The River (Live at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY - 09/22/79)

141K views · 5.1K reactions | Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and author of the new book, “Renegades: Born in the USA,” Bruce Springsteen, wraps his full-episode Late Show takeover with this solo performance of his song, “The River.” | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | Facebook

“The River” became a two-record set, crafted to feel “like life or an E Street Band show,” as Bruce said. On the upbeat rock of “Sherry Darling,” “Hungry Heart” and “I’m a Rocker,” the group fully came into its own as studio musicians. Meanwhile, ballads like “The River” and “Stolen Car” explored emotional terrain that would later inform "Nebraska" and "Tunnel of Love." Released 45 years ago tomorrow, "The River" still sounds like what Bruce was searching for: a record big enough to hold it all.