On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen released Born in the U.S.A., a landmark album that transformed him from cult hero to global phenomenon. But the story almost ended before it began.

Despite critical acclaim for earlier albums like Darkness on the Edge of Town and The River, Springsteen's commercial success had lagged. Columbia Records grew nervous. There were whispers of dropping him. He dug deep, rewrote, revised, and doubled down on his truth. Then came the spark.

With Annie Leibovitz's iconic flag-draped album cover and seven Top 10 singles, Born in the U.S.A. became a thunderclap across America—15 million copies sold, chart domination for over two years, and the voice of working-class dreams shouted across stadiums.

Springsteen, the kid from the Jersey shore, played from his gut. He told stories of veterans, factory towns, and promises broken. His heroes were Hank Williams, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan. He once said, “There was value in trying to connect with a large audience.” And he did—without selling out.

The result? A record-breaking tour. Lines of fans. And the fire still burns. Springsteen didn’t just sing songs—he believed in every word. His gut knew the way.

In 1988, just four years after the album's release, Springsteen played a historic concert in East Berlin. His message of unity and freedom rippled through the Iron Curtain. Music—and guts—moved hearts, and some say that moment helped shake the Wall itself.