Bruce Springsteen's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Bruce Springsteen. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
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.
August 1975: Release of Born to Run
In August 1975, Bruce Springsteen released "Born to Run", which became a breakthrough album that led him to worldwide fame.
1975: Breakthrough with Born to Run
In 1975, Bruce Springsteen achieved worldwide popularity with the release of his album Born to Run, marking a change in his musical style.
October 1980: Release of The River
In October 1980, Bruce Springsteen released "The River", which topped the U.S. Billboard chart.
1980: The River Tops Charts
In 1980, Bruce Springsteen released The River, which became his first album to top the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant milestone in his career.
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.
1984: Born in the U.S.A. Album Release
In 1984, Bruce Springsteen released Born in the U.S.A. with the E Street Band, which became his most commercially successful album.
August 10, 1985: Springsteen charts entire back catalogue in UK
On August 10, 1985, all seven of Bruce Springsteen's albums appeared on the UK Albums Chart simultaneously.
1994: Academy Award Win
In 1994, Bruce Springsteen won an Academy Award for his song "Streets of Philadelphia".
1999: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Bruce Springsteen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 by Bono.
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.
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.".
2005: Bono's Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2005, Bruce Springsteen inducted Bono into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
January 11, 2009: Golden Globe Award for "The Wrestler"
On January 11, 2009, Springsteen won the Golden Globe Award for Best Song for "The Wrestler", which he supplied for free after receiving a letter from Mickey Rourke.
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.
2012: Wrecking Ball Album Release
In 2012, Bruce Springsteen released the album Wrecking Ball, which topped album charts worldwide.
2012: Billboard Touring Awards and Grammy Nominations
In 2012, the Wrecking Ball Tour was named Top Draw by the Billboard Touring Awards. Springsteen finished second only to Madonna as the top money maker of 2012. Additionally, "Wrecking Ball" was nominated for three Grammy Awards.
2013: MusiCares Person of the Year
In 2013, Bruce Springsteen was named MusiCares person of the year, honoring his philanthropic efforts.
2014: High Hopes Album Release
In 2014, Bruce Springsteen released the album High Hopes, which topped album charts worldwide.
2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2016, Bruce Springsteen was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
May 2021: Woody Guthrie Prize
In May 2021, Bruce Springsteen became the eighth recipient of the Woody Guthrie Prize, which honors artists who speak out for social justice.
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.
May 23, 2024: Academy Fellowship Induction
On May 23, 2024, Bruce Springsteen became the first international songwriter inducted into The Ivors Academy Fellowship in its 80-year history.
