Ongoing History of New Music Daily: The day The Ramones rejected a song gift from Bruce Springsteen.
True for false: Bruce Springsteen once wrote a song for the Ramones. That’s absolutely true.
When the Ramones played Springsteen’s home of Asbury Park, he really loved their energy. He went home and wrote “Hungry Heart” in just a few minutes. He and his band then cut a demo. After that was done, he rang up Johnny Ramone and offered him the song.
When Springsteen played him “Hungry Heart,” Johnny said, “Nah. You better keep that one.” Turns out that Johnny was 100% right. “Hungry Heart” ended up becoming a big hit for Springsteen when it was released in 1981.
But it makes you wonder what might have happened to the Ramones’ fortunes had they accepted that gift, right?
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