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Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen, singer-songwriter, is interviewed by Kirsty Young for Desert Island Discs.

Kirsty Young's castaway this week is Bruce Springsteen.

His career has brought him 20 Grammys, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award and his albums sell in their millions around the world. He grew up in New Jersey where the Catholic church played a central role in his early life. The family teetered on the brink of poverty, and his first guitar was rented, rather than bought. He spent his apprentice years as a musician and singer with local bands before landing a record deal in 1972. When 'Born to Run' was released in 1975 it turned him into a household name. His first Top Ten single was 'Hungry Heart', ahead of his most successful album 'Born in the USA' which was released in 1984.

In spite of having long transcended the environment he grew up in, Springsteen has remained a chronicler of blue-collar lives. His records are frequently a political commentary on the struggles of ordinary Americans. In the Nineties he settled into family life with his wife Patti Scialfa who sings with his E Street Band.

Producer: Cathy Drysdale.

Available now

49 minutes

Last on

Fri 23 Dec 2016 09:00

Music Played

  • Elvis Presley

    Hound Dog

    • 30 #1 Hits.
    • Sony.
  • The Beatles

    I Want to Hold Your Hand

    • Past Masters.
    • EMI.
  • The Rolling Stones

    It's All Over Now

    • 12 x 5.
    • London.
  • Van Morrison

    Madame George

    • Astral Weeks.
    • Warner Music.
  • Marvin Gaye

    WhatÂ’s Going On

    • WhatÂ’s Going On.
    • Universal-Island.
  • James Brown

    Out of Sight

    • Sex Machine: The Very Best of James Brown.
    • Sony.
  • CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE

    • Bob Dylan

      Like a Rolling Stone

      • Highway 61 Revisited.
      • Sony.
  • Four Tops

    Baby I Need Your Loving

    • Four Tops: Anthology.
    • Motown.
  • BOOK CHOICE

    Woody Guthrie: A Life by Joe Klein

  • LUXURY ITEM

    A guitar

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Kirsty Young
Interviewed Guest Bruce Springsteen
Producer Cathy Drysdale

Broadcasts

  • Sun 18 Dec 2016 11:15
  • Sun 18 Dec 2016 11:45
  • Fri 23 Dec 2016 09:00

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