The Ivors Academy has named Bruce Springsteen as the latest recipient of its Fellowship, the organization’s highest honor.
This recognition marks a first for the Academy, as Springsteen becomes the first international songwriter to be awarded with this distinction in its 80-year history.
Springsteen, or “The Boss”, joins an elite group of songwriting legends who have received the Fellowship, including Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Bush CBE, Joan Armatrading CBE, and Sting, the 2023 recipient.
According to The Ivors Academy, Springsteen’s fellowship “recognizes his influence and impact on the craft of songwriting”.
The Ivors Academy is a trade body in the UK that works in the interests of British songwriters, in addition to hosting the annual Ivor Novello Awards.
The Ivors Academy has existed following a rebrand in 2019, but the body itself dates back to the 1940s, when the Composers Guild of Great Britain and the Songwriters Guild of Great Britain were established.
Along the way, these bodies were folded into the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) which then became the Ivors Academy. The Ivor Novello Awards (commonly known as The Ivors) have existed since 1956.
Springsteen’s recording career spans fifty years, beginning with 1973’s Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ and most recently in 2022 with Only the Strong Survive, his 21st studio album.
His accolades include 20 Grammy Awards, an Oscar, a Tony Award, inductions into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“I’m proud to be the first international songwriter to be recognized by The Ivors Academy. In addition to recognizing my songwriting, the award stands as a tribute to the fans and friends who have supported me and my work for the last fifty years,” Springsteen said.
“This entire country has made me feel welcome every step of the way, and for this, I will always remain deeply appreciative.”
“the award stands as a tribute to the fans and friends who have supported me and my work for the last fifty years. This entire country has made me feel welcome every step of the way, and for this, I will always remain deeply appreciative.”
Bruce Springsteen
Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy added: “There is no one more fitting than Bruce Springsteen to be the first international songwriter inducted into our Fellowship. Songwriters are powerful storytellers, who capture our lives, loves and hardships.
“Bruce has always told the greatest stories. The Fellowship marks the esteem in which he is held by all those who share his craft.”
“There is no one more fitting than Bruce Springsteen to be the first international songwriter inducted into our Fellowship… Bruce has always told the greatest stories. The Fellowship marks the esteem in which he is held by all those who share his craft.”
Tom Gray, The Ivors Academy
The Ivor Novello Awards, established in 1956, are judged by The Ivors Academy members.
Winning an Ivor Novello is considered a significant achievement in the music industry. Past winners include contemporary artists like Adele, Stormzy, Amy Winehouse, RAYE, Little Simz, Cathy Dennis, Annie Lennox, Dave and John Lennon.
Nominations for this year’s Ivor Novello Awards will be announced on April 23, with the ceremony taking place on May 23 at Grosvenor House in London.
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