xv, 512 pages : 24 cm

This book takes us through Bruce Springsteen's life by tracing the cultural, political, and personal forces that shaped his music. Beyond his constant stylistic adaptations, Springsteen developed over the decades from expressing the voice of a guy from working class New Jersey to writing about the larger issues facing the country, including war, class disparity, and prejudice. The author draws on a range of new and little known sources, including hundreds of unreleased studio recordings and bootlegs of live performances, making this a reference for avid Springsteen fans as well as those interested in learning the stories behind his music. Combining political analysis, music history, and colorful storytelling, this book reveals how a gifted, ambitious community college dropout achieved superstardom and spent decades refining what he wanted his music to say

Includes bibliographical references (pages 448-492) and index

Walk-in music: seven nights to rock -- pt. 1. Cookman Avenue : I'm quick to learn (1964-1968) ; I pushed B-52 and bombed 'em with the blues (1968-1971) ; Dethrone the dictaphone, hit it in its funnybone (1971-1972) ; Endless juke joints and Valentino drag (1972-1975) ; Tonight's gonna be everything that I said (1975-1976) -- pt. 2. The power station : I'll be there on time and I'll pay the cost (1976-1979) ; Ain't nobody like to be alone (1979-1982) ; This gun's for hire (1982-1986) -- pt. 3. Thrill hill : What I need is some proof tonight (1986-1992) ; I'll keep movin' through the dark (1992-1995) ; Look in their eyes, Mom, you'll see me (1995-1997) -- pt. 4. The fairgrounds : Baptized in these waters, and in each other's blood (1997-2005) ; A million different voices speaking in tongues (2005-2008) ; Come tomorrow, none of this will be here (2008-2009) -- House lights up: meet me in a dream of this hard land

Association for Recorded Sound Collections award, 2013

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