Bruce Springsteen, (born September 23, 1949, Freehold, New Jersey, U.S.), American singer, songwriter, and bandleader who became the archetypal rock performer of the 1970s and ’80s. Springsteen grew up in Freehold, a mill town where his father worked as a labourer. His rebellious and artistic side led him to the nearby Jersey Shore, where his imagination was sparked by the rock band scene …