Classic rocker Bruce Springsteen is set to make history once more as it’s been revealed he will be recognised as an Academy Fellow by The Ivor Novello Awards later this year.
This landmark achievement also means Springsteen will be the first international artists to receive the honour. Hailing from the United States, Springsteen is known for creating classic anthems such as ‘Born in the USA’ and ‘Born to Run’ featuring his famous E Street Band.
In a statement, Springsteen spoke of his pride to receive the coveted prize, noting “I’m proud to be the first international songwriter to be recognised by The Ivors Academy”.
The legendary singer-songwriter also thanked his loved ones and discussed his connection with the United Kingdom, stating: “In addition to recognising my songwriting, the award stands as a tribute to the fans and friends who have supported me and my work for the last fifty years. This entire country has made me feel welcome every step of the way, and for this, I will always remain deeply appreciative.”
While he may be the first international artist to receive such an award, Chair of the Ivors Academy, Tom Gray explained why Springsteen deserves the award. He remarked: “There is no one more fitting than Bruce Springsteen to be the first international songwriter inducted into our Fellowship. Songwriters are powerful storytellers, who capture our lives, loves and hardships. Bruce has always told the greatest stories. The Fellowship marks the esteem in which he is held by all those who share his craft.”
At the beginning of his career, Springsteen quickly became revered in rock circles for the way that he had told stories and eventually moved on to stadium superstardom. Notably, one of the first major press articles about him came from future manager Jon Landau, who claimed to have seen the future of rock and roll upon seeing Springsteen perform for the first time.
Of course, this is far from the first accolade that Springsteen has received for his songwriting. When inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, ‘The Boss’ would be honoured for the first time as a solo artists in the late 1990s before getting the opportunity to induct The E Street Band as a separate entity in 2014.
In celebration of Springsteen’s recent honour, a new limited edition of a collection of his classics is also going to be released. The additional nominees for the Ivors are set to be announced on April 23rd and the ceremony is set to take place on May 23rd at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.
