Born to Run: Biography

This chapter is an homage to his wife—part Italian, part Scots-Irish, the daughter of a self-made millionaire, and “queen of my heart” (370). A gifted songwriter in her own right, she auditions for the band in 1974, but their courtship doesn’t begin until many years later. She and Springsteen “circled around each other, cautiously and tangentially touching for eighteen years before connecting” (372). Her spirit and combativeness are precisely what Springsteen needs. Somehow, despite their mutual brokenness, they’ve found a way to make those broken pieces fit.

Now a wealthy man, Springsteen and Scialfa buy a “luxurious” (and secluded) home in Los Angeles. He’s unsure what his next project will be, however, and places the band on hiatus; he feels “burned out.” His relationship with some of his bandmates becomes strained—he feels they’re taking advantage of his magnanimity. As a result, he decides to try working with other musicians, a painful decision after so many years together. In the end, however, the break is necessary, and when they reunite years later, they’re stronger because of it.

The 1992 LA riots hit close to home when violence erupts just blocks from the studio where Springsteen rehearses with his new band, and he drives home through a riot-torn, burning landscape. As he retreats to his secluded home in Benedict Canyon, he considers the institutional problems behind the riots and the political and communal muscle that addressing them would take.

Springsteen’s relationship with Scialfa ends his years of equating emotional openness with weakness. After three years—and a child—they make it official. He considers the public declaration of marriage an important “coming out” ritual that defies feelings of shame he might have about showing love openly and honestly.

Wedding Day

Springsteen and Scialfa exchange vows at their Los Angeles home with friends and family in attendance. A Unitarian minister presides, and the police department turns away intrusive press. Dinner and “partying” follow the ceremony.

The Honeymooners

They honeymoon in Yosemite Park, listening to music and watching the sunset while acclimating to being husband and wife. Upon returning home to their son Evan, Springsteen is happy and confident with his family around him.

Pony Girl

In December 1991, their daughter, Jessica, is born. Stubborn and independent, she later becomes an accomplished equestrian. At age five, she competes in her first equestrian competition. She places sixth, and on the drive home, she asks who took first and “What did she do to win?” (384).

New Band/New Day

For his next tour, Springsteen puts together a new band of highly accomplished musicians and singers. They bring new musical sensibilities to the tour, and it’s a success. However, during one show in Germany, Springsteen spies a lone fan in the crowd of 60,000 holding a sign that simply reads “E Street.”

Twelve days after the birth of their third child, Sam, the Northridge earthquake rocks Southern California. After three days of aftershocks, Scialfa wants to leave. They move to their Rumson, New Jersey home, but Springsteen experiences mild post-traumatic stress for six months.

Springsteen strives to be the father he never had, but his lifestyle has made him a night owl. Eventually, Scialfa tells him that by missing his kids’ mornings, he’s missing them at their best. Reluctantly, he begins rising early, and eventually even the defiant Sam begins to depend on and respect him. With Scialfa’s help, Springsteen learns to prioritize family over music.

Cool Rockin’ Daddy

Evan and Springsteen attend a concert at a local music club, and one of the musicians tells Springsteen the bass player is a big fan. After the show, Springsteen takes Evan backstage, and the bass player shows Evan a tattoo of Springsteen inked across his arm. Springsteen feels the pride of his legacy passed on to a younger generation of musicians. His children each develop musical tastes of their own: Evan likes punk, Jessica Top 40, and Sam classic rock. Springsteen is grateful that they appreciate music.