Bruce Springsteen, often referred to as 'The Boss', was born on 23 September 1949 in Long Branch, New Jersey. Today marks his 77th birthday, and he continues to tour.
Springsteen's early life was shaped by the post-war era in America. His father, Douglas Springsteen, was a Second World War veteran, and his mother, Adele Zerilli, was a legal secretary. He experienced a turbulent schooling, attending St Rose of Lima Catholic School and Freehold High School, where he reportedly resisted authority and dreamed of becoming a musician.
He bought his first guitar in 1964 after seeing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. Throughout his teens, he played in several bands, including the Castiles, Earth, and Steel Mill. In 1972, he assembled musicians to record his debut album, "Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ". His band, later dubbed the E Street Band, included long-term members like saxophonist Clarence Clemons and guitarist Steven Van Zandt.
Springsteen's music often explores themes of hardship and working-class life in America, contributing to his enduring appeal and an estimated 150 million records sold worldwide.