1. Tom Petty
We begin with Tom Petty. This influential figure in rock music and American songwriting shares a similar career path with Bruce Springsteen. Both artists are known for their thought-provoking lyrics and folk-rock influences, earning millions of fans worldwide.
Known primarily for his work as the lead vocalist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Petty also released successful solo albums, like Full Moon Fever, which landed at #3 on the Billboard 200 and #8 on the UK charts.
Much like Springsteen, Petty’s music is characterized by its heartfelt storytelling and infectious energy, making him an integral part of this list of artists echoing the Boss’s sound and style.
2. John Mellencamp
Next is John Mellencamp. This heartland rock icon has carved his niche in the industry since he rose to fame in the early 1980s. He shares a close friendship with Bruce Springsteen, whom he refers to as a “big brother.”
Just like Springsteen’s narratives in his songs resonate with listeners across borders, Mellencamp also strikes the same chord through hits such as “Jack & Diane,” “Hurts So Good,” and “Pink Houses.”
In 2008, Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his place alongside other legends of the genre. This is a testament to his influence and standing in the music world, mirroring Springsteen’s own induction into the same Hall of Fame.
3. Bob Seger
With a raspy, powerful voice that’s become his signature, Bob Seger has made a name for himself in the roots rock genre, soaring in popularity during the 1970s and ’80s.
Seger, like Bruce Springsteen, was heavily influenced by soul and rhythm, and this is reflected in his music. His discography includes numerous hits that have stood the test of time. Among these are tracks “Shakedown,” “Shame on the Moon,” and “Against the Wind.”
Throughout his career, Seger has been praised for his authenticity and passion, qualities that he shares with Springsteen. Despite their individual styles, both artists have managed to capture the spirit of American rock in their own unique ways.
4. Neil Young
Canadian-American singer-songwriter Neil Young began his music career in 1963. Since then, he has become one of the most influential figures in rock and folk music for over five decades, earning the title Godfather of Grunge along the way.
Young’s idiosyncratic output has gained him a reputation as an artist with a broad sweep of styles, much like Bruce Springsteen. His discography is extensive and eclectic, ranging from introspective solo albums like 1970’s After the Gold Rush and 1975’s Tonight’s the Night to more grungy guitar-rock pieces.
In 1995, Young was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; then, in 1997, he was inducted again as a member of Buffalo Springfield.
5. Jon Bon Jovi
John Francis Bongiovi Jr., best known as Jon Bon Jovi, is most recognized as the founder and frontman of the legendary rock band Bon Jovi.
This iconic rocker hails from New Jersey, sharing a home state with Bruce Springsteen. This connection has often linked the two artists. Both have been instrumental in shaping the image of rock music associated with the area.
Jovi’s illustrious career has seen him produce numerous hit singles and albums. His music, much like Springsteen’s, often focuses on working-class life, love, and hardship. Songs like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “It’s My Life,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” are among his most popular works, resonating with fans worldwide.
6. Bryan Adams
Next up is Bryan Adams, a talented Canadian musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer. With his impressive career spanning decades, he has become one of the top-selling music artists ever.
Known for his heartfelt and melodic songs, Adams has delivered hit after hit, including iconic tracks like “Summer of ’69,” “Heaven,” and “Everything I Do (I Do It for You).”
Not only has he achieved great success as a solo artist, but he has also collaborated with other musicians and written songs for notable artists like Bruce Springsteen.
Adams shares a similar passion for rock music as Springsteen does — both are known for their powerful and emotional performances that resonate with fans worldwide.
7. Steve Earle
With a career spanning over four decades, we have next Steve Earle, a singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt storytelling and unique blend of rock, country, and folk influences.
Much like Bruce Springsteen, Earle’s music often explores themes of struggle, redemption, and the realities of working-class life. His debut album, Guitar Town, released in 1986, reached #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and is considered a cornerstone of the country-rock genre.
He did not stop there; he went on to release 20 more studio albums, receiving three Grammy Awards in the process.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Earle has also dabbled in acting, with roles in acclaimed television shows like The Wire and Treme.
8. Eddie Vedder
Edward Louis Severson III, known to fans as Eddie Vedder, rose to fame as the lead vocalist and one of the guitarists of the iconic rock band Pearl Jam. His distinctive baritone vocal style is one of the defining elements of the band’s sound.
Vedder’s passionate, often intense performances have drawn comparisons to Bruce Springsteen. Both artists are known for their powerful stage presence and their ability to connect with audiences through their music.
Pearl Jam debuted in 1991 and has since released numerous successful albums. As a solo artist, Vedder has also made his mark, particularly with the soundtrack for the film Into the Wild, for which he received a Golden Globe.
9. John Fogerty
Berkeley, California, singer-songwriter John Fogerty was the lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and principal songwriter of the rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). After the band’s dissolution in 1972, he embarked on a successful solo career that continues today.
Much like Bruce Springsteen, Fogerty’s music is characterized by a blend of rock and roll, country, and blues. Both artists often depict themes of working-class struggles and political commentary, connecting with a broad audience base.
With CCR, Fogerty produced numerous hit songs, including “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” and “Fortunate Son.” As a solo artist, he continued to enjoy success. His 1985 album Centerfield topped the Billboard 200 chart, with the title track becoming an anthem at baseball games across the United States.
10. Melissa Etheridge
Singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge is widely recognized for her powerful, raspy voice and passionate performances. Hailing from Leavenworth, Kansas, she has made significant contributions to the rock music scene since her self-titled debut album was released in 1988.
Her songwriting prowess has resulted in numerous hit songs, including
Ain’t It Heavy” and “Come to My Window.” Both of these have earned her Grammys for Best Rock Vocal Performance (female category).
Much like Bruce Springsteen, Etheridge has left a lasting impact on the music scene with her distinctive style, heartfelt lyrics, and openness about her personal life. Her contributions to rock music continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
11. Jackson Browne
With over 18 million albums sold, Jackson Browne has significantly impacted the music industry. Akin to Bruce Springsteen, Browne’s music delves deep into themes of love, loss, and the trials of life.
Over the years, Browne has written and performed some of the most moving songs in popular music. His notable singles include “The Pretender,” “Running on Empty,” and “Doctor My Eyes.”
In 2004, Browne was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the music industry. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007, further solidifying his status as one of the great songwriters of his time.
12. Chris Isaak
Penultimate on this list is Chris Isaak. With his signature fusion of rockabilly, country, pop, and surf rock, he has carved out a unique niche for himself in the music industry since 1985.
Much like Bruce Springsteen, Isaak’s music is characterized by its deeply personal and introspective nature. However, while Springsteen’s music is heavily influenced by rock and roll, Isaak’s sound is a nostalgic nod to the early days of rock.
Isaak’s breakthrough came in 1990 with the release of his hauntingly beautiful single “Wicked Game,” which became a global hit after being featured in the David Lynch film Wild at Heart. Other notable singles from Isaak include “Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing” and “Somebody’s Crying.”
13. Ryan Adams
We close this list with Ryan Adams. His prolific career, which began in 1990, has seen the release of 24 studio albums, three of which were released during his time as a member of the band Whiskeytown.
Adam’s notable works include singles such as “New York, New York,” which gained popularity after the September 11 attacks, “So Alive,” and his cover of Oasis’s “Wonderwall,” which has been praised for its emotive interpretation.
While Adams and Bruce Springsteen may have different musical styles, they share a common thread: their ability to create deeply personal music that tells compelling stories. Their contributions to the music industry have not only influenced countless other musicians but also provided a soundtrack to the lives of their many fans.
Summing Up Our List Of Artists Like To Bruce Springsteen
Discovering singers who share a similar style to Bruce Springsteen can be an exciting journey for music fans. From the rock-and-roll sounds of Tom Petty and Bryan Adams to the Americana vibes of Neil Young and John Mellencamp, there is no shortage of talented artists to explore.
We hope this article has been informative and enjoyable, shedding light on artists who share a musical kinship with The Boss. If you believe there are other singers who should be on this list, let us know! After all, music is a vast and diverse field, and there’s always more to discover.
