Bruce Springsteen turns 70 today (Monday). Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, he is of Dutch and Irish descent through his father and Italian on his mother’s side. He spent his childhood in Freehold, New Jersey, and it was there that he realized he wanted to be a musician.
Bruce Springsteen on his goal when starting out as a musician.
“My goal was to be a rhythm guitarist in a local band, just enough to stand on the side, play, watch the girls and enjoy the evening, you know. So while you dream about more than than, I wouldn’t allow myself to imagine it, you know, because it seemed so outlandish.”
After bouncing around in a bunch of local bands, Bruce developed his talent for songwriting and went off on his own. Bruce Springsteen on what makes a good song.
“I just personally enjoy music that has all those different dimensions — that is both danceable and has an element of politics. I simply enjoy all those because that’s just what life feels like to me. So in my music, I always sought that balance. I like to find a really good story with compelling characters and then I like to let it play out spiritually, emotionally, politically. A good song sought of plays out in all those different directions.”
Considered a great songwriter, Bruce will go down as one of the greatest performers of his generation, routinely playing three-plus hour shows.
Bruce Springsteen on performing and the power of music.
“People gather around music. You know, communities form and for an evening, for an hour — whether it’s eight people in a living room or 10,000 people in an arena — and they have some experience. Hopefully the idea is that they bring it out into their everyday lives and real world and it has some sort of impact. You know, music has always helped people through tough times. That’s been one of its primary functions. So, yeah, it’s been a very fascinating journey. Quite an adventure.”
Bruce has been married to singer Patti Scialfa since 1991. They have three children together. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall and Songwriters Halls of Fame, a successful Broadway star and winner of numerous awards, Bruce will release a concert film, Western Stars, next month, with a new album to follow.
Photo Credit: Photorazzi
