E Street Rocker Danny Federici Is Dead at 58

Longtime Bruce Springsteen keyboardist Danny Federici died yesterday at the age of 58 in New York after a three-year battle with melanoma. As a member of the Boss’ E Street Band, he performed on hit records for decades and helped bring Springsteen into the spotlight after jamming in New Jersey in the 1960s. “We grew up together,” Springsteen said in an online statement.

“He was the most wonderfully fluid keyboard player. I loved him very much,” Springsteen wrote. Along with notable performances on hits like “Hungry Heart” and “You’re Missing,” Federici released two solo albums of soft jazz. Of Springsteen, Federici once said: “I've had my ups and downs, and I've certainly given him a run for his money, and he’s always been there for me.” (More obituary stories.)