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 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.
1999: Hall of Fame Inductions
In 1999, Bruce Springsteen was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2001: Springsteen Comments on Bruce Springsteen Special Collection
In 2001, Bruce Springsteen commented on the extensive collection of academic journals and papers about him and his band housed in The Bruce Springsteen Special Collection.
2003: Grammy Awards and Tribute to Joe Strummer
In 2003, "The Rising" won the Grammy for Best Rock Album and was nominated for Album of the Year. Also in 2003, the title track won for Best Rock Song and for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, and was nominated for Song of the Year. At the ceremony, Springsteen performed the Clash's "London Calling" with Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl, Steven Van Zandt, and Tony Kanal in tribute to Joe Strummer.
2003: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums List
In 2003, Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list included several Bruce Springsteen albums: 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: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs List
In 2004, on their 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list, Rolling Stone included Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run", "Thunder Road", and "Born in the U.S.A.".
July 2007: Death of Terry Magovern
In July 2007, Terry Magovern, Springsteen's long-time assistant, died. The hidden track on the Magic album, "Terry's Song," is a tribute to Magovern.
2008: Final Tour for Danny Federici
The Magic Tour was the final tour for longtime E Street member Danny Federici, who died in 2008.
December 6, 2009: Kennedy Center Honors
On December 6, 2009, Springsteen received the Kennedy Center Honors. President Obama gave a speech highlighting Springsteen's incorporation of regular Americans' lives into his songs.
2009: Kennedy Center Honors
In 2009, Bruce Springsteen received the Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing his contributions to American culture.
2010: Rolling Stone Ranking
In 2010, Rolling Stone ranked Bruce Springsteen 23rd on its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".
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.
2012: Reflections on Catholic Upbringing
In 2012, Bruce Springsteen reflected on how his Catholic upbringing influenced his music more than his political ideology.
2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2016, Bruce Springsteen was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
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.
January 2023: Rolling Stone's Greatest Singers List
In January 2023, Rolling Stone named Bruce Springsteen the 77th-greatest singer of all time.
April 2023: "Bruce Springsteen Day" Proclamation
In April 2023, the governor of New Jersey issued a proclamation announcing September 23 as "Bruce Springsteen Day".
2023: National Medal of Arts
In 2023, Bruce Springsteen was awarded the National Medal of Arts, recognizing his impact on the arts.
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.
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.
