Springsteen and the Center for American Music / Obama Presidential Center
The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music, located on the campus of Monmouth University, opened to the public June 13th. Likewise, Barack Obama's Presidential Center was dedicated a few days later. Bruce was of course on hand for both historic occasions.
The Springsteen Center for American Music not only preserves the legacy of Bruce Springsteen but also celebrates the history of American Music and its diversity of artists and genres. The new 32,000 square foot facility includes exhibition galleries, research archives, immersive interactive experiences and a performance theater.
“I took a short tour through the center the other day and when I came out, I was thrilled I wasn’t dead,” Springsteen said at the ceremony. “I’m particularly thrilled to be sharing this building with all this wonderful musical history and with so many of my teachers, mentors and heroes”
Bruce added that he views his life’s work as a very small link in a mighty chain and that those who visit will get a sense of that chain through the lives, work and vision of these historic artists. “I’m also glad and relieved that fans will have another place to go other than my house” he added.
A few days later, Bruce took the stage near the end of the opening ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. Following performances by Stevie Wonder, Eddie Vedder, Christna Aguilera, John Legend, Bona and Jennifer Hudson, Bruce paid tribute to Obama with his 1999 classic, Land of Hopes and Dreams.
I’m so glad to be here this afternoon for President Obama, and Michele, Malia, Sasha” Bruce said before his performance. “Oh, what a glorious task we are given to continuously strive to improve great nation of ours” he said, quoting Obama’s speech from the 50th Anniversary of the March from Selma to Montgomery.
The Obama Presidential Center opening was also attended by former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Biden as well as notables, Tom Hanks, George Lucas, Stephen Spielberg, George Lucas, Stephen Colbert and many others.
The Springsteen / Obama friendship dates to Barack’s 2008 presidential campaign to which Bruce lent full support. Years later Springsteen would play a private show at the White House East Room for Obama and staff. The solo acoustic show he put together for that occasion become the inspiration and framework for Springsteen’s one-man Broadway show. Springsteen on Broadway would sell out a total of 236 performances.
Bruce’s acoustic-of-choice is his Takamine P6N.
