New Springsteen Exhibit Opens Aug. 18 In Long Branch

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Love The Boss? Who in New Jersey doesn't?

A new Bruce Springsteen exhibit, "Born to Run: Springsteen in Long Branch," opens Aug. 18 at the Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center (577 Broadway, Long Branch).

The exhibit chronicles the songs and music Springsteen wrote while living in Long Branch. Springsteen wrote his iconic album “Born to Run" (released Aug. 25, 1975) in the '70s while living in a tiny, one-floor shotgun shack at 7 1/2 West End Court in Long Branch (see photos of the home here). The home is still standing today, and can be toured.

The exhibit will show visitors a glimpse into Bruce’s surfing days along the Jersey Shore, shedding light on the local culture and experiences that helped shape him and his songwriting. The exhibit features rarely-seen posters, never-before-seen photographs and “Born to Run” promotional materials, along with iconic artifacts, including a green drum set from Bruce’s early band, Earth. It will also feature a one-of-a-kind, exact replica of the guitar seen on the “Born to Run” album cover.

There will be a public opening reception at 6 p.m. August 19.

"Bruce Springsteen is one of the most iconic and influential musicians to have ever lived," said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone. "Not many people know the importance of his time spent in Long Branch and how it shaped specifically the “Born to Run” album."

"Born to Run" celebrates its 50th anniversary on August 25. Rutgers professor Lou Masur, who teaches a class on Springsteen at Rutgers, wrote this 2009 book that chronicles the album and the impact it's had on American culture. Masur considers Springsteen’s work on par with the finest American literature of all time, comparable to the works of Mark Twain, John Steinbeck and Flannery O’Connor. Read this interview for Masur's thoughts on why the album is so important: https://www.rutgers.edu/news/w...

For the past 20 years, Masur has taught “Springsteen’s American Vision,” at Rutgers. The professor is currently writing From Presley to Springsteen: Ten Songs that Defined Rock ‘n’ Roll, to be published by Rutgers University Press.

“’Born to Run’ is unquestionably one of the greatest rock albums of all time,” said Bob Santelli, director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music at Monmouth University. “That Bruce wrote the album in Long Branch, just a few blocks from where the Archives’ new home is being built, only adds to the excitement."

This new exhibit is put on collaboration with Monmouth University, which houses the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music.

The Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center is also planning a Bruce Springsteen song open mic night, a presentation on his years in Long Branch and a storytelling event. For questions, call the Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center at 732-222-7000, ext. 2050.