Category: Music

Cigarettes out the Window

5/28/2025

I found myself listening to this on a loop the other night.

I think most people perceive Bruce Springsteen as a "Classic Rock" guy. White people music. It's certainly true that his audience is mainly white, despite the fact that he has a deep appreciation for Soul and R&B music (and black artists, in general) and his band being pretty diverse (not just now, but back when he first started). Look, I'm a huge Springsteen fanatic... but even I'll admit he's not an amazing singer. Usually. Every now and then, though (mostly live)... he'll make you think, "Damn."

Some of these songs are covers... Quarter to Three, Save the Last Dance For Me, What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, Nightshift, You Never Can Tell, and (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher... and some are his (Back In Your Arms, Fade Away). Even in his personal life, he's always supported (sometimes financially) his heroes... from Ronnie Spector and Darlene Love to Sam Moore. Behind the scenes. Writing songs for them or giving them away (Gary U.S. Bonds, Donna Summer, The Pointer Sisters, Natalie Cole, etc.). Quietly paying their medical bills (Darlene Love). Producing their comeback albums (Gary U.S. Bonds, Ronnie Spector).

Who are the originals by (the ones he covered)?

Quarter to Three - Gary U.S. Bonds
Save the Last Dance for Me - The Drifters
What Becomes of the Brokenhearted - Jimmy Ruffin
Nightshift - Commodores
You Never Can Tell - Chuck Berry
This Little Light of Mine - African Spiritual
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher - Jackie Wilson

Then there's this... his intro of the band back in 2000. Straight up black Baptist preacher mode. It's also a clip I show people to say, "THIS is why we love him." There's never been a more charismatic live performer. He's the gold standard.