, and was closely associated with them. He was a member of
in 1971. He toured with
, helping him form the Asbury Jukes in 1974 and playing with the group; but he re-joined
in early 1975. This group went on to massive success, and
. In 1982, he organized
that year. He left
His work as
Little Steven found him taking an overt left-wing political stance; and in 1985 he organized Artists United Against Apartheid, recording the all-star Top 40 single "Sun City," which increased awareness about apartheid in South Africa and the fact that musicians appeared at the country's Sun City entertainment complex. In 1987, having shed
the Disciples of Soul, he released his third album,
Freedom, No Compromise.
Revolution followed in 1989. Though
Van Zandt was without a record contract during the 1990s, he produced other artists and was involved in soundtrack work. In 1995, he re-joined
the E Street Band for recordings and performances in connection with
Springsteen's Greatest Hits album. He turned to acting in 1998, taking a featured role in the successful television series The Sopranos. In 1999, he again re-joined
the E Street Band for its reunion tour, and he released a new album,
Born Again Savage.
–
William Ruhlmann & John Floyd, Rovi