In this installment from the 1968 Notebook, we learn that Bruce had his lean, spare storytelling chops long before he revealed them on Nebraska.
Author:
Ken Rosen (2080)
One time only: Bruce joins Steve Earle on his classic “I Ain’t Ever Satisfied” when Earle makes a 1998 visit to Sea Bright, New Jersey.
Turnabout’s fair play: After Bruce paid homage to The Bee Gees on his 2014 tour, Barry Gibb returned the favor by covering Bruce a few months later.
In defense of “Working on a Dream,” the perfect title track for one of Bruce’s best and most underrated albums.
One time only: Bruce joins Roy Orbison on vocals for his 1962 hit, “Dream Baby” at Roy’s 1987 Black and White Night concert. Plus: listen to Bruce adapt the song at home in 1981.
Twenty-plus years after their last collaboration, Bruce joins Gary U.S. Bonds in the studio once more for “Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks.”
One of Bruce’s most devastatingly powerful songs is one of the least-known and -heard from his official catalog. Listen to the dark, multi-layered “Hey Blue Eyes” inside.
EDM artist James Brooks takes “Secret Garden” in a bold new (if retro) direction.
Listen in on a 1988 soundcheck, where Bruce mashes up two Van Morrison classics.
Bruce grappled with his religion through as far back as his teen years, but with a lot less subtlety. Listen to him challenge the church in his 1969 Steel Mill crowd-pleaser.