Original Bruce Springsteen Violinist Tzruya 'Suki' Lahav Dies at 74

The Israeli songwriter and poet was a key contributor to Springsteen's early albums and live shows.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the intricate, textured surface of a vintage violin, capturing the rich, luxurious materials and craftsmanship of the instrument in dramatic, high-contrast lighting.The haunting, evocative sound of Tzruya 'Suki' Lahav's violin lives on through her iconic recordings with Bruce Springsteen.Washington Today

Tzruya 'Suki' Lahav, an Israeli songwriter and poet who toured with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in the mid-1970s, has died at the age of 74 after a battle with cancer. Lahav is best remembered for her violin work on Springsteen classics like 'Jungleland' and her uncredited vocal contributions to songs like '4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)' and 'Incident on 57th Street'.

Why it matters

Lahav's time with Springsteen, though brief, left a lasting impact on his early sound and helped establish his reputation as a rising star in the 1970s. Her death marks the passing of an important figure in Springsteen's musical history and the Israeli music scene, where she went on to become an acclaimed songwriter and poet.

The details

Lahav played violin with Springsteen in concert for 38 shows prior to the 'Born to Run' album's release, beginning in October 1974 and ending in March 1975. She also sang uncredited vocals on two tracks from 'The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle'. After leaving Springsteen's band, Lahav and her then-husband, who was Springsteen's sound engineer, moved to Israel, where she went on to have a successful career as a songwriter and poet, writing for many prominent Israeli artists.

  • Lahav played violin with Springsteen in concert for 38 shows between October 1974 and March 1975.
  • Lahav died on Wednesday, April 2, 2026 in Jerusalem after a battle with cancer.

The players

Tzruya 'Suki' Lahav

An Israeli songwriter and poet who toured with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in the mid-1970s, contributing violin and vocals to several of Springsteen's early albums and live shows.

Bruce Springsteen

The iconic American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s, with Lahav contributing to some of his early acclaimed recordings and live performances.

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What they’re saying

“It's not the main thing in my life, but it's a part of me that will never fade.”

— Tzruya 'Suki' Lahav

The takeaway

Lahav's passing marks the end of an important chapter in Bruce Springsteen's early career, as her contributions as a violinist and vocalist helped shape the sound of some of his most beloved songs. Her subsequent success as a renowned songwriter and poet in Israel further cements her legacy as a multifaceted artist who left an indelible mark on the music world.