Renegados / Renegades. Born in the USA

Renegades: Born in the USA is a captivating and beautifully illustrated book based on the Higher Ground podcast. In it, two legendary figures, President Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen share their heartfelt reflections on life, music, and love for America. The book features over 350 never-before-seen photographs from the personal collections of the authors as well as exclusive content and archival material. The compelling dialogue covers a wide range of topics, including the origins of the two men, defining moments in their respective careers, and the polarized politics of the United States. As outsiders, one Black and one White, Obama and Springsteen seek to connect their unconventional searches for meaning, identity, and community with the fabric of the American story itself. 

The book includes:

• Original introductions from both President Obama and Bruce Springsteen
• Conversations and stories that are not featured in the podcast
• Never-before-published annotated speeches by Barack Obama, including his iconic “Remarks at the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Marches”
• Bruce Springsteen’s handwritten lyrics for songs from throughout his 50-year-long career
• Exclusive photographs from the authors’ personal archives
• Historical photographs and documents that provide rich visual context for their conversation

Taking place in a recording studio filled with guitars and on at least one Corvette ride, Obama and Springsteen discuss issues such as marriage, fatherhood, race, masculinity, and the allure of the open road versus the call back home. They also delve into their favorite protest songs and the most inspiring American heroes of all time, among other things. Throughout their careers, they have both been passionate about telling a bigger, truer story about America, which has come at a cost. In the book, they explore how their fractured country might begin to find its way back towards unity and global leadership. Obama and Springsteen reveal their sincerest reflections on life, music, and love for America in this captivating and original dialogue.