As the leader of the Pittsburgh-based Iron City Houserockers, Joe Grushecky hammered out four heartland rock albums in the late 1970s and early 1980s. These won over more critics than fans, so he became a special education teacher to support his family. Still, he maintained a close friendship with Bruce Springsteen, and in 1995, they teamed up for American Babylon. The two remain tight and play together at least once a year, but this album remains their greatest joint accomplishment.
Bruce Factor: Springsteen co-wrote "Homestead" and "Dark and Bloody Ground," served as producer and even hit the club circuit with Grushecky to promote the album.
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