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, known as "the Boss," is a highly influential American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. With 21 studio albums over six decades, often collaborating with the E Street Band, he's a pioneer of heartland rock. His music blends commercially successful rock with socially conscious lyrics reflecting working-class American life. Springsteen is also celebrated for his dynamic and lengthy live performances.

Sections (5)

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

October 1975: Springsteen on covers of Newsweek and Time

In October 1975, Bruce Springsteen appeared on the covers of both Newsweek and Time magazines in the same week, marking the first time an artist had achieved this feat. This resulted in a media backlash.

1977: Manfred Mann's Earth Band hits No. 1 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".

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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 "Because the Night" with revised lyrics by Smith.

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

In 1979, The Pointer Sisters hit No. 2 with Bruce Springsteen's then-unreleased song, "Fire".

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July 19, 1988: Springsteen concert in East Germany

On July 19, 1988, Bruce Springsteen's concert in East Germany attracted 300,000 spectators, considered to be an important catalyst that contributed to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

2003: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time

In 2003, Rolling Stone included several Bruce Springsteen albums in their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, including Born to Run (18), Born in the U.S.A. (85), The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle (132), Darkness on the Edge of Town (151), Nebraska (224), The River (250), Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. (379), and Tunnel of Love (475).

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2004: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time

In 2004, Rolling Stone listed Bruce Springsteen's songs in their 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list: "Born to Run" (21), "Thunder Road" (86), and "Born in the U.S.A." (275).

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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", describing him as "the embodiment of rock and roll".

2012: Van Zandt Comments on Springsteen's Drug-Free Life

In 2012, Van Zandt noted that Bruce Springsteen has avoided hard drugs his entire life.

2016: Springsteen on Religion in Autobiography

In his 2016 autobiography Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen discussed his personal relationship with Jesus and his connection to Catholicism.

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2019: Article Reveals Springsteen's Health Routine

A 2019 Consequence article celebrating Bruce Springsteen's 70th birthday revealed that he still maintains his mostly vegetarian diet and exercise routine.