Scott Shea on Springsteen’s Columbia Signing, Clive Davis, and the Myth of “Born to Run”

Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan Podcast · Jul 10, 2026 · 45m

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…