I have never been a Springsteen fan despite the fact that he came to the fore of Rock music during my HS & college years. I just didn't like the 'sound'.
That said, it was unique. And I would never say that he 'lacked talent'.
Okay.
I remember the first time I ever heard of Bruce Springsteen. It was because he had accomplished a first in public relations/marketing by having his photo appear on the cover of Time and Newsweek magazine in the same week.
Bruce Springsteen releases Born to Run, makes the covers of Newsweek and Time, October 27, 1975