The Songs Bruce Springsteen Made For Other Artists

Bruce Springsteen has been a driving force in music since his first album in 1973. With 20 studio albums, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and over 65 million records sold, it’s no surprise that “The Boss” is a legend. You probably know his mega-hits like “Born to Run,” “Dancing in the Dark,” and “Born in the USA.” But here’s a little-known fact: while Springsteen’s songs have ruled the charts, he’s never had a number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Bruce isn’t just a performer; he’s also a master songwriter who’s penned hits for other artists—songs that took on a life of their own. Here are a few iconic tracks you might not know Springsteen originally wrote.

Blinded by the Light
Springsteen wrote and recorded “Blinded by the Light” in 1973, but it didn’t catch fire until 1976 when Manfred Mann’s Earth Band released their cover. Their rendition topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became a rock anthem across the globe, bringing Springsteen’s lyrics into the spotlight.

Pink Cadillac
Natalie Cole made “Pink Cadillac” a huge hit in 1987, but it was actually written and released by Springsteen as the B-side to “Dancing in the Dark.” Initially, Bruce hesitated to let a female artist cover this metaphor-laden song, but Cole’s performance won him over. Her version climbed to number five on the Billboard charts, proving that Springsteen’s songs were magic no matter who sang them.

Fire
Springsteen originally wrote “Fire” with Elvis Presley in mind, but it ended up as a smash hit for the Pointer Sisters in 1978. Their sultry rendition brought the song to life in a way that resonated deeply with audiences, taking it to number two on the Billboard charts. The song’s smooth groove and catchy lyrics remain one of the Pointer Sisters’ most popular hits.

Because the Night
Many fans assumed Patti Smith wrote “Because the Night” due to the raw passion in her 1978 performance. Springsteen wrote the song and gifted it to Smith, knowing she’d bring a unique intensity to it. Smith’s version became a classic, showing Springsteen’s words could shine in someone else’s voice.

Light of Day
The track “Light of Day” became a rock staple after Joan Jett and Michael J. Fox performed it with their fictional band in the 1987 movie Light of Day. Springsteen originally wrote the song in 1983 but never released his version, leaving Jett’s electric performance to define the song. It remains a fan favorite in Jett’s live shows.

This Little Girl
Gary U.S. Bonds hit the charts with “This Little Girl” in 1981, bringing a new twist to his rock career. Springsteen wrote and produced the song, and even performed alongside Bonds on the track. Bonds’ success with the song revived his career, and he went on to cover other Springsteen tracks, with “This Little Girl” leading the way.