E Street Band Violinist Tzruya 'Suki' Lahav Dies at 74

Lahav toured and recorded with Bruce Springsteen's band in the 1970s, contributing to iconic songs like 'Jungleland'.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:52pm

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up of a violin bow reflecting bright stage lights, conveying the glamour and artistry of Suki Lahav's musical legacy.The haunting violin work of Suki Lahav helped shape the sound of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band during a pivotal period in the 1970s.Philadelphia Today

Tzruya 'Suki' Lahav, an Israeli violinist who performed with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band between 1973 and 1975, has died at the age of 74 from cancer. Lahav contributed to the band's albums The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle and Born to Run, including the iconic violin intro to 'Jungleland'.

Why it matters

Lahav's brief but impactful tenure with the E Street Band came during a pivotal period in Springsteen's career, as he was on the cusp of superstardom. Her violin work helped shape the sound of some of Springsteen's most acclaimed early albums and live performances.

The details

Lahav first crossed paths with Springsteen in 1972 when her husband, record engineer Louis Lahav, worked on Greetings From Asbury Park. She later contributed vocals to the sessions for The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle in 1973. In 1974, after the departures of drummer Ernest 'Boom' Carter and keyboardist David Sancious, Springsteen hired Lahav as the band's new violinist. She made her debut with the E Street Band on October 4, 1974 at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City and went on to perform on iconic songs like 'Jungleland' and 'I Want You' before leaving the group in March 1975.

  • Lahav first crossed paths with Springsteen in 1972.
  • She contributed vocals to The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle sessions in 1973.
  • Lahav joined the E Street Band as the new violinist in October 1974.
  • Her final concert with the band was on March 3, 1975 in Washington, D.C.
  • Lahav passed away from cancer on April 1, 2026 at the age of 74.

The players

Tzruya 'Suki' Lahav

An Israeli violinist who toured and recorded with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band between 1973 and 1975, contributing to iconic songs like 'Jungleland'.

Bruce Springsteen

The legendary singer-songwriter who led the E Street Band and worked with Lahav during a pivotal period in his career.

Louis Lahav

Suki Lahav's husband, a record engineer who first connected her with Springsteen in 1972.

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What they’re saying

“The music was incredible. The lyrics were so rich; some of the most beautiful lyrics didn't ever make it onto record. Everybody knew that he was going to be this big artist. But we were all poor. Bruce was poor. We were all just completely into this thing.”

— Suki Lahav

“What I took from him was the understanding that when you write songs for music, you can soar. Soar with the text. You don't have to stick to some limiting coherence; you can just soar.”

— Suki Lahav

The takeaway

Suki Lahav's brief but impactful tenure with the E Street Band left an indelible mark on some of Bruce Springsteen's most iconic early work, showcasing her talent as a violinist and the collaborative spirit that defined the band's early years.