For Bruce Springsteen, music has always been the compass guiding his life. Despite achieving unimaginable wealth, fame, and a title as enduring as “The Boss,” Springsteen remains a music lover at heart, as captivated by the power of song as any fan.
Becoming a professional musician wasn’t a calculated choice for Springsteen. From an early age, his passion for music made the path clear, even if he imagined it leading to small dive bars rather than the arenas he now commands. His journey has since elevated him to one of New Jersey’s most celebrated figures. In 2023, New Jersey cemented his legacy by officially declaring September 23rd as Bruce Springsteen Day.
This honor speaks volumes about Springsteen’s cultural significance, especially in a state where even Frank Sinatra, another New Jersey icon, doesn’t have a day in his name. Yet, if Springsteen held the reins of local governance, giving Sinatra his due recognition would be high on his agenda.
Sinatra’s Lifelong Influence
Sinatra’s voice has been a constant in Springsteen’s life, an enduring connection to his childhood and home. The legendary crooner’s music embodied sophistication and allure, qualities that deeply resonated with a young Springsteen. Over the years, the two bridged their generational divide, forming a meaningful friendship during Sinatra’s later years.
In 1995, Springsteen performed at Sinatra’s 80th birthday tribute, delivering a heartfelt rendition of Angel Eyes. Before the performance, he honored Sinatra with a story that captured his admiration.
“Frank is the patron saint of New Jersey,” Springsteen said. “Since his rise from the streets of Hoboken, Frank has basically owned the place, but he has been gracious enough to loan me a small piece of it by the beach.”
Springsteen recalled his first memory of Sinatra: “My first recollection of Frank’s voice was coming out of a jukebox in a dark bar on a Sunday afternoon when my mother and I went searching for my father. She said, ‘Listen to that, that’s Frank Sinatra, he is from New Jersey.’ It was a voice filled with bad attitude, life, beauty, excitement, and a nasty sense of freedom, sex, and a sad knowledge of the ways of the world.”
The Song That Endures
Sinatra’s work has soundtracked Springsteen’s life, shaping memories both joyful and poignant. When asked by Stephen Colbert in 2021 to pick one song he’d listen to forever, Springsteen didn’t hesitate: Summer Wind.
The track, featured on Sinatra’s Strangers in the Night album, tells the story of a fleeting summer romance. Though originally written in German as Der Sommerwind, Sinatra’s rendition made it timeless. For Springsteen, the song captures an emotional resonance few others can match.
Two Legends, One Spirit
Despite their differences, Springsteen and Sinatra are united by their New Jersey roots and an unrelenting spirit. Their music, though separated by decades, offers a layered cultural history of the state. Sinatra captured the elegance and grit of his era, while Springsteen gave voice to the working-class dreamers of his time. Together, they represent the evolution of New Jersey’s soul, proving that while times may change, the heart of its music remains timeless.
