Danny Federici

Danny Federici, keyboardist and organ player with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band for 40 years, died yesterday afternoon after a three-year battle with melanoma. Federici was a key component of Springsteen's sound and a versatile performer, able to evoke tenderness in Springsteen's ballads and hardcore thumping in the Jerry Lee Lewis style for the Boss' rock & roll numbers. The E Street Band patterned their sound in the style of Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound," especially in the first half of Springsteen's career, and it is difficult to imagine the band without Federici and his contributions. A fantastic performer, Federici's musicianship will be sorely missed.

A more detailed outline of Federici's career, from UK music magazine Uncut, can be found here.

Of course, Springsteen's official site has posted a short tribute, which includes a video of Federici's last performance with the band on their current tour.

I don't know if this means the end of one of the greatest rock & roll bands on the planet, but it will certainly never be the same.