Springsteen Exhibit to Rock Philly

Bruce Springsteen Exhibit at National Constitution Center
Photo credit: http://constitutioncenter.org/ncc_press_Bruce.aspx

Bruce Springsteen, a.k.a. “The Boss,” started his career in New Jersey, made his way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and will soon rock the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Springsteen’s must-see exhibition, From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen, will run from Feb. 17 to Sept. 3, 2012.

The Boss is known for his brand of heartland rock, poetic lyrics, and Americana sentiments centered on his native Jersey. His exhibition has never before been seen outside of Cleveland. It takes a comprehensive look at Springsteen’s career and catalog, from such early bands as Child, the Castiles and Steel Mill through his work with the E Street Band and as a solo artist. It also offers the rare opportunity to view Springsteen’s guitars (his 2002-2003 tour included a security guard to watch over his guitars exclusively), his outfit from the cover of “Born in the U.S.A.,” and his 1960 Chevy Corvette.

Kicking off the series will be an opening celebration for From Asbury Park to the Promised Land on Wednesday, February 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Aptly titled “Greetings from Asbury Park,” the party will feature boardwalk-themed décor and festivities; live musical performances; and the exclusive chance to tour From Asbury Park to the Promised Land before it opens to the public. Tickets to “Greetings from Asbury Park” are $50 for general public and $45 for museum members.

For Philadelphia CityPASS holders, the upgrade fee for the Bruce Springsteen exhibit is $10 for adults, $4 for youth. CityPASS holders may make advanced reservations through National Constitution Center's call center (215) 409-6700.

Springsteen was pegged with his nickname “The Boss” way back in the 1970s, a name sources say he “hates." Here are some other fun facts about one of the world’s true musical legends.

• Springsteen knew he wanted to become a musician after he saw Elvis Presley on “The Ed Sullivan Show” at age 7.
• He once covered the Beatles song "Twist and Shout" at a concert and introduced it by saying it was the first song he learned to play on the guitar.
• Springsteen has never had a #1 single.
• Bob Dylan has been a big influence on Springsteen. He has performed "Blowin' In The Wind" at concerts, and he and Dylan once sang "Forever Young" on stage together.
• He has inducted Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, U2 and Creedence Clearwater Revival into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Springsteen was himself inducted by Bono in 1999.
• He signed a solo deal with Columbia Records in 1972, just like his idol Bob Dylan 10 years before.
• He appeared on the covers of both Time and Newsweek on October 27, 1975, becoming the first entertainer to do so.
• Springsteen is known mostly for playing guitar and harmonica. However, he also knows how to play the mandolin, glockenspiel, organ, piano and percussion. He played all of these—and shook a tambourine—on "The Seger Sessions" which, in 2007, won a Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album.
• In September 2010, PRC for Music released a list of the "Top 10 Songs That Make Men Cry," based on a survey they conducted. Springsteen's "Streets of Philadelphia" was Number 8.
• Springsteen has been listened to all over the world—and in space. During a December 1999 flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery, his song "Rendezvous" was played as the crew's wake-up call.