The world lost a musical matriarch on January 31, 2024, as Adele Springsteen, the mother of legendary singer and songwriter Bruce Springsteen, passed away at the age of 98. As we commemorate her life, let’s delve into her significant role in shaping the career of one of rock music’s greatest icons.
Adele Springsteen Obituary
Adele Springsteen was not just the mother of Bruce Springsteen; she was a crucial figure in his musical journey. According to sources, Adele nurtured her son’s budding talent by renting him his first guitar at the tender age of 7. This small act of support laid the foundation for Bruce Springsteen’s illustrious career.
The mother of Bruce Springsteen Passed Away
The news of Adele Springsteen’s passing comes after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The disease, which she fought for more than a decade, took a toll on her health. Bruce Springsteen shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, leaving fans around the world grieving the loss of a remarkable woman.
A Legal Secretary and Support System
Apart from being a supportive mother, Adele also served as Bruce’s legal secretary, showcasing her commitment to her son’s success.
Despite facing the challenges of raising a young working-class family in Freehold, N.J., Adele’s unwavering support became a pillar for the Springsteen family. Douglas Springsteen, Adele’s husband, struggled with mental illness and inconsistent employment, but Adele’s determination kept the family together.
In his memoir, “Born to Run,” Bruce Springsteen acknowledged his mother’s resilience, stating, “She willed we would be a family and we were.”
A Dance Through the Ages
Adele’s influence extended beyond her son’s music; she played a pivotal role in introducing Bruce to the joy of dance and lively tunes. During his Broadway show, “Springsteen on Broadway,” Bruce shared heartfelt memories of his mother dancing to 1940s swing music.
Even in the face of Alzheimer’s disease, Adele’s spirit remained vibrant, exemplifying the power of music and dance in the human experience.
“She’s 10 years into Alzheimer’s,” Bruce revealed during the show. “She can’t speak. She can’t stand. But when she sees me, there’s a smile.”
A Life Well-Lived
Born Adele Zerilli on May 4, 1925, in Brooklyn, Adele Springsteen’s life was a testament to resilience and positivity. Despite the hardships she faced, Adele created a sense of stability for her family. Her high-spirited ethos became a through line in her life, providing strength to those around her.
In a 1987 interview with The Miami Herald, Bruce Springsteen praised his mother’s consistency, steadiness, and energy. “The consistency, the steadiness, day after day — that’s her. She created a sense of stability in the family so that we never felt threatened through all the hard times.”
A Farewell Dance
As we bid farewell to Adele Springsteen, Bruce Springsteen shared a poignant video on Instagram. The clip captures Adele, in her old age, dancing to Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood.” Accompanying the video is an excerpt from Bruce’s 1998 song dedicated to his mother, “The Wish.”
“I’m older, but you’ll know me in a glance,” the caption reads. “We’ll find us a little rock ’n’ roll bar and go out and dance.”
Conclusion
Adele Springsteen’s passing leaves a void in the music world, but her legacy lives on through the enduring impact she had on her son and the countless lives she touched.
As we reflect on her life, let us remember Adele as a symbol of strength, resilience, and the everlasting power of a mother’s love.