Pretty much everyone can relate to the classic ‘dad rock’ that you grew up on – the choices your dad played in the car that bring back unmatched memories every time you hear the beginning notes. In my case, it was (and still is), Bruce Springsteen. My dad grew up in a town right beside the one that Springsteen originated from in New Jersey, and would go to his tiny bar shows in high school along the Jersey Shore for $2. Now, about fifty years later, my dad has seen him seventeen times in concert and listens to him religiously.
Bruce holds insane records and is nicknamed ‘The Boss,’ and it is no surprise as his music, lyrics, and energy are unparalleled to anyone else. He has released twenty-one albums over the past sixty years, has twenty Grammy’s, and is inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He still travels to perform at sold-out shows (at 74 years old!!) but is starting to experience more health issues that get in the way of his performances/.
Below are two of his songs, one from the early years in his career and one from his recent album release so that you can see the difference over the last six decades.
Fun fact: My brother once won $100 from a bet because his friend didn’t believe that Bruce Springsteen was the original artist of Atlantic City; he thought it was The Band, who released a cover of it.
