Bruce Springsteen has been made a fellow of the UK’s Ivors Academy – the first international songwriter to do so.
The American icon, 74, was named as the next recipient of the academy’s highest honour on Tuesday in recognition of the impact his career has had on the cultural landscape of the UK.
The Born to Run musician has sold more than 140 million records worldwide, as well as winning 20 Grammys, an Oscar and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Joe Biden presents Springsteen with a National Medal of Arts medal in the White House last March. Pic: Reuters
Springsteen said in a statement: “In addition to recognising my songwriting, the award stands as a tribute to the fans and friends who have supported me and my work for the last 50 years.
“This entire country has made me feel welcome every step of the way, and for this, I will always remain deeply appreciative.”
The Boss has released 21 studio albums – from his first offering Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ in 1973 to his latest Only the Strong Survive in 2022.
Springsteen announced in September he was pausing his tour, citing his doctor’s advice as he recovered from peptic ulcer disease.
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But he made a return to the stage in the US last week with the E Street Band for a set that lasted nearly three hours.
The musician will receive his latest award at the Ivors ceremony in London on 23 May, where the winner of the 2024 Ivor Novello will also be announced.
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Springsteen becomes the 27th fellow of the academy – the UK’s professional association of music creators – joining previously inducted songwriting icons including Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Sir Elton John and Sting.
While he will be the sole songwriter to hail from outside Britain, the fellowship also includes American composer John Adams and French composer and conductor Pierre Boulez.
Named after the early 20th-century Welsh composer, actor and entertainer Ivor Novello, the Ivor Awards were first handed out in 1956.
