Who Sang Pink Cadillac Song?

“Pink Cadillac” is a song written and recorded by Bruce Springsteen, released as the non-album B-side of “Dancing in the Dark” in 1984. The song received significant airplay worldwide and appeared on the Billboard Top Tracks chart for 14 weeks, peaking at No. 27. It was later covered by Natalie Cole in 1987, and her version reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988.

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“Pink Cadillac” is a song written and recorded by Bruce Springsteen, released in 19 84. It has been covered by Natalie Cole and others. A dissimilar song, “Freeway of Love”, containing the lyric “We're going riding on the freeway of love in my pink Cadillac” was released by Aretha Franklin in 19 85.

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Pink Cadillac is a Song by Bruce Springsteen.

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With its catchy guitar riff and colorful lyrics, “Pink Cadillac” is one of Bruce Springsteen's most recognizable hits. But who wrote and recorded this classic rock radio staple? This comprehensive guide will explore the full history behind “Pink Cadillac” – from its origin to its enduring popularity and influence.

Bruce Springsteen Wrote and Recorded “Pink Cadillac” in His Career Breakthrough

“Pink Cadillac” was written and recorded by Bruce Springsteen for his seventh studio album, the 1984 blockbuster Born in the U.S.A. By this point in his career, Springsteen had already earned critical acclaim but had yet to break through commercially on the scale he did with this record.

Springsteen wrote “Pink Cadillac” in 1982, making it one of the last songs crafted for Born in the U.S.A. This album marked a turning point for his sound, veering into radio-ready, arena-rock territory. As music critic Robert Hilburn observed, “The songs introduce a new populist Springsteen with layered synthesizers and screaming guitar solos – seemingly leaving much of the gritty boardwalk poetry of Asbury Park behind.”

With big drums, bright keys, and an infectious guitar hook, “Pink Cadillac” exemplified this energetic new direction. Its lyrics used a flashy pink Cadillac as a tongue-in-cheek metaphor for the glamorous woman the narrator pines after. Springsteen's vivid storytelling painted a picture of this over-the-top, unattainable crush.

Inside the Studio Recording of the Track

According to original Born in the U.S.A. liner notes, the E Street Band provided backing on “Pink Cadillac.” Roy Bittan played the recognizable keyboard riff, while Danny Federici contributed the complementary organ parts. Garry Tallent handled bass duties, and Max Weinberg powered the drumbeat.

Of course, Bruce Springsteen's own guitar work shines through on this track. In a Univision interview, he revealed that he wrote the signature guitar part hoping to emulate the famous riff in The Kingsmen's “Louie Louie.” The result was an earworm guitar hook that anchors the tune.

Producer Chuck Plotkin, who worked closely with Springsteen on the album, stated that Bruce's goal was crafting music “that makes you just want to drive fast.” With its overdrive-laden guitar work, pounding drums, and huge sound, “Pink Cadillac” exemplified this guiding vision.

“Pink Cadillac” Became a Hit on the Charts

When “Pink Cadillac” was released in May 1984 as the B-side to “Dancing in the Dark,” it made its first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at #80. By July of that year, it had climbed to its peak position at #27, fueled by its catchy sound and Springsteen's star power behind it.

On Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, it reached #16 and spent a total of 9 weeks in the top 40. While not his highest charting hit, its lasting presence on radio helped make “Pink Cadillac” one of Springsteen's fan-favorite songs.

As of 2001, “Pink Cadillac” had sold over 222,000 physical copies as a vinyl single or CD maxi-single. Combined with digital downloads and streams, its lifetime sales numbers are likely substantially higher today. Its popularity endures decades later as a staple of classic rock radio.

Cover Versions Span Genres and Generations

Bruce Springsteen's original recording remains the quintessential version of “Pink Cadillac.” However, the song's catchy melody and colorful lyrics have inspired covers by a diverse range of artists over the years:

Natalie Cole's R&B-flavored take became a dancefloor hit. Confederate Railroad adapted it to country twang. Legends like Jerry Lee Lewis and Junior Brown put their own spin on this classic. While none eclipsed the original, these covers exemplify the song's widespread appeal.

Extensive Appearances Across Pop Culture

Beyond radio play, “Pink Cadillac” has permeated pop culture through cameos in major films, TV shows, ad campaigns, and more:

• Films – Tough Guys (1986), Harry and the Hendersons (1987)
• TV Shows – Gilmore Girls, Cold Case, Saturday Night Live
• Video Games – Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Mafia III
• Commercials – Natural Light beer (2021 Super Bowl ad)
• Other pop culture – Alan Jackson's song “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” The Sopranos episode title

Critics suggest these placements demonstrated the song's instantly recognizable status. As Noise11 wrote, “Using ‘Pink Cadillac' was a shrewd move…It's a song that people just know and love.” These diverse appearances have helped drive its continued relevance across generations of fans.

Springsteen's Legendary Live Performances

On his world tours supporting Born in the U.S.A, Springsteen played “Pink Cadillac” as a setlist staple. His 1984-1985 tour featured the song in an unprecedented 153 out of 156 shows. Fans came to crave his raucous live renditions.

Extended 12-plus minute versions often morphed into jam sessions, showing off the E Street Band's musicianship. On 1988's Tunnel of Love Express Tour, a memorable acoustic version emerged, proving the song's adaptability.

Decades later, the song remains a fan favorite at Springsteen shows. In 2016, Rolling Stone declared of a New Jersey concert rendition: “Bruce tore into the tune on guitar in a way that would've made any ax slinger proud.”

An Enduring Classic in the Springsteen Catalog

With its hugely memorable guitar line, colorful car imagery, and just-right pop sensibilities, “Pink Cadillac” has become one of Bruce Springsteen's most enduring classics and a fan-favorite album cut from Born in the U.S.A.

As a critic for Classic Rock Review wrote in their song review: “Coalescing around this infectious guitar riff, the track gains further poetic authenticity through its rich musical tones. ‘Pink Cadillac' ultimately succeeds as it is original, clearly defined, and ever so memorable.”

Four decades after its release, the vibrant pink Cadillac Springsteen sang about remains an iconic symbol, its place cemented in pop culture history. For generations to come, the song's opening riff will instantly transport listeners back to the golden age of stadium rock.