Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Scott Shea on Springsteen’s Columbia Signing, Clive Davis, and the Myth of “Born to Run”
Description
Host Jesse Jackson welcomes returning guest Scott Shea—author of All the Leaves Are Brown and a forthcoming Waylon Jennings book—to discuss the anniversary of Bruce Springsteen signing with Columbia Records in June 1972 and the recent death of Clive Davis. Shea highlights Springsteen’s rare 54-year label loyalty, early rocky years, and how Born to Run marked progress before larger commercial success arrived with The River and “Hungry Heart.” He recounts the origin story of Springsteen’s deal, focusing on manager Mike Appel’s cold calls, John Hammond’s pivotal audition, and Clive Davis approving the signing. They also discuss Columbia’s artist roster, Davis’s career arc from Columbia to founding Arista, Springsteen’s evolving vocals and live arrangements, reactions to the latest tour’s political tone, and Shea’s ongoing research for his Waylon Jennings biography.
00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:51 Meet Scott Shea
02:13 Columbia Anniversary
04:51 Why Bruce Stayed
06:49 Band Loyalty Talk
08:50 Clive Davis Passing
09:59 Hammond and Appel Story
20:02 Cold Call Breakthrough
21:25 The Audition Moment
23:12 What If He Was Missed
23:44 Cafferty Career What Ifs
24:59 Clive Davis Origins
26:16 Columbia Breakthrough Signings
27:28 Arista Records Reinvention
28:56 Springsteen Tour Politics
30:40 Cranky Bruce And Banter
33:12 Born In USA Outtakes
36:44 Waylon Book Progress
39:02 Wrap Up And Plugs
40:05 Podcast Housekeeping
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices