Egad! “The Boss” is 60

My first reaction to the cover of my September/October AARP magazine was “what’s he doing on it?” Then I read the title: “The Boss Turns 60.” Bruce Springsteen is almost as old as I am. Holy Cow! Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, on September 23, 1949, he’ll turn 60 next month. I certainly never thought of him as a fellow baby boomer.

I didn't sign on for this. . .

In 1985, soon after his marriage to his first wife, Julianne, he and his new bride were passengers on one of my flights. What a circus it was. They were escorted onboard directly from the tarmac. There was no dashing through the terminal for them; they would have been mobbed by hysterical fans. When they were brought onboard, as First Flight Attendant, I was met by their aide and given my instructions: protect Mr. Springsteen from his fans during the flight. He was tired and needed some rest and I was not to let anyone bother him.

This happened during the “Born in the USA” tour at the height of Springsteen’s popularity. I told the rest of the flight attendants we were to try to keep other passengers from bothering the Springsteen’s; and we really did try. His beautiful young bride was the sweetest little bodyguard that night. She was very patient with the fans that were able to slip past the cabin crew and approach the dozing megastar. It was a constant but losing battle trying to keep people away from him. Springsteen was tired, a little grumpy, but never impolite to anyone, even when they pestered him.

Jim and I enjoyed the music of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band when the Born in the USA album was released. I did aerobics to “I’m on Fire,” “Glory Days,” and “Dancing in the Dark,” in our family room. His music videos on MTV were always fun—yes I really did watch MTV at one time. The track “Born in the USA” on the album was my least favorite. I didn’t like Springsteen’s angry, shouted lyrics, nor did I enjoy the ugly, depressed scenes of America in the music video.

After reading the article in AARP, I decided to do a little digging and learn more about “The Boss.” As it turns out, I wasn’t supposed to feel warm and fuzzy about the “Born in the USA” track. Duh. It was meant to make me think and feel bad. It was about the Vietnam War and the treatment of the returning Vets. But I wasn’t the only one who didn’t get his message. Ronald Reagan thought it was an upbeat, patriotic little ditty and wanted to use it in his campaign. Springsteen said “no.” He also turned down millions of dollars from Chrysler Corporation for the use of the song in a car commercial.

Helping Others

I have a newfound respect for Bruce Springsteen. Not only does he have convictions, he is a very pro-active supporter of our nation’s food banks. At his concerts everywhere, he asks his fans to “remember your neighbors,” and then food-bank reps pass through the crowd looking for donations. According to AARP, if you would like to help one of his favorite charities, go to feedingamerica.org, a network of more than 200 food banks. AARP magazine also says “...America needs Bruce Springsteen now more than ever.” I believe I like him now more than ever.

Donna