LEARNING PROCESS Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 BillboardDanny Federici, the longtime keyboard player for Bruce Springsteen whose stylish work helped define the E Street Band's sound on hits from "Hungry Heart" through "The Rising," died last night (April 17). He was 58.Federici, who had battled melanoma for three years, died at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He last performed with Springsteen and the band last month, appearing during portions of a March 20 show in Indianapolis."Danny and I worked together for 40 years — he was the most wonderfully fluid keyboard player and a pure natural musician. I loved him very much ... we grew up together," Springsteen said in a statement posted on his Web site.Springsteen concerts scheduled for tonight in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and tomorrow in Orlando were postponed.Federici was born in Flemington, N.J., a long car ride from the Jersey shore haunts where he first met kindred musical spirit Springsteen in the late 1960s. The pair often jammed at the Upstage Club in Asbury Park, N.J., a now-defunct after-hours club that hosted the best musicians in the state. It was Federici, along with original E Street Band drummer Vini Lopez, who first invited Springsteen to join their band.By 1969, the self-effacing Federici -- often introduced in concert by Springsteen as "Phantom Dan" -- was playing with the Boss in a band called Child. Over the years, Federici joined his friend in acclaimed shore bands Steel Mill, Dr. Zoom and the Sonic Boom and the Bruce Springsteen Band.Federici became a stalwart in the E Street Band as Springsteen rocketed from the boardwalk to international stardom. Springsteen split from the E Streeters in the late '80s, but they reunited for a hugely successful tour in 1999.Federici played accordion on the wistful "4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)" from Springsteen's second album, and his organ solo was a highlight of Springsteen's first top 10 hit, "Hungry Heart." His organ coda on the 9/11-inspired Springsteen song "You're Missing" provided one of the more heart-wrenching moments on "The Rising" in 2002.In a band with larger-than-life characters such as saxophonist Clarence Clemons and bandana-wrapped guitarist "Little" Steven Van Zandt, Federici was content to play in his familiar position to the side of the stage. But his playing was as vital to Springsteen's live show as any instrument in the band.Federici released a pair of solo albums that veered from the E Street sound and into soft jazz. Bandmates Nils Lofgren on guitar and Garry Tallent on bass joined Federici on his 1997 debut, "Flemington." In 2005, Federici released its follow-up, "Out of a Dream."Federici had taken a leave of absence during the band's tour in November 2007 to pursue treatment for melanoma, and was temporarily replaced by veteran musician Charles Giordano.At the time, Springsteen described Federici as "one of the pillars of our sound and has played beside me as a great friend for more than 40 years. We all eagerly await his healthy and speedy return."Besides his work with Springsteen, Federici played on albums by an impressive roster of other artists: Van Zandt, Joan Armatrading, Graham Parker, Gary U.S. Bonds and Garland Jeffreys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IzzyRocks Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 That's so sad Rip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zint Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 Oh my god!shocking!....so sadR.I.P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Streetchild Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 Damn, he was still young. Such a shame.R.I.P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lithium Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 What a shame. RIP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
worldwideboss Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 I knew he was battling this illness, but I didn't expect this. A very sad day for Bruce, the E Streeters and all the fans that were blessed with Danny's 5-star performances for more than 3 decades.May your soul rest in peace."Everything is everythingBut you're missing" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Death Star Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 R.I.P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shuffle Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 R.I.P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyDeeds Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 I bought my folks tickets to Bruce and the E Street Band for next week. I wonder if they'll come back saying there was a little tribute to him during the show. Excellent musicians in the E Street Band, and, though they are not my cup of tea, I know he will be missed by millions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.