The Significance of Bruce Springsteen Day - A Look at New Jersey's Musical H!T

Bruce Springsteen is one of the most iconic and influential musicians - and New Jerseyans - of all time, which is why Governor Phil Murphy declared September 23rd "Bruce Springsteen Day."

On Saturday night at Monmouth University's Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music in West Long Branch, an announcement of this kind was made at an American Music Honors event; unfortunately though Springsteen and Patti Scialfa were unable to attend due to COVID-19, reports Asbury Park Press.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Have you seen Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band perform live? If so, then you know exactly what it means to witness an icon at work. Their shows are long-running affairs, packed with power.

On Friday night at Newark's Prudential Center, The Boss and his band delivered an unforgettable show for New Jersey audiences after nearly seven years away from playing here. Their tour debut of "Local Hero" and "Jersey Girl" proved fitting to close out an incredible evening.

Since Bruce Springsteen first formed The E Street Band in October 1972, its collective musical intuition has helped make Springsteen one of rock music's premier performers.

Though Springsteen does not give them full credit on his albums, his E Street Band remains responsible for playing many memorable songs from albums like Born to Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town, The River and Born in the U.S.A - contributions which earned them respect among other musicians.

Springsteen stands as an artist of immeasurable influence as a singer-songwriter-guitarist. His songs possess the lyricism and melody of Bob Dylan while being performed with Roy Orbison-like passion by singer/guitarist extraordinaire Bruce Springsteen while Phil Spector once played their guitars - not to mention an irresistibly magnetic stage presence!

Springsteen was both an accomplished poet and performer. His music had the ability to enthrall audiences at large stadium shows. Decades after touring began, his legacy lives on thanks to E Street Band who continue his legacy and carry it forward through touring performances that still amaze audiences today.

Over the years, Springsteen's band members have changed, yet mostly remain together. Of particular note is its original core lineup comprising guitarist Steven Van Zandt, bassist Garry Tallent and drummer Max Weinberg who regularly come back together onstage to play live concerts.

In addition to playing with Springsteen, the E Street Band has collaborated on multiple other projects. These collaborations include Ronnie Spector (of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes fame) and Gary U.S. Bonds; with Ronnie they recorded Say Goodbye to Hollywood featuring Van Zandt original material as well as Little Steven which features Southside Johnny.

Jon Bon Jovi

Jon Bon Jovi is an iconic rock figure who has achieved great success over many decades. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his band has sold more than 120 million records worldwide and produced seven number one hits and numerous Top Ten hits during that period.

Springsteen and Bon Jovi have long been close, often performing together onstage. Springsteen performed at President Joe Biden's inaugural concert in January 2021 while both joined Paul McCartney onstage at Met Life Stadium last summer to perform songs with him.

On Wednesday afternoon, rock icons Bob Dylan and Prince visited Jersey Freeze in Freehold, New Jersey for some delicious ice cream and pictures. The shop owners shared an image on Instagram which excited fans who took notice at seeing such iconic musicians together.

Born on March 2, 1962 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Jon Bon Jovi was inspired by local rock stars such as Bruce Springsteen and the Asbury Jukes to pursue music himself and started performing in local clubs as soon as he turned 14. He dreamed of one day becoming one of them himself!

At age 13, he began learning the guitar, quickly progressing into writing songs by himself. Soon thereafter, he would join up with David Bryan and form Bon Jovi as an act.

Bon Jovi began touring in the early 90s and experimented with a more mature sound. They cut their hair short and adopted a more somber appearance; quickly becoming known for their strong songcraft.

"You Give Love a Bad Name," which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, proved pivotal to their career progression from regional band to major global force.

After their debut album was released in 2010, they continued releasing more power ballads such as "I'll Be There for You," but never seemed to lose their edge; still known for making music that felt authentic without overdoing things or becoming overly sentimental.

Broadway's Next H!T Musical

As described by "Whose Line is It Anyway meets Tony Awards", Broadway's Next H!T Musical creates spontaneous scenes and songs filled with dancing, catchy melodies, and tons of laughter. Audience members vote on their favorite song while watching as cast turns it into an improvised musical complete with unforgettable characters, clever dialogue, and plot twists galore!

This award-winning musical comedy hailing from New York City and now touring nationwide is led by veteran improv artists Rob Schiffmann and Deb Rabbai and provides an evening of spontaneous musical comedy that leaves audiences laughing! This world-class cast of top improvisers creates an evening full of music and laughs on the spot - guaranteed!

Phony Awards is known for their signature Phony Awards - think the Tonys (r) meets Whose Line Is It Anyway - and was recently honored by both TheaterWeek and The New York Post for being named as best improvisational show of 2018. Their cabaret-style show features three nominated songs each accompanied by an extravagant, spontaneous musical number guaranteed to leave audiences laughing out loud!

Be amazed by this dynamic ensemble of master improvisers! Their talent will have you singing, dancing and laughing for hours on end. Utilizing both classic improv techniques as well as contemporary acrobatics will have your seat on edge for this unforgettable performance!

Van Wert Live Fall Season offers affordable live entertainment. Did you know that you can take advantage of early ticket purchasing to experience similar performances for less? Check out Vivid Seats today to discover how to secure this amazing show!

The Phony Awards

Since 1968, Bruce Springsteen has become an unofficial symbol for New Jersey. Known for songs like 'Rosalita,' Tenth Avenue Freeze Out and Born to Run that express the state's hopes and aspirations, thanks to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) September 23 will now officially be recognized as "Bruce Springsteen Day" across New Jersey.

This proclamation recognizes many of Springsteen's signature hits and musical achievements in addition to his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and performance at the 2016 Presidential Inauguration.

In 1973, Springsteen released his second album 'Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.' which received generally positive reviews but ultimately did not make an impressionful statement about him as an artist or performer. Although featuring some iconic tunes like Rosalita and Blinded by the Light on it, Springsteen began distancing himself from both his E Street Band members as well as Nils Lofgren who joined as guitarist in 1973.

But the album did contain one of Springsteen's most uplifting tracks: 'The Rising'. This track painted 9/11 firefighters as biblical characters while showing his empathy towards soldiers who return from military service into civilian life.

"Blinded by the Light" is one of Springsteen's iconic myth-building songs and features some incredible guitar work from Nils Lofgren. Filled with vivid characters such as Fish Lady, Diamond Jackie and Billy by the Railroad Tracks - 'Blinded by the Light" will keep audiences laughing all year long!

As with many of Springsteen's classic songs, the lyrics and music combine elements of soul music, cocktail jazz and cinematic strings; further he explores some of his more innovative musical techniques in this track.

Song about a young man's aspirations to become a rock star, this music showcases rhythmic and melodic styles as well as some amazing guitar solos by Nils Lofgren. Steven Van Zandt provided vocals while bassist Garry Tallent played bass guitar solos during this song.

On Saturday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared September 23, 2023 to be Bruce Springsteen Day in New Jersey at a first American Music Honors event held at Monmouth University's Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music, also celebrating musical contributions by Sam Moore of Sam and Dave, Darlene Love and Steve Earle.