Happy National Boss Day… but don’t tell Bruce Springsteen
Today is National Boss Day, a day to celebrate the hardworking leaders who make our workplaces better. But there’s one boss you should definitely not mention on this day: Bruce Springsteen.
That’s because Springsteen has famously said that he hates his nickname, “The Boss.” The nickname was given to him early in his career, when he was responsible for collecting and distributing the band’s nightly pay. But Springsteen has said that he doesn’t like the nickname because it connotes authority and power, which are things he doesn’t want to be associated with.
In a 1980 interview, Springsteen said, “I hate being called ‘Boss.’ I just do. Always did from the beginning. I hate bosses. I hate being called the boss.”
Despite Springsteen’s dislike of the nickname, it has stuck with him throughout his career. It’s even been used as the title of several of his albums, including his 1984 blockbuster “Born in the U.S.A.”
So, if you’re thinking of wishing Bruce Springsteen a happy National Boss Day today, it’s probably best to think again. He’s much more likely to appreciate it if you call him by his real name.