Danny Federici

Danny Federici, keyboard player for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, died April 17, 2008 of melanoma. He is survived by his wife, Maya, his son Jason and his daughters, Harley and Madison.

Federici, known to legions of fans as Phantom Dan, played with Springsteen for 40 years, beginning in the New Jersey band Steel Mill in 1968. He also recorded with several other artists, including Graham Parker, the Bodeans, Garland Jeffreys, Gary U.S. Bonds, and Joan Armatrading.

Federici also made two solo jazz albums, Flemington and Out of a Dream. Often regarded as the heart of the E Street Band's sound, Danny Federici's distinctive work on organ, accordion and glockenspiel in classic E Street songs such as "Sandy," "Hungry Heart," "Racing in the Street," "independnece Day," "Fade Away" and on the most recent album, Magic, "Living in the Future" makes him an eternal presence in Springsteen's music in particular and rock & roll in general. He will be missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to aid melanoma research at their website, www.thedannyfedericimelanomafund.com. Services will be held privately under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information or to send condolences.