Bruce Springsteen has reached an impressive milestone in his legendary career by appearing on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the very first time.
This achievement can be credited to Zach Bryan.
Springsteen’s feature on Bryan’s track “Sandpaper” debuted at No. 26, marking a historic moment for the iconic rocker, who has dominated various music charts for nearly fifty years.
Keep reading to learn more about this exciting collaboration and its impact on both artists.
A New Chapter in Springsteen’s Career
Not only did “Sandpaper” give Springsteen his first country hit, but it also catapulted him back onto the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 Songs chart for the first time in 15 years.
The track landed at No. 71 on the Hot 100, his first appearance since “Working on a Dream” peaked at No. 95 in 2009.
The Collaboration
This exciting collaboration is featured on Zach Bryan’s latest album, The Great American Bar Scene, released on July 4, 2024.
The album has been a massive success, topping multiple Billboard charts, including Top Streaming Albums, Top Country Albums, Top Rock & Alternative Albums, and Top Americana/Folk Albums.
It also clinched the No. 2 spot on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart.
A Mutual Admiration
Zach Bryan’s admiration for Bruce Springsteen runs deep.
Bryan has covered Springsteen’s classic “I’m On Fire” several times, performing it at shows and sharing his rendition on social media.
The performance was a testament to their mutual respect and the blending of their musical talents.
His appreciation for Springsteen is also evident in his choice of attire as well. Let’s discuss the instances:
Bryan and Springsteen’s Memorable Live Collaborations and Admiration
The bond between these two musicians was further cemented when they performed “Sandpaper” live together.
Bryan and Springsteen’s collaborative effort on the album likely referred to the then-unreleased track “Sandpaper,” which they performed together at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., in March, as seen in footage shared by the arena on Instagram.
Prior to that performance, Bryan had performed “Sandpaper” live for the first time as a solo effort at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., Springsteen’s home state.
Just two months later in the Big Apple, Bryan and Springsteen took to the stage together at Madison Square Garden alongside “Alaska” singer Maggie Rogers to perform Bryan’s hit song “Revival.”
Bryan and his girlfriend Brianna “Chickenfry” Lapaglia had openly shown their admiration for the “Glory Days” hitmaker in recent months, with Bryan frequently sporting a “United States Vs. Bruce Springsteen” hat in videos shared on social media.
Bruce Springsteen’s Epic Collaborations
Bruce Springsteen, aka “The Boss,” has had a stellar career, not just as a solo artist but also through some killer collaborations.
Let’s dive into some of his most memorable partnerships:
1. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
Okay, so this isn’t a typical “collaboration,” but the magic between Springsteen and The E Street Band is legendary.
With members like Clarence Clemons on sax, Steven Van Zandt on guitar, and Max Weinberg on drums, the band’s chemistry with Bruce has been unbeatable. Their live shows? Absolute fire.
2. Bruce Springsteen & Patti Scialfa
Springsteen’s wife, Patti Scialfa, isn’t just part of The E Street Band; she’s an essential part of Bruce’s music.
Her backing vocals and musical contributions have added so much depth to his albums.
Their duet on “Brilliant Disguise” from Tunnel of Love is pure gold.
3. Bruce Springsteen & Tom Morello
Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine has joined forces with Springsteen a bunch of times.
He played guitar on several tracks of Bruce’s 2014 album High Hopes and rocked out on the tour.
Their live performance of “The Ghost of Tom Joad”? Epic doesn’t even begin to cover it.
4. Bruce Springsteen & John Mellencamp
In 2021, Springsteen and John Mellencamp teamed up for “Wasted Days,” a track full of deep reflection.
This song, on Mellencamp’s album Strictly a One-Eyed Jack, showed off both artists’ songwriting chops and mutual respect.
5. Bruce Springsteen & Sting
Springsteen and Sting have shared the stage at various charity events, creating some unforgettable moments.
One standout was their duet of “Every Breath You Take” during the 1988 Human Rights Now! tour.
Their on-stage chemistry was electric.
6. Bruce Springsteen & The Rolling Stones
Springsteen has rocked out with The Rolling Stones a few times. One of the coolest moments was during The Stones’ 2012 tour when Bruce joined them for “Tumbling Dice.”
The energy was through the roof, and the mutual respect was clear.
7. Bruce Springsteen & Bono
Springsteen and U2’s Bono have teamed up numerous times, often at charity events.
One highlight was their powerful rendition of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” during the 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert in 2009.
Their voices together? Pure magic.
8. Bruce Springsteen & Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow and Springsteen joined forces for an amazing performance of “Lean On Me” during her 1994 MTV Unplugged session.
Their harmonies were on point, and the emotional depth they brought to the song was incredible.
9. Bruce Springsteen & Melissa Etheridge
Springsteen and Melissa Etheridge brought down the house during the 1995 MTV Unplugged series with their rendition of “Thunder Road.”
The passion and energy they shared on stage were unforgettable.
10. Bruce Springsteen & The Killers
In 2021, Springsteen collaborated with The Killers on a reimagined version of their song “A Dustland Fairytale.”
This partnership blended The Killers’ modern rock vibe with Springsteen’s classic rock feel, creating a unique and captivating track.
Bruce Springsteen’s Biggest Solo Hits
Here’s a table highlighting some of Bruce Springsteen’s biggest solo hit songs:
| Song Title | Album | Year Released | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born to Run | Born to Run | 1975 | Signature song; widely regarded as one of the greatest rock songs ever. |
| Dancing in the Dark | Born in the U.S.A. | 1984 | Springsteen’s highest-charting single; features Courteney Cox in the video. |
| Born in the U.S.A. | Born in the U.S.A. | 1984 | Iconic anthem; often misunderstood in its patriotic tone. |
| Glory Days | Born in the U.S.A. | 1985 | Nostalgic rock song reflecting on past glories. |
| Hungry Heart | The River | 1980 | Springsteen’s first big hit on the charts. |
| I’m on Fire | Born in the U.S.A. | 1985 | Known for its haunting melody and minimalist style. |
| Streets of Philadelphia | Philadelphia (Soundtrack) | 1994 | Won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. |
| The Rising | The Rising | 2002 | Title track of the album inspired by the events of 9/11. |
| My Hometown | Born in the U.S.A. | 1985 | Reflective song about small-town life. |
| Secret Garden | Greatest Hits | 1995 | Gained popularity from inclusion in the film Jerry Maguire. |
Wrapping Up
- Bruce Springsteen’s first venture into the country music scene, facilitated by Zach Bryan, is a noteworthy milestone in his illustrious career.
- It showcases the power of collaboration and the timeless appeal of Springsteen’s music, reaching new audiences and breaking new ground.
- Bruce Springsteen’s collaborations have added so much to his music and broadened his influence.
- Whether he’s teaming up with rock legends, contemporary artists, or his bandmates, these partnerships are a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal.
- They’ve created unforgettable music moments and showcased the power of collaboration in rock and beyond.