Bruce Springsteen 031

Look closer for two song lyrics and seven song titles: “Ain’t no sin to be glad you’re alive” (Badlands); “You sit around getting older”(Dancing in the Dark); Born to Run; Hungry Heart; My Hometown; Glory Days; Born in the USA; Better Days; Atlantic City

The story: 

Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who is both a solo artist and the leader of the E Street Band. He received critical acclaim for his early 1970s albums and attained worldwide fame upon the release of Born to Run in 1975. During a career that has spanned five decades, Springsteen has become known for his poetic and socially conscious lyrics and lengthy, energetic stage performances, earning the nickname “The Boss”. He has recorded both rock albums and folk-oriented works, and his lyrics often address the experiences and struggles of working-class Americans.

Born in the U.S.A. (1984) is Springsteen’s most critically acclaimed and commercially successful album, proving him to be one of the most successful rock figures of the 1980s. It was certified 15x Platinum in the US and has sold 30 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. Seven of its singles reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 including the title track, which was a bitter commentary on the treatment of Vietnam veterans — some of whom were Springsteen’s friends. Advocating for the rights of the common working-class man, the song made a huge political impact. Springsteen’s other best-known songs include “Born to Run” (1975), “Thunder Road” (1975), “Badlands” (1978), “Hungry Heart” (1980), “Dancing in the Dark” (1984), “Glory Days” (1985), “Brilliant Disguise” (1987), “Human Touch” (1992), “Streets of Philadelphia” (1994), and “The Rising” (2002).

Springsteen has sold more than 135 million records worldwide and more than 64 million records in the United States, making him one of the world’s best-selling music artists. He has earned numerous awards for his work, including 20 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award, and a Tony Award (for Springsteen on Broadway). Springsteen was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2009, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2016, and was named MusiCares person of the year in 2013.        
-credit wikipedia.com

“Bruce is synonymous with artistic independence and a passion for causes that are close to his heart. His career seamlessly combines inspiration and charity, and it’s a reminder that we can all do our part to make the world a better place.”     
-credit Scott Pascucci, Chair of the MusiCares Foundation Board

The artwork: 

The first print of this illustration was sold at a silent auction to benefit folks living with Down’s Syndrome. Down Home Ranch provides daily social, educational, residential and vocational opportunities to over 40 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to become the best version of themselves.

A subsequent print of this illustration was donated to a silent auction in the Taco Deli Fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis Research and Support, Austin to Houston MS 150 cycling event in which the artist participates.

Digital Print on Archival Matte – Original illustration done in graphite prisma colors: Dark Umber for Dancing in the Dark; Golden Rod for his Golden Globe Award; Light Currilean Blue for his first single released, Blinded by the Light.

Artist: Tobin Bortner of Bastrop, Texas – drawing done in January of 2020 – ©Tobin Signs/Look Closer Illustrations 

DERIVATIVE Work photo credits: Scrunched up face and guitar from nola.com-5dd744148d974.image; younger Bruce from telegraph.co.uk-credit-Alamy-67278802_DYTFR3_Bruce_Springsteen_1988_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqQAeOIgmXonXXtGmEJsRHomwWzvACcNUMcUiT4K693G0

What you get:
$40 (36.95 + 3.05 tax)
11 x 14 Print Package with Authenticity Sheet
signed and numbered (run of 100)
Domestic Priority Mail $8 (Free shipping)