Violinist on Bruce Springsteen's 'Born to Run' Dies at 74

Suki Lahav, whose violin work is heard on the iconic 'Jungleland' track, leaves behind a lasting legacy in Israeli music and literature.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:00pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the intricate, glittering grooves and scratches on the surface of a vintage vinyl record, conveying the timeless allure and craftsmanship of classic rock music.The textured grooves of a vintage vinyl record capture the enduring legacy of Suki Lahav's iconic violin work on Bruce Springsteen's 'Born to Run'.Asbury Park Today

Suki Lahav, an Israeli-born musician whose violin work is featured on Bruce Springsteen's iconic 'Jungleland' track from the 1975 album 'Born to Run', has died at the age of 74. Lahav's son, musician Yonatan Albalak, confirmed her passing in a Facebook post, describing her as a 'special woman' who 'wrote songs that touched people's hearts'.

Why it matters

Lahav was an integral part of Springsteen's breakthrough era, contributing to the early sound that helped cement his status as a rock icon. Her work on 'Jungleland' is considered one of the most memorable musical moments on the album, with her violin solo opening the epic track.

The details

Lahav came to America from Israel in 1971 with her husband, recording engineer Louis Lahav, who worked with Springsteen on his early albums. She began collaborating with The Boss in the mid-1970s and briefly joined The E Street Band. Her appearance on 'Jungleland' was her most notable contribution to Springsteen's music.

  • Lahav came to America from Israel in 1971.
  • Lahav began working with Bruce Springsteen in the mid-1970s.
  • Lahav's violin solo opens the 'Jungleland' track on Springsteen's 1975 album 'Born to Run'.
  • Lahav passed away on April 3, 2026 at the age of 74.

The players

Suki Lahav

An Israeli-born musician whose violin work is featured on Bruce Springsteen's iconic 'Jungleland' track from the 1975 album 'Born to Run'. She was a major figure in Israeli music and literature, leaving behind a lasting legacy as both a songwriter and poet.

Bruce Springsteen

An American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s, known for his iconic albums like 'Born to Run' which featured Lahav's violin work.

Yonatan Albalak

Suki Lahav's son, who is also a musician, and confirmed her passing in a Facebook post.

Louis Lahav

Suki Lahav's husband, who was a recording engineer and worked with Springsteen on his early albums.

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What they’re saying

“She wrote songs that touched people's hearts. She was a special woman, smart, pure in heart and loving life. She was the best mom I could ever ask for.”

— Yonatan Albalak, Suki Lahav's son

“Lahav went on to become a major figure in Israeli music and literature, leaving behind a lasting legacy as both a songwriter and poet.”

— The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music

The takeaway

Suki Lahav's passing marks the end of an era, as her iconic violin work on Bruce Springsteen's 'Jungleland' helped define the sound of one of rock music's most celebrated albums. Her legacy as a songwriter and poet in Israel will also ensure that her impact on music and culture extends far beyond her collaboration with The Boss.