POTSDAM -- During his time as a politics faculty member at SUNY Potsdam, Dr. John Massaro became known for his unconventional college courses -- even drawing national attention for his semester-long …
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POTSDAM -- During his time as a politics faculty member at SUNY Potsdam, Dr. John Massaro became known for his unconventional college courses -- even drawing national attention for his semester-long class exploring political themes in the music of Bruce Springsteen.
Now in retirement, the SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor hasn't slowed down. He just released a new book expounding on that theme, titled "Shades of Springsteen: Politics, Love, Sports, and Masculinity." Published by Rutgers University Press, the book is now available for sale at major retailers.
In this unique blend of memoir and musical analysis, Massaro reflects on his experiences as a lifelong fan of "The Boss" and as one of the first professors to design a college course on Springsteen's work. Focusing on five of the New Jersey rocker's main themes -- love, masculinity, sports, politics, and the power of music -- he shows how they are represented in Springsteen's lyrics and shares stories from his own life that powerfully resonate with those lyrics.
Massaro writes about politics and popular culture. A SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor, he is currently retired and living in Wells, Maine. His previous books include "Supremely Political: The Role of Ideology and Presidential Management in Unsuccessful Supreme Court Nominations," and "Deflated Dreams: Politics and Basketball."