Today is Bruce Springsteen’s 70th Birthday. He is a rock legend, a staple on The Bay, and my absolute favourite artist of all time. I’ve been listening to The Boss for my entire life. My Mom and Auntie Margaret are huge fans which was passed down to me. I’ve been belting out Boss tunes since pretty much I could speak. There are still songs that I sing the wrong words to, because I misunderstood them in my little boy brain. That little boy also went for Halloween as Bruce in Grade 2 (and a cool banger thought I was Willie Nelson! That hurt.)
Bruce has been rocking and rolling for over five-decades and has the accolades to show it. 20 Grammy awards, an Oscar, two Golden Globes, and this year he was nominated for an Emmy for his one-man Broadway show special. He lost out on that one to James Corden, foiling Bruce’s chance at EGOT status!
Bruce songs really tell a story. He just seems to be able to connect to his characters and bring them to life through song. I don’t know if I could make a list of my Top 5 Bruce tunes. There’s just too many to choose from. I can tell you what is number one though, and the song I’ve listened to more than any other in my life. It’s a sentimental favourite. Dancing in the Dark. It was such a huge hit when I was little, my Mom loved it, and the video was so classic! You can’t start a fire without a spark, my friends. Plus, Bruce’s dancing with Courteney Cox inspired The Carlton Dance.
Then there’s the legendary live shows. I’ve seen Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band several times and every time I’ve said “That’s the best concert I’ve ever been to!” Just so much energy, charisma, and amazing music. It’s so fun, and Bruce puts more energy into performing than anybody I’ve ever seen before. And this is well into his and the band’s sixties plus!
If you consider listening to music as spending time with somebody, I’ve spent more time with Bruce Springsteen than almost anybody with the exception of my family and close friends. It’s been time so well spent. Thanks for providing the soundtrack to my life, Boss! Happy 70th Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuce!
Here are a few Bruce vids to celebrate with! Just a rollicking good time of concert clips of Born to Run.
Has the crowd in the palm of his hands for this rendition of Fire. It was a smash for The Pointer Sisters but Bruce actually wrote this song as one he envisioned Elvis singing.
Bruce, the late great Clarence, Little Steven, Nils and Patti with a heartfelt rendition of If I Should Fall Behind.
And finally, a little crowd-surfing action!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM9zAl-2x9w
