But if you’re still on the fence, enjoy viewing this Netflix Trailer of “Springsteen on Broadway.”

Well, it’s about time we say adios, au revoir, shalom ‘n aloha.

Or feel free and read a spell longer about a lucky kid from Cleveland who crossed musical paths with the Boss.

He was in his 2nd year of med school. His dad worked hard to build a chain of record stores out of nothing. The stores’ mission was founded on a quote by Duke Ellington: If it sounds good, it is good. So among the stack of weekly demos to promote a panoply of musical styles was a copy of “Greetings from Asbury Park NJ.”

Bruce Springsteen’s original not for sale demo and fact sheet!

The kid loved listening to his father’s colorful tales about the wild and innocent highways and rest stops in the music business. Reading the liner notes, he already knew the pedigree of the gent who unearthed a 23 year old genius from Asbury Park. The legendary John Hammond of Columbia Records had previously discovered an amazing array of artists. Bob Dylan, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Charlie Christian, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Teddy Wilson, and more. Hammond heard something extraordinary in that New Jersey boy’s strumming the tune “Growing Up.”

So with that background, the kid put the LP on the turntable. It was promisingly good  enough debut. True, very Dylan-ish and Van Morrison-ish. But a tough, yearning, painful, but jazzy “It’s Hard to Be a Saint in the City?” seeped into his heart. And one med student vowed to stay on guard for Springsteen’s follow-up LP.

He was happy he did. “The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle” was a breakthrough artistic triumph. In 47 minutes, Bruce Springsteen took you on a deeper tour of his home town.

“Sparks fly on E Street when the boy- prophets walk it, handsome and hot.”

The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle, 1st pressing

In an array of musical genres. Rock, folk, small town band, jazz, latin. The only problem? No lyric sheet.  He spent a whole night attempting to write down the Boss’ words to  “Wild Billy’s Circus Story.” Under a spell of fatigue he also failed to figure out the complicated chords on his guitar.

An Attempt 47 years ago to Transcribe the Boss’ Lyrics to Wild Billy’s Circus Story

Still undaunted and revved up, the future MD asked his dad to “maybe please, ask Columbia for a freebee or two.” The rock musician and his E Street Band was going to open for the forgettable Wishbone Ash at the Allen Theater on February 1, 1974. The tix materialized…a lucky pair of front row center seats! The kid invited a smart and sweet platonic woman friend. He promised her, “this guy’s for real. Really for real.” From the intro of the opening number, Springsteen immediately impressed the crowd with his unflagging energy and guitar playing. Here was a guy who passionately loved the freeing nature of music. The boy rode along in wonder, while hoping the musician would feature more of his 2nd album. At the encore of a short set, Bruce asked the crowd for requests. The kid yelled out, “Rosalita.” Springsteen responded with, “Ok, let’s do it.”

Five years later in Pittsburgh, the no-longer-a-kid was a married doctor, learning a speciality, and holding onto two purchased tickets to see Springsteen. His wife was too pregnant to catch the show in Pittsburgh, so he invited his sister. The Boss never dropped his intensity in a two plus hour concert at the Penguin Arena. The young doctor promised his beloved she’d be rewarded someday.  In 2009 her wish appeared as a gift to the legendary 25th Anniversary Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame Concert at MSG. Bruce giving it all, and even duetting with Billy Joel. Five years later living in the DC metro area, she because Boss for the Day on Sirius XM, where she DJ’ed her favorite tunes. Yes, 28 years is always too long but never too long to wait to see the Boss.

As their children grew, they urged them and their fellow young performers, “if you’re ever lucky enough to make a living out of performing, see Springsteen in concert. In short, be a witness to how you must always put yourself on the line. In music, in medicine, in teaching, in whatever you do. And no matter how long it takes to make it, remember to put your hand out and pull someone up less lucky than you.

That’s all for now, compadres. Let’s segue out with the tune deeply embedded in our heads. Born to run.  I can’t and won’t embed it here. It belongs to Bruce, but it’s the primary reason why we’re sharing this page. Until then, keep rocking on your cumulus cloud against a deep blue sky no matter what.

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