Who is Bruce Springfield?

Bruce Springfield: Bruce Springsteen and Rick Springfield

People confuse Bruce Springsteen and Rick Springfield from time to time, but there is no famous person named Bruce Springfield. “Bruce Springfield” is a combination of the two singers’ names. Early in his career Rick Springfield was sometimes mistakenly called “Bruce,” so he wrote a song that addressed the issue. There also isn’t a person named Rick Springsteen. Bruce Springsteen and Rick Springfield are not related.

Let’s take a look at the mix up and what these two singer/songwriters have in common. Only one of them has a #1 hit song, and you might be surprised who it is!

Bruce Springsteen vs Rick Springfield

Even though these are two individuals in their own right, they have several things in common:

• Both are singer/songwriters.

• They were inspired by The Beatles.

• They were born in the same year, 1949, one month apart. Rick was born August 23, Bruce’s birthday is September 23.

• Both singers have songs called “Human Touch.”

• Rick and Bruce released albums starting in the ‘70s but had their biggest hits in the ‘80s.

Some things they don’t have in common:

• Only one of them had a #1 single in America: Rick Springfield! “Jessie’s Girl” made it to #1. I know, you would think the Boss also had a #1, but he didn’t. He did score 12 Top 10 hits, which is not too shabby (it’s awesome, actually).

• Bruce famously sang about being Born in the U.S.A., Rick is from Australia.

• While both have been married a long time, Rick has been married once, with 2 children, Bruce has been married twice with 3 children.

• Rick has been acting for decades, his first acting job was in the Six Million Dollar Man (1977), Bruce made his acting debut on “Lilyhammer” (2014) with his band mate Steven Van Zandt.

Where Did Bruce Springfield Come From?

Seems easy enough to confuse two up and coming singers with “Spring” in their last name (we forgive no one who made this mistake after the ‘80s). It was so common to be confused for Bruce Springsteen that Rick wrote a song called “Bruce.”

According to Wikipedia, “Bruce” was recorded in 1978 and released on a 1984 album called “Beautiful Feelings” (you know how record companies release old material they have when a musician hits it big). “Bruce” made it to #27 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Lyrics to “Bruce” By Rick Springfield

Doctor, doctor you gotta help me yeah
You gotta make it right for me
It seems this other man's name has been following me around
And it just won't let me be
You see I got this name and he's got this name too
And you know they're kinda close only a blind crazy fool
Would think I was him it's like saying green is blue
But let me tell you brother it started being a bother
When he made the cover of Time magazine

The chorus really shows the angst Rick must’ve been going through with the similar names:

She called me Bruce, Bruce
I can hear her calling Bruce, Bruce
I can hear her calling Bruce, Bruce
I can hear her
My name is Rick I'm gonna stick it to ya babe

In Conclusion

In the ‘70s when both singers were starting out, we understand how some might confuse Bruce Springsteen and Rick Springfield. Once both guys hit their stride, and shined on MTV there is no excuse not to tell them apart. They both have great music, distinctive styles and captivating stage presence. If you’re not familiar with one or the other check them out. There’s a reason they’re still performing and gathering a crowd, 40+ years later.