The Born to Run cover photograph by Eric Meola

Eric Meola’s 1975 portrait of Bruce Springsteen and Clarence Clemons for the cover of Born To Run is one of the most important photographs we have ever offered. 

Here’s something you might not know. If someone were to ask you how many people appeared on the cover what would you say? Two, right? Bruce and Clarence, on a gatefold sleeve. Wait…it’s a trick question. It can’t be that obvious. Of course…when you look closer you see that Bruce is wearing an Elvis badge – so that makes three. Elvis is the third person. That’s the answer – three. Right? Wrong! There are actually five people on the sleeve photograph. The other two are right there on the front: one is leaning up against a lamp post while the other is looking out of a window. Where? On a small painting on the leather pick guard on Bruce’s guitar.

You can see this clearly on Eric Meola’s photograph. Available in a choice of two size options, this limited edition proved extremely popular with collectors worldwide, and sold out quickly when it was made available on the collectors market for the first time in 2006. 

Here we are nearly 20 years on from when the edition was first offered, and almost 50 years from when the photograph was taken in Eric’s studio in New York.

From time to time we are fortunate to be able to offer examples back on the market. At the time of writing we have a nice example of the smaller size (12 x 18 inch image) available. It is beautifully framed and ready to hang, and measures 23.5 inches x 28 inches framed size. 

Please get in touch if you are interested in acquiring this important photograph.