New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared Bruce Springsteen‘s birthday, September 23rd, Bruce Springsteen Day in “The Garden State.”
He made the announcement Saturday at the inaugural American Music Honors, which were held at the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University.
“Bruce Springsteen is one of the most recognizable, iconic and influential musicians – and New Jerseyans – of all time,” said Murphy. “It is important that we recognize Bruce for all he has done and will continue to do, from giving us the gift of his music to lending his time to the causes close to his heart, including making the Archives and Center for American Music a repository that will inspire tomorrow’s songwriters and singers. We thank him for showing the world what it means to live our New Jersey values. I am both honored and proud to declare his birthday Bruce Springsteen Day in New Jersey.”
He added, “Truth be told, I know my place in the hierarchy of New Jersey. After all, I may be the 56th individual to be called ‘governor,’ but there will ever only be just one ‘Boss. So, to you, Bruce, thank you for all you have done, and will continue to do – from giving us the gift of your music to lending your time to the causes close to your heard, including making the Archives and Center for American Music a repository that will inspire tomorrow’s songwriters and singers. Thank you for showing the world what it makes to live our New Jersey values.”
Springsteen and his wife, Patti Scialfa, were scheduled to attend, but were sidelined by COVID — presumably Patti, who was absent from her husband’s show on Friday in Newark, New Jersey, the final date on the first leg of his tour. Springsteen, who previously contracted the virus during the tour, acknowledged the honor via video.
Up next is the European leg, starting April 28th in Barcelona, Spain.
Bruce was born on September 23rd in 1949.
REUTERS PHOTO
