Style Advice 24.06.2023

Bruce Springsteen: Music's answer to a pair of American stonewashed jeans

Bruce Springsteen is a legendary American singer, songwriter and guitarist. We go through the music history, the songs and the clothing style of The Boss himself.

photo: alamy Text: camilla åsedal

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Bruce Springsteen has been one of the most influential musicians of the last century and is known for his unique style of rock 'n' roll. Right now current with a European tour with long-lived and fast-paced gigs, despite his 73 years. A style characterised by his raw and passionate voice, energetic performances, and insightful lyrics about the American working class. In terms of clothing, he has worn everything from denim to leather jackets and flannel. But what does Springsteen really have in common with a pair of stonewashed American jeans? Below we go through the music, history, and clothing style.

From The Castiles to Bruce Springsteen Band

Born in 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey, Springsteen began his musical career in the late 1960s. He joined his first band, The Castiles, in 1965, and went on to join several other bands before forming his own group, Bruce Springsteen Band, in 1971. In 1973, Springsteen released his first album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. The album received critical acclaim but did not achieve commercial success. It was his album, Born to Run, released in 1975, that catapulted him to fame. The album featured hit songs such as "Thunder Road" and "Born to Run," and established Springsteen as a major force in the music industry. However, the first big hit song was "Dancing in the Dark" from 1984, from the album Born in the U.S.A. Most of us probably recognize the legendary LP cover with Levi's jeans and the red cap in the pocket.

Tank top, jeans, and a bandana

Bruce Springsteen's clothing style is as iconic as his music. He is known for his denim jackets, leather jackets, tank tops, and not at least his bandana, which he often wears on stage, originating in the 1980s. Springsteen's clothing style reflects his working-class roots and his love for American culture. He often incorporates elements of Americana into his outfits, such as American flags, cowboy hats, and motorcycle boots. To copy the 80's style of Springsteen, wear the frayed flannel shirt with the sleeves cut off for that true authentic Bruce.

So what exactly does Springsteen have to do with these Levi's jeans, other than wearing a pair of Levi Strauss jeans on the Born in the U.S.A. album cover? At the risk of making a clichéd metaphor: Springsteens' songs are as timeless as a pair of durable jeans. We listen to the songs and get tired of them at times; but then they can be brought back to life, year after year, generation after generation. Just like when we take out our parents', old ripped jeans from the wardrobe after five, ten or thirty years, ready to be used again.

Three selected songs and curiosities:

"Tougher than the rest" (Tunnel of Love, 1987)

The song is considered one of Springsteen's most romantic songs and was written while he was married to his first wife. Interestingly, the music video was shot together with his bandmate and future wife, Patti Scialfa. If you can't get enough of the song, there are several female cover versions, including Emmylou Harris.

"I'm on Fire" (Born in the USA, 1984)

The song has a catchy melody influenced by the rhythm of Johnny Cash, who later also recorded his own version of the song in 2000. Many American radio stations stopped playing the song after the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States because the picture of fire was considered too sensitive.

"Hungry heart" (The River, 1980)

"Got a wife and kids in Baltimore, Jack" recognises every Bruce fan. This song was written by Springsteen after singer Joey Ramone asked to have a song written for his band The Ramones. However, Springsteen kept the song himself.