Bruce Springsteen to become an Ivors Academy fellow

The Ivors Academy has today revealed Bruce Springsteen as the latest songwriter to become an Academy Fellow, the highest honour the organisation bestows.

With this announcement, the 'patron saint of New Jersey' and legendary musician becomes the first time an international songwriter has received the honour in the Academy's 80 year history.

One of the most influential and significant songwriters of all time, Springsteen's music has serve as the soundtrack to millions of lives across the world. Over a career spanning fifty years, the Boss started recording in 1973 with his incomparable debut Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ, and most recently in 2022 with Only the Strong Survive, his twenty-first studio album.

He has sold over 140 million records worldwide, with an endless number of accolades to his name, including 20 GRAMMYs, an Oscar and a Tony Award, induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has also honoured by President Barack Obama with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian award.

“There is no one more fitting than Bruce Springsteen to be the first international songwriter inducted into our Fellowship," says Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy. "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.”

This year’s nominees for the Ivor Novello Award will be announced on Tuesday 23rd April and the winners will be revealed at The Ivors with Amazon Music at Grosvenor House in London on Thursday 23rd May 2024, where Springsteen will also receive the honour.

Bruce Springsteen. Credit: Danny Clinch