Danny Federici

Below is something I posted on backstreets.com this morning that I wanted to share:

I am very sad this morning like most of us here, Danny was a kind soul, a fantastic musician and someone who battled his demons for years and came out on the winning side. Danny played organ and piano on my second record "The Snow, The Rain & Yesterday" which was recorded in one day in New York City in 1992. We may have rehearsed a few times before the all day recording session but I can't remember now. I had met him while working for Barry Bell in the late '80s/early '90s and he was looking for projects after Bruce and the band took a break.

The one thing I do remember is how he made us feel: like we had every right to be in the studio with him. We were a young band with only one indy release out the prior year but Danny came in and treated us like equals. We then went on to play shows together as he became a part-time member of Stone Caravan. After the first show we did together in Greenwich Village at the old Rock and Roll Cafe, Danny told us "I like you guys, you play for all the right reasons". I have never forgotten that line and have repeated that story over the years. I also remember he was so soaked with sweat after that show that even his socks were soaked! These were my sister's black socks that she let Danny borrowed as he had forgotten to pack socks for the gig!

Danny then joined us for shows at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ (both with Southside & The Jukes) and Images in Pearl River, NY. There were a few more shows but I can't remember where at the moment. I just remember always enjoying his company, hearing his stories and trying to learn as much as possible from him.

One particular walk I remember was around the town of Poughkeepsie before our show and he really opened up to myself and the band and told of his personal struggles and how Bruce always stood by him trying to help and sometimes with "tough love". It's good to have friends like that.

Danny moved to California, we almost bought one of his B-3 Organs as he was selling some of his gear before he moved, and we didn't get a chance to play together again as a band but I would see him over the years at shows. I was the happiest for him when Bruce put the band back together again as I felt, especially after having him as a bandmate, that Danny's sound was very much the E Street Sound that people love. The swirling organ, the happy yet melancholy accordion. The quiet man in the corner. God bless you Danny. You will be missed.

Best,
Joe D'Urso