Rocker Bruce Springsteen [ tickets ]--who, until 2004, had never publicly endorsed a presidential candidate--has thrown his support behind Democratic contender Barack Obama.

"Senator Obama, in my view, is head and shoulders above the rest," Springsteen wrote in a message posted at his website. "He has the depth, the reflectiveness, and the resilience to be our next President. He speaks to the America I've envisioned in my music for the past 35 years, a generous nation with a citizenry willing to tackle nuanced and complex problems, a country that's interested in its collective destiny and in the potential of its gathered spirit. ...

"After the terrible damage done over the past eight years, a great American reclamation project needs to be undertaken. I believe that Senator Obama is the best candidate to lead that project and to lead us into the 21st Century with a renewed sense of moral purpose and of ourselves as Americans.

"Over here on E Street, we're proud to support Obama for President."

Despite his popularity, Springsteen's endorsements don't necessarily translate into political victory. In 2004, he publicly backed Sen. John Kerry.