By: Steve HurstKyle Fritz

Scott Schofield

Bruce was born into an average middle class family in Long Branch New Jersey.

After spending the first 8 years of his schooling in a private school he transferred into the public school system but still didn’t fit in, skipping his high school graduation ceremony.

Bruce didn’t have a good relationship with his father and this was a large inspiration onto his music.

Got his first guitar at 13 for $18, mother than bought him a Kent guitar for $60 after taking out a loan.

His early career was funded by Tex and Marion Vinyard who helped land his first job as lead guitarist of The Castiles.

Also hit it up with the band Child later renamed Steel Mill and played on the mid-Atlantic college circuit.

It was when Bruce signed a record deal with Columbia Records (the same label that signed Bob Dylan), that he began to get recognized by the people.

Despite good words from the critics, his early record sales were very slow.

Help form the E Street Band with former colleagues and they backed him up for most of his career.

Bruce Springsteen is know for his heartland and Americana music, which such songs as Born in the USA and Streets of Philadelphia.

His first inspiration to play music came from watching Elvis Presley on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Bruce accredits a large amount of his musical influence to books, one that left a rather large mark was Born on the Fourth of July but Ron Kovic.

Other musical influences we’re the Animals and Woody Guthrie.

Twice married once to Julianne Phillips then to Patti Scialfa with whom he has three kids.

Plays several instruments which include piano, guitar, harmonica, and vocals.

Musical Genres Rock American Rock Folk

An academy award for best song Streets of Philadelphia

18 Grammys, some including best rock vocal performance, best song, best rock album and best long form music video.

Ranked #23 best musical artist of all time.

Born to Run is unofficial youth anthem of New Jersey.

Streets of Philadelphia Born to Run Born in the USA Dancing in the Dark Human Touch I’m on Fire Tunnel of Love Radio Nowhere