Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run Marks 50th Anniversary

Bruce Springsteen's 1975 album "Born to Run" marked a pivotal moment in his career, transforming him from a struggling artist into a mainstream rock icon. After the commercial failure of his first two albums, Springsteen faced pressure from Columbia Records, which threatened to drop him unless he produced a hit, leading to the nearly six-month effort to perfect the album's title track. "Born to Run" eventually peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200, achieving seven-times Platinum certification and earning a place in the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry, solidifying its status as one of rock's greatest albums. The album's ambitious production aimed to recreate Phil Spector's Wall of Sound, reflecting Springsteen's desire to make a monumental rock record that demanded attention to both music and life. To celebrate the album's 50th anniversary, a previously unreleased outtake, "Lonely Night in the Park," was officially issued, and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. introduced a House Resolution honoring Springsteen's enduring cultural and musical legacy. Springsteen's storytelling in his music continues to resonate, offering vivid portraits of American life and the working-class struggle, which contributes to his lasting influence and broad appeal.