Bruce Springsteen has experienced enormous success and unrivaled brilliance ever since the release of his first album in 1973. It’s easy to say that Bruce Springsteen is a legend after 20 studio albums, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and over 65 million record sales.
Springsteen has never been at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, although he has consistently placed in the top 10. The tone of Bruce Springsteen’s music is enduring, ageless, and unique. Whether or whether you consider yourself a Springsteen superfan, you are undoubtedly familiar with songs like “Dancing in the Dark,” “Born to Run,” and “Born in the USA,” which are among his best.
But Springsteen is also a really brilliant songwriter in addition to being a phenomenal vocalist. Even some of the well-known tunes that other musicians made famous were written by him.
The Songs Bruce Springsteen Made For Other Artists
‘Blinded by the Light’
Other musicians have gained fame for some of Bruce Springsteen’s most memorable songs. Technically, the legendary rock icon recorded “Blinded by the Light” after writing it in 1973, but its fame didn’t take off until 1976 when the British rock group Manfred Earth Band performed it. According to Rock Pasta, the cover was equally well-liked in the U.K. as the U.S., where it peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
‘Pink Cadillac’
Natalie Cole, who made this song popular in 1987, seemed to be created for this song. However, Springsteen created the song a number of years earlier and published it as Dancing in the Dark’s non-album B-side. The song is a not-so-subtle metaphor for sexual activities, therefore he reportedly first objected to a female musician covering it. The fact that “Pink Cadillac” peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 is evidence that he was right to change his mind.
‘Fire’
The Pointer Sisters issued a performance of “Fire” on the trio’s debut album, which was released in 1978. The song was originally written by Robert Gordon in 1977, but Bruce Springsteen later revised it.
‘Because the Night’
When Patti Smith first released this song in 1978, many people believed that she had written it herself because of how easily she sang it. Smith was Springsteen’s collaborator on songs and friend; he composed “Because the Night” specifically for her.
‘Spirit in the Night’
“Spirit in the Night,” another song by Bruce Springsteen that Manfred Mann’s Earth Band popularized, was first included on Springsteen’s debut album, Greetings From Asbury Park, but Manfred Mann’s rendition sent the song to the top of the charts.
‘Light of Day’
This song was sung by Joan Jett and Michael J. Fox with their made-up band, the Barbusters, in the 1987 film Light of Day. It soon become as a mainstay during Jett’s performances. Few people are aware that Springsteen wrote the song in 1983. Although he also recorded it, he never made that version public.
‘This Little Girl’
The singer of this song, a 1960s rocker named Gary U.S. Bonds, made his chart-topping debut in 1981. However, Bruce Springsteen was the one who wrote and composed it. Several Springsteen songs, including “This Little Girl,” were covered by Bonds.