1999
Bono (U2)
Through vivid storytelling, exuberant performances, and a distinctive blend of rock, folk, and soul, Bruce Springsteen rose from Jersey street poet to socially conscious cultural icon, an artist whose voice spoke to—and for—multiple generations worldwide. Restlessly reinventing himself while remaining authentic to his blue-collar values, he mastered everything from intense, understated ballads to arena-filling anthems, delivering an impressively diverse soundtrack for hungry hearts everywhere.
Induction
Impact
Signature Sound
Bruce Springsteen initially captivated as a Dylanesque troubadour with the spirit of a soul man, releasing lyrically dense ‘70s albums propelled by a streetwise groove. An electrifying performer, he evolved into a socially conscious ‘80s heartland rocker, a charismatic preacher-storyteller and everyman icon. Whether embracing spare folk, funky R&B, or exuberant arena anthems, his deeply empathetic heart shows through.
A late addition to his debut album, this 1st attempt at a hit single features Springsteen on all instruments except drums and saxophone.
From the Museum
Born to Run in Black Leather
Bruce Springsteen wore this Schott Perfecto One Star motorcycle jacket on the iconic cover of his third studio album, the 1975 breakthrough Born to Run.
When writing the album, Springsteen was inspired by ‘50s and ‘60s rock & roll, and what personified rebel style more than this classic black leather biker jacket – the type worn by Marlon Brando in the 1953 film The Wild One.
From the Museum
Born to Run in Black Leather
Bruce Springsteen wore this Schott Perfecto One Star motorcycle jacket on the iconic cover of his third studio album, the 1975 breakthrough Born to Run.
When writing the album, Springsteen was inspired by ‘50s and ‘60s rock & roll, and what personified rebel style more than this classic black leather biker jacket – the type worn by Marlon Brando in the 1953 film The Wild One.
Bruce Springsteen didn’t buy the mythology that screwed so many people. He created an alternate mythology—one where ordinary lives became extraordinary and heroic.
Bono
U2
1999 hall of fame essay
"He did help save rock & roll by becoming one of its most distinctive voices. He did eliminate the distance between the singer and the song, the storyteller and the listener."
– Robert Santelli
Paper Artifacts
more from theRock & Roll hall of famearchives
Influence
Bruce Springsteen
Counting Crows
Melissa Etheridge
Lucinda Williams
The Gaslight Anthem
sealed with a signature
This is the signature that appears on the inductee’s plaque at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to officially commemorate their induction.
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the hall
