How Bruce Springsteen Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Bruce Springsteen—a timeline of influence.

Bruce Springsteen, nicknamed "the Boss", is an American rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He is a pioneer of heartland rock, known for his poetic, socially conscious lyrics reflecting working-class American life. Springsteen has released 21 studio albums over six decades, most with his E Street Band. He's also famous for his high-energy, lengthy concerts.

Sections (5)

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

May 22, 1974: Jon Landau praises Springsteen

On May 22, 1974, music critic Jon Landau declared after seeing Bruce Springsteen perform at the Harvard Square Theater that he had seen "rock and roll future, and its name is Bruce Springsteen" in an issue of Boston's The Real Paper.

1977: Manfred Mann's Earth Band has a No. 1 hit with "Blinded by the Light"

In early 1977, Manfred Mann's Earth Band reached U.S. No. 1 with a rearranged version of Bruce Springsteen's "Blinded by the Light", showcasing Springsteen's songwriting ability to provide hits for other bands.

1978: Patti Smith reaches No. 13 with "Because the Night"

In 1978, Patti Smith reached No. 13 with her version of Bruce Springsteen's unreleased song "Because the Night", for which she revised the lyrics. This solidified Springsteen's reputation as a songwriter whose work could be successful for other artists.

1979: The Pointer Sisters hit No. 2 with "Fire"

In 1979, The Pointer Sisters achieved No. 2 on the charts with Bruce Springsteen's then unreleased song "Fire", demonstrating Springsteen's influence as a songwriter for other artists.

1986: Release of Live/1975-85 box set

Near the end of 1986, Bruce Springsteen released the Live/1975–85 box set. It debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. album charts, becoming the first box set to do so. The album sold 13 million units in the U.S. and during the 1980s, several Springsteen fanzines were launched, including Backstreets magazine.

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. This event marks a significant recognition of Springsteen's career and contributions to rock music.

2005: Returning the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Favor

In 2005, Bruce Springsteen returned the favor by inducting Bono, the lead singer of U2, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

December 6, 2009: Kennedy Center Honors

On December 6, 2009, Bruce Springsteen received the Kennedy Center Honors. President Obama gave a speech recognizing Springsteen's incorporation of regular Americans' lives into his songs.

June 18, 2011: Death of Clarence Clemons

On June 18, 2011, Clarence Clemons, the E Street Band's saxophonist and founding member, died of complications from a stroke. This marked a significant loss for the band and Springsteen's musical legacy.

2016: Springsteen on Religion

In his 2016 autobiography, Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen discussed his personal relationship with Jesus and his perspective on his lapsed Catholicism, noting a continued sense of connection despite not actively practicing the religion.