Bruce Springsteen Mourns Passing of 'Jungleland' Violinist Suki Lahav

The E Street Band member who contributed to Springsteen's breakthrough era died at age 74.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:45am

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An abstract close-up photograph of a shattered, glittering violin string against a dark background, conveying the loss of a musical icon through high-contrast lighting and textural detail.The passing of violinist Suki Lahav, a key collaborator with Bruce Springsteen in the 1970s, leaves a void in the musical legacy of the E Street Band.Los Angeles Today

Bruce Springsteen has paid tribute to Israeli-born musician Suki Lahav, who was briefly a member of The E Street Band in the mid-1970s and contributed the iconic violin work heard in the opening of his song 'Jungleland.' Springsteen called Lahav's voice 'angelic' and her violin playing 'beautiful' in his social media posts honoring her passing at age 74.

Why it matters

Lahav was an important early collaborator with Springsteen, helping to shape the signature sound of his breakthrough era in the mid-1970s. Her contributions to classic songs like 'Jungleland' cemented her place in Springsteen's musical legacy and the history of rock and roll.

The details

Lahav's violin work is heard in the opening of Springsteen's 'Jungleland,' one of the most acclaimed tracks on his 1975 album Born to Run. She also appeared on other early Springsteen songs like '4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy).' Springsteen praised Lahav's 'beauty and grace' during her time performing with the E Street Band in their early touring days.

  • Lahav was briefly a member of The E Street Band in the mid-1970s.
  • Lahav's violin work is featured on Springsteen's 1975 album Born to Run.

The players

Bruce Springsteen

An American singer-songwriter who is one of the most acclaimed and influential rock musicians of all time, known for his work with the E Street Band.

Suki Lahav

An Israeli-born musician who was briefly a member of The E Street Band in the mid-1970s and contributed the iconic violin work heard in the opening of Springsteen's song 'Jungleland.'

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What they’re saying

“Here on E Street, we're heartbroken over the passing of Suki Lahav. Her angelic voice shone on 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) and her beautiful violin brought great drama to the Jungleland intro. She also blessed our stage with her beauty and grace in our early touring days.”

— Bruce Springsteen

The takeaway

Suki Lahav's contributions to Bruce Springsteen's early musical legacy, particularly her iconic violin work on 'Jungleland,' cemented her place as an important collaborator who helped shape the sound of one of rock's most influential artists.