Bruce Springsteen is best known as a proud son of New Jersey. His music is filled with images of small towns, working-class struggles, open roads, and big dreams. From Asbury Park to the rest of the world, Springsteen has always carried his hometown with him. But while his heart belongs to New Jersey, his love for music reaches far beyond one place or one genre.
Over the years, Springsteen has shown again and again that he is not just a legendary songwriter and performer, but also a true fan of music in all its forms. He has always supported other artists, whether they come from his home state or from completely different musical scenes. Even if someone is not a huge fan of his songs, it is hard not to respect the way he treats music and musicians—with curiosity, generosity, and genuine appreciation.
Springsteen grew up listening to a wide mix of sounds. As a child in the 1950s, he was influenced by artists like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. These early inspirations helped shape his sense of melody and emotion. Later, he discovered folk, soul, country, and rock music, which deeply affected his songwriting style. This blend of influences is one reason his music feels so rich and timeless. His songs tell stories, often about ordinary people, but they are told with a depth that comes from listening widely and carefully.
One of the best examples of Springsteen’s broad musical taste came during the COVID-19 lockdowns. When the world felt quiet and disconnected, he found a way to bring people together through music. From his home in New Jersey, he hosted more than 20 special shows for BBC Radio 2. In these broadcasts, he shared some of his favorite songs of all time. Each episode had a theme, and together they created a musical journey through decades of sound.
These playlists were not limited to classic rock or artists similar to Springsteen. Of course, listeners heard familiar names like Bob Dylan and The Beatles, as well as songs by Sinatra and Elvis. But there was much more than that. He played soul legends like Marvin Gaye and The Drifters, showing his deep respect for emotional, heartfelt music. He also included lesser-known songs, proving that he values hidden gems just as much as famous hits.
What surprised many listeners was his inclusion of hip-hop and rap artists such as Public Enemy and 2Pac. These choices showed that Springsteen connects strongly with music that speaks about social issues, justice, and real-life struggles—the same themes that appear in many of his own songs. Even though the style is different, the message feels familiar.
Springsteen also showed that he still listens to new music. Artists like Courtney Barnett and Future Islands appeared on his playlists, proving that his passion for discovery has not faded with age. He is not stuck in the past. Instead, he continues to find inspiration in modern artists who value strong lyrics and emotional honesty.
In total, Springsteen shared over 500 songs through his BBC radio shows. Exploring these playlists gives listeners a deeper understanding of who he is—not just as a performer, but as a listener. His own songs are treasured by millions, but his love for other artists helps complete the picture.
Bruce Springsteen’s legacy is not only about the music he made, but also about the music he celebrated. He reminds us that great artists never stop listening, learning, and showing respect. And that may be one of the most powerful parts of his story.