Born in the U.S.A.
To honor Bruce Springsteen's birthday, we are taking a deeper look at his seventh studio album "Born in the U.S.A." Happy Music Monday and happy birthday Bruce!
1. Although a rock album, "Born in the U.S.A was more pop-influenced
The album's production, however, was typical of mainstream 1980s rock music, which included the use of synthesizers.
2. The music video for 'Dancing in the Dark' featured Courteney Cox
3. "Born in the U.S.A" remains Springsteen's best-selling album and one of the best-selling albums of all time
The album has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
4. Born on the Fourth of July and "Vietnam"
While touring, Springsteen read "Born on the Fourth of July", the autobiography of anti-war activist, Ron Kovic, who was wounded and paralyzed during the Vietnam War. Springsteen was inspired and went on to meet various Vietnam War veterans in Los Angeles, California. He wrote several songs with themes about the Vietnam War. In fact, the album was originally titled "Vietnam".
5. The title
Director Paul Schrader asked Springsteen to write music for a film called "Born in the U.S.A". Springsteen, intrigued by the title, decided to change "Vietnam" to "Born in the U.S.A" and revise a lot of his lyrics. Ultimately, however, the film remains unmade.
6. The cover
The cover was shot by Annie Leibovitz and designed by Andrea Klein.
The cover was initially controversial with some believing Springsteen was urinating on the flag...oy!
Springsteen told Rolling Stone:"the picture of my ass looked better than the picture of my face" and there was no 'secret message'"
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