6 Things You Never Knew About Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen, the iconic singer-songwriter known as “The Boss,” turns 75 today (he was born Sept. 23, 1949)! While he may be in his mid 70s now, Springsteen isn’t slowing down a bit as he continues to share energetic performances during tours with his E Street Band. Even if you’re a huge fan of his decades-long career, you may not know some of these surprising facts about the “Born to Run” singer.
1The first songs Springsteen ever learned to play on the guitar
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for SUFH
Everyone has to start somewhere. A few years ago, Springsteen confirmed that the first song he ever learned to play was the folk song “Greensleeves.” He said, “It was a folk song, and the first thing I had was a big book of American folk music. And so I learned that first because it only had two chords, and eventually I made my way to the third chord, which allowed you to play ‘Twist and Shout’ [by The Beatles].”
2His childhood home was close to a chocolate factory
RADiUS-TWC/Everett Collection
Most fans know that Springsteen grew up in New Jersey, and the state is very close to his heart. When he was a young child, his family moved into a duplex near a Nestlé factory. When it rained, his house smelled like chocolate and coffee.
3There is a planet named after Springsteen
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Can you imagine being so famous that there is a planet named after you? This is the case for Springsteen. Planet 23990 was discovered by New Zealand astronomer I.P. Griffin in 1999 and was officially named Springsteen in 2001 because on the night it was discovered, the observers were listening to his music.
4One of his famous songs almost went to another artist
Springsteen originally wrote the song “Hungry Heart” for the Ramones after seeing them play in New Jersey. However, his manager insisted that he keep the song for himself and the rest is history.
5Springsteen almost broke into Graceland
GAB Archive/Redferns
In 1976, just about a year before Elvis Presley died, a reportedly drunk Springsteen tried to meet him. He showed up at Graceland in the middle of the night, jumped the wall and ran to the door, trying to get in. Security sent him away as Presley wasn’t even home at the time.
6There’s a Bruce Springsteen-inspired Muppet
If you’ve ever watched Sesame Street, you may have noticed Muppets named Bruce Stringbean and the S Street Band, who play tunes such as “Born to Add” and “Barn in the USA.” Springsteen even made an appearance with his Muppet in a memorable episode.
Now tell us, what is your favorite Bruce Springsteen song?
Remind 
Birth of Rock 'n' Roll
February 2024
"Long live rock," we like to say, but how did it come to life? Revisit the memorable moments, music and movies that made teens go beat crazy back in the 1950s.
Buy This Issue