Cover Me

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as the Zoo Crew spins "Cover Me" by Bruce Springsteen from his iconic album Born in the U.S.A.! Did you know this track was originally written for disco queen Donna Summer? Springsteen, a huge fan of her work, crafted "Cover Me" at the request of his manager Jon Landau’s friend David Geffen, who wanted a hit for Summer’s new deal with Geffen Records. But Landau heard pure gold and convinced Bruce to keep it for himself, believing it had serious hit potential. Springsteen, not entirely sold on the song at first, still recorded it on January 25, 1982, at The Hit Factory in New York City during sessions for Gary U.S. Bonds’ album. He later wrote another tune, "Protection," for Summer to make good on the original plan. Talk about a boss move!

Another cool tidbit: "Cover Me" got a wild makeover with Arthur Baker’s 12-inch "Undercover Mix," released on October 15, 1984. This remix threw in a fresh bass line, reggae and dub vibes, and even restored an unused backing vocal by Jocelyn Brown. It climbed to number 11 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Disco chart, though some hardcore Springsteen fans weren’t thrilled with the clubby transformation. On the Born in the U.S.A. tour, the song became a live staple, often kicking off the second set with a dramatic intro featuring new E Street Band member Patti Scialfa wailing a snippet of Martha & the Vandellas’ "Nowhere to Run." Springsteen himself would echo “Cuh… vuh… me-ee-ee” before tearing into killer guitar riffs with Nils Lofgren. The track’s live energy was captured on the 1986 album Live 1975–85, and it’s been a semi-regular in setlists ever since, especially when Bruce and the E Street Band played the full Born in the U.S.A. album live in 2009.

Now, let’s rewind to how Bruce Springsteen, the man known as "The Boss," got his start. Born September 23, 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey, Bruce grew up in Freehold, a working-class town where his dad, Douglas, was a bus driver, and his mom, Adele, worked as a legal secretary. Raised Catholic with two sisters, Bruce’s rebellious streak led him to the Jersey Shore’s vibrant music scene. At seven, he saw Elvis Presley on The Ed Sullivan Show and was hooked. By 13, he bought his first guitar for $18, and at 16, his mom took out a loan to get him a $60 Kent guitar. In 1965, he joined The Castiles as lead guitarist, later becoming their singer. The band recorded two original songs in a Brick Township studio, laying the foundation for his career. His poetic lyrics, rooted in the struggles of everyday Americans, and his high-energy performances with the E Street Band would soon make him a legend.

Springsteen’s big break came with his 1973 debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., but it was his third record, Born to Run (1975), that launched him into stardom, landing him on the covers of Time and Newsweek the same week. His heartland rock sound, blending pop hooks with stories of New Jersey life, resonated worldwide. By the time Born in the U.S.A. dropped in 1984, Bruce was a global superstar, selling over 30 million copies of the album. Today, with over 150 million records sold, he’s one of the best-selling artists ever, with 20 Grammys, an Oscar, and a Special Tony Award to his name. Catch up with The Boss on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

For you Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough, dive into the fan community! Check out Backstreets, a legendary fan magazine and website with news and tour updates. You can also join the Bruce Springsteen Wiki on Fandom for deep dives into his discography. On Facebook, groups like Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band Fan Group are buzzing with fans sharing concert stories and rare photos. Whether you’re grooving to "Cover Me" or chasing the Springsteen legacy, the Zoo Crew’s got you covered!