Still missing in action after all these years, “Down by the River” is a straight up rocker featuring the E Street Band in all its glory that would have been right at home on The River.
Author: Ken
One time only: Bruce Springsteen joins The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Little Richard, and a host of Hall of Fame all-stars for a cover of The Stones’ iconic “Start Me Up.”
An almost-forgotten rockabilly outcast from the Born in the U.S.A. sessions, “TV Movie” is a sly send-up of the cost of popular fame and a star turn for Professor Roy Bittan.
Take a listen to this lovely, flute-forward version of “My Hometown” by an Irish wedding band raising funds for a suicide prevention center in their own hometown.
In the spring of 1993, Bruce leaned further into his new band’s strengths with their gorgeous cover of a country-gospel classic.
One time only: Bruce soundchecks “Dimples” in 1988 before settling on “Boom Boom” as his steamy early-set John Lee Hooker cover.
A bonus track that could have been a title track, “Swallowed Up” is the thematic centerpiece of one of Bruce’s strongest albums.
Now here’s a recipe: Start with inspiration from Leiber and Staller, add lyrics by Bruce, music by Steve, and lead vocals by Southside Johnny. Ice with backing vocals by The Drifters, and you’ve got pure pop confection.
Bruce’s one-time-only performance of “Blue Bayou” with Roy Orbison and friends went missing in action for years after being edited out of Roy’s Black and White Night TV special, but you can watch that beautiful performance here.
Jerry Lee Lewis’ 1958 single might have been overshadowed by personal drama and the camp classic the song introduced, but Bruce drew inspiration from it for an unusual Halloween show opener.