée had a daughter.
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.
2024: Springsteen's Net Worth Estimated
In 2024, Forbes estimated Bruce Springsteen's net worth at US$1.1 billion.
2024: Trump calls for major investigation into Springsteen
In 2024, Trump called for a major investigation into Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, Oprah, and other celebrities for their endorsement of Harris, claiming that Harris illegally paid them to support her 2024 presidential campaign.
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.
Mentioned in this timeline
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is a prominent American politician lawyer...
Barack Obama the th U S President - was the...
Michelle Obama an American attorney and author served as the...
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins is a highly acclaimed English singer-songwriter...
Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney She served...
Trending
47 minutes ago Coachella 2026: Bieber's Nostalgia, Karol G's Achievement, and Radiohead's Immersive Art
47 minutes ago Nocturne Rework Speculation and Locke Champion Leaks Stir League of Legends Community
47 minutes ago US and Israel conflict escalates amid Gaza tensions and Iran ceasefire efforts.
2 hours ago Will Ferrell, Olivia Rodrigo, and Matt Damon to Close Out SNL Season 51
2 hours ago Barbie Ferreira trending amidst 'Faces of Death' release and new movie highlights.
2 hours ago Swae Lee to Headline SUNY Cortland's Spring Fling Concert This Year
Popular
Paula White-Cain is a prominent American televangelist and key figure...
William Franklin Graham III commonly known as Franklin Graham is...
Melania Trump is a Slovenian-American former model who served as...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...
Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician currently serving as...
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is a prominent American politician lawyer...