It was more than 40 years ago that Bruce Springsteen began working as a professional musician and performer, but for over a decade prior to that he was developing his talent; crucially by listening to the records that would not just infuse his entire mind and body, but which would equally provided the guidance, inspiration and encouragement to achieve the extraordinary skills he has been honing to perfection in song-writing, musicianship and performance ever since.
This 150 minute film traces the artistic root of Bruce Springsteen in a manner no documentary has ever attempted before, and in so doing shows the incredible influence the likes of Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Woody Guthrie, Johnny Cash, Mitch Ryder, Van Morrison, Phil Spector, Pete Seeger and numerous others have had upon his muse. The film also looks at literary, political and other influences to provide a complete picture of the most potent inspirations Bruce ever stumbled upon.
Featuring rare footage of Springsteen and all of the featured artists, plus revealing archive interviews with The Boss himself, and brand new contributions from former E Street Band member Vini Lopez, Springsteen drummer Gary Mallaber, the legendary Gary (US) Bonds, History Professor and Folk Music expert Ronal D. Cohen, English Professor and author of ‘It Ain't No Sin to be Glad You're Alive: The Promise of Bruce Springsteen’, Eric Alterman, former editor-in-chief of Rolling Stone magazine Anthony De Curtis, British music author and biographer of Van Morrison, Johnny Rogan and many other colleagues, writers and historians.