Happy birthday to Steven Van Zandt, born on this day in 1950! Plus: one acoustic tour kicks off while another one ends, Clarence plays his last public show with Bruce, and Bruce is honored by President Obama. Big, big day in Springsteen history!
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Greetings From Asbury Park (13)
Today in Springsteen history: two notable births (one human, one vinyl) and one rebirth.
A half-century ago today, Bruce Springsteen sent the world Greetings from Asbury Park, and rock and roll has never been the same.
No one could have known that this was Clarence’s final show. But it almost seems like Bruce did, because it’s hard to imagine a more fitting tribute to their friendship.
“It’s Hard to Be Saint in the City” played an important role in Bruce’s rise to stardom, but the lesser-known acoustic version is the definitive take.
Bearing influences both local and literary, “Spirit in the Night” immediately established itself as one of Bruce’s signature songs.
Often derided if it’s remembered at all, “The Angel” deserves greater appreciation for its craft and early, tentative steps towards Bruce’s signature song.
Ferocious in concert, limp on vinyl, “Lost in the Flood” is nevertheless a lyrically brilliant piece of work.
Lyrically slight and melodically malleable, “Does This Bus Stop at 82nd Street” is an early songwriting exercise that improbably became a fan favorite.