Happy National Boss Day, But You Better Not Tell Bruce Springsteen. He Hates His Nickname

National Boss Day is celebrated on October 16th every year in the United States. It's a day to show appreciation and gratitude to your supervisor or employer. While many people use this occasion to express their respect and admiration for their bosses, it's important to remember that not all bosses are fond of the term "boss." One famous example of this is Bruce Springsteen, the legendary musician and songwriter. Despite his iconic nickname, "The Boss," Springsteen has been known to cringe at the moniker. In this article, we'll explore the history of National Boss Day, delve into the origins of Bruce Springsteen's nickname, and examine why he dislikes being called "The Boss."

National Boss Day: A Brief History

National Boss Day, often referred to simply as "Boss's Day," is a holiday observed in the United States and Canada. It was first created in 1958 by Patricia Bays Haroski, an employee at State Farm Insurance in Illinois. Haroski chose October 16th as the date for the holiday because it was her father's birthday, and he was her boss at work. She saw it as an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the hard work and leadership of her father and other bosses.

The idea gradually gained popularity and was officially recognized when Illinois Governor Otto Kerner declared October 16th as National Boss Day. It has since become a day for employees to show gratitude to their supervisors and bosses through various means, such as giving cards, flowers, or small gifts.

Bruce Springsteen: The Man Behind the Nickname

Bruce Springsteen, born on September 23, 1949, is a rock and roll icon known for his distinct music style, thought-provoking lyrics, and electrifying live performances. His rise to fame began in the early 1970s, and he quickly earned a reputation as one of the most influential and charismatic artists of his generation. His album "Born to Run," released in 1975, catapulted him to worldwide fame.

While Springsteen's career is marked by countless hit songs and albums, he is also famous for a nickname that has become synonymous with his name: "The Boss." The origins of this nickname are rooted in his early career and the dynamics of his band, the E Street Band.

The E Street Band was formed in the late 1960s, and Springsteen was the undisputed leader and frontman of the group. His authoritative role in the band, along with his natural charisma and stage presence, led to the nickname "The Boss" being affectionately bestowed upon him by his bandmates. However, Springsteen's reaction to the nickname has been far from affectionate.

Why Bruce Springsteen Dislikes the Nickname

It might come as a surprise to many fans, but Bruce Springsteen has openly expressed his dislike for the nickname "The Boss." Here are some reasons why he has never been fond of this moniker:

1. Humility: Springsteen is known for his humility and grounded personality. He has often emphasized the importance of staying connected to his roots and not letting fame and fortune change him. The title "The Boss" might seem overly authoritative and egocentric to him, which contradicts his genuine and relatable image.

2. The American Dream: Many of Springsteen's songs and lyrics reflect themes related to the American working class and the struggle for a better life. The title "The Boss" can be seen as a symbol of authority, which doesn't align with his message of empathy for the common people. He doesn't want to be perceived as someone distant or removed from the struggles of the everyday American.

3. Irony: Bruce Springsteen is well aware of the irony in his nickname. His songs often focus on challenging authority and speaking up against injustice, which makes the label "The Boss" a contradiction to his music's message.

4. He's Just Bruce: Bruce Springsteen has repeatedly expressed a preference for being called simply "Bruce." He wants his music and message to speak for itself, without the added layers of a nickname. To him, being "The Boss" detracts from the authenticity of his work.

5. Fan Perspective: Springsteen is known for his close relationship with his fans. Many die-hard Springsteen fans appreciate his approachability and down-to-earth personality. His aversion to the nickname is likely an attempt to maintain this connection with his audience.

In a 2012 interview with The New Yorker, Springsteen said, "Well, that title was introduced to me one night, and it was probably a bit of a joke. We were playing [the club] Max’s, and [the band] played really long sets. And in order to survive, I had to take on this authoritarian aspect. I had to snap my fingers, and I had to keep the band in line, and I was very young and wanted very much to be accepted and approved of, and, you know, things got out of hand."

He continued, "If I had it to do over again, I wouldn’t choose that name… I don’t see it as being all that apropos. I don’t know if it’s made my life easier, or more difficult."

The Legacy of "The Boss"

Despite his reservations about the nickname, there's no denying that Bruce Springsteen, or "The Boss," has left an indelible mark on the world of music. His songs have been anthems for generations, capturing the essence of the American dream, struggles, and triumphs. His work has earned him numerous awards, including 20 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor.

While he might cringe at being called "The Boss," Bruce Springsteen is a boss in the music industry, known for his passionate performances, heartfelt lyrics, and his unwavering commitment to his fans. His enduring influence and contributions to music ensure that the nickname will live on, even if he isn't particularly fond of it.

In Conclusion

National Boss Day is a day dedicated to showing appreciation to supervisors and employers. While many bosses are celebrated with warmth and gratitude, it's important to remember that not all of them embrace their titles. Bruce Springsteen, the iconic musician, is a notable example of this. Despite his nickname "The Boss," Springsteen dislikes the moniker because he believes it contradicts his humble and relatable image, goes against the themes of his music, and doesn't reflect his genuine personality. Nevertheless, his music and legacy continue to thrive, ensuring that the moniker "The Boss" will forever be associated with one of the greatest rock and roll artists of all time. So, happy National Boss Day, Bruce, or should we say, "The Bruce"!