Ongoing History of New Music Daily: The day The Ramones rejected a song gift from Bruce Springsteen.

January 27, 2021 Alan Cross 1 Comment

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?

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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