View source for Steven Van Zandt

{{Short description|American musician and actor (born 1950)}}
{{Family name hatnote|[[Van Zandt#People|Van Zandt]]|Zandt|lang=Dutch}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Steven Van Zandt
| image             = Steven Van Zandt Springsteen-65 (cropped).jpg
| caption           = Van Zandt in 2025
| background        = solo_singer
| birth_name        = Steven Lento
| alias             = {{flatlist|
*Little Steven
*Miami Steve
}}
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1950|11|22}}
| birth_place       = [[Winthrop, Massachusetts]], U.S.
| origin            = [[Middletown Township, New Jersey]], U.S.
| instrument        = {{flatlist|
* Guitar
* vocals
}}<!--- If you think an instrument should be listed, a discussion to reach consensus is needed first per: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Infobox_musical_artist#instrument--->
| genre             = {{flatlist|
*[[Rock music|Rock]]
*[[heartland rock]]
}}
| occupation        = {{flatlist|
* Musician
* singer
* songwriter
* producer
* actor
}}
| years_active      = 1968–present
| spouse          = Maureen Santoro (m.1982)
| label             = {{flatlist|
*[[Columbia Records|Columbia]]
*[[Epic Records|Epic]]
*[[EMI America Records|EMI America]]
*[[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG]]
*[[Manhattan Records|Manhattan]]
*[[RCA Records|RCA]]
*[[Rhino Records|Rhino]]
*Renegade Nation
*Wicked Cool
}}
| current_member_of = [[E Street Band]]
| past_member_of    = [[Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes]]
| awards            = 2x [[SAG Award]] winner<br />[[Grammy]] nominee(2025)<br />[[Rutgers University]] Honorary 
[[Doctor of Fine Arts]] (2017) 
| website           = {{URL|littlesteven.com}}
}}

'''Steven Van Zandt''' (né '''Lento'''; born November 22, 1950), also known as '''Little Steven''' or '''Miami Steve''', is an American [[musician]] and [[actor]]. He is a member of [[Bruce Springsteen]]'s [[E Street Band]], in which he plays guitar and [[mandolin]]. He has appeared in several television drama series, including as [[Silvio Dante]] in ''[[The Sopranos]]'' (1999–2007) and as Frank Tagliano/Giovanni 'Johnny' Henriksen in ''[[Lilyhammer]]'' (2012–2014). Van Zandt has his own solo band called Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, intermittently active since the 1980s.

In 2014, Van Zandt was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] as a member of the E Street Band. Van Zandt has produced music, written songs, and had his own songs covered by Springsteen, [[Meat Loaf]], [[Darlene Love]], [[Ronnie Spector]],
[[Nancy Sinatra]], [[Pearl Jam]], [[Southside Johnny]], [[Artists United Against Apartheid]], and the [[Iron City Houserockers]], among others.

==Early life==
Van Zandt was born Steven Lento on November 22, 1950, in [[Winthrop, Massachusetts]], to Mary Henrietta Lento and Vince Borello, and raised in [[Watertown, Massachusetts]].<ref name="grauniad">{{cite web |last=Smith |first=David |date=26 June 2024 |title=Stevie Van Zandt: "My religion switched right over to rock 'n' roll" |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/jun/26/stevie-van-zandt-documentary |website=theguardian.com |publisher=Guardian Media Group}}</ref> He has [[Italian people|Italian]] ancestry; one grandfather was from [[Calabria]] and one grandmother's parents were from [[Naples]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Antonio Tricomi|url=http://napoli.repubblica.it/cronaca/2013/05/17/news/little_steven_io_springsteen_e_le_nostre_radici_italiane-58979801|title=Little Steven: "Io, Springsteen e le nostre radici italiane"|publisher=Napoli.repubblica.it|date=May 17, 2013|access-date=2013-12-16|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023061220/http://napoli.repubblica.it/cronaca/2013/05/17/news/little_steven_io_springsteen_e_le_nostre_radici_italiane-58979801/|archive-date=October 23, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> His mother remarried in 1957, and he took the last name of his stepfather, William Brewster Van Zandt. Actor [[Billy Van Zandt]] is Van Zandt's half-brother and actress [[Adrienne Barbeau]] is his ex-sister-in-law.<ref name="Billy IMDb">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0888345/bio|title=Billy Van Zandt|website=IMDb|access-date=May 1, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407020121/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0888345/bio|archive-date=April 7, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He also has a half-sister named Kathi, who is a writer.<ref name="Mary obituary"/> When he was seven, the family moved from Massachusetts to [[Middletown Township, New Jersey]].<ref>DeMasters, Karen. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/07/nyregion/pop-music-rocking-the-foundations-of-american-life.html "POP MUSIC; Rocking the Foundations Of American Life"]{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819061516/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/07/nyregion/pop-music-rocking-the-foundations-of-american-life.html |date=August 19, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', November 7, 1999. Accessed June 13, 2011."Mr. Van Zandt, who grew up in Middletown and now lives in Manhattan, was born into a Catholic family but grew up as a Baptist. He says he now accepts a mixture of many religions."</ref><ref name="Mary obituary">{{cite web|url=http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary.aspx?pid=157727506|title=Mary Van Zandt's Obituary by Star-Ledger|publisher=Obits.nj.com|access-date=2013-12-16|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023065107/http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary.aspx?pid=157727506|archive-date=October 23, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Van Zandt found his love for music at an early age, when he learned how to play the guitar. He watched the performances of [[The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show|the Beatles on ''The Ed Sullivan Show'']] and [[the Rolling Stones]] on ''[[Hollywood Palace]]'' in 1964, and referred to the former as "The Big Bang of Rock n' Roll".<ref>"[http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-779-770/show-775-the-big-bang.html Show 775 – The Big Bang] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326135703/http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-779-770/show-775-the-big-bang.html |date=March 26, 2017}}". ''[[Underground Garage|Little Steven's Underground Garage]]''. Underground Garage, February 7, 2017. Web. March 25, 2017.</ref><ref name="Brucebase">"[http://brucebase.wikidot.com/nogig:1964-06-13-private-residence-freehold-nj 1964-06-03]", Brucebase, March 16, 2017. Accessed March 26, 2025.</ref> He said that when he was 13, [[George Harrison]] was his favorite Beatle, and he later became friends with [[Paul McCartney]] and [[Ringo Starr]].<ref name="25 things">"[http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/steven-van-zandt-25-things-you-dont-know-about-me-20131512 Steven Van Zandt: 25 Things You Don't Know About Me] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419015222/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/steven-van-zandt-25-things-you-dont-know-about-me-20131512 |date=April 19, 2017}}", ''[[Us Weekly]]'', December 15, 2013. Accessed March 26, 2025.</ref>

Around August 1964, he formed his first band, the Whirlwinds, which was short-lived. He later formed the Mates in 1965 and joined the Shadows in May 1966.<ref name="Brucebase" /> Van Zandt has cited [[British Invasion]] bands such as [[the Dave Clark Five]], as well as [[Ravi Shankar]] and the culture of India, as early influences.<ref>"[https://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/the-dave-clark-five-and-beyond-watch-excerpt-a-signature-drum-sound/2095/ The Dave Clark Five And Beyond: A Signature Drum Sound] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020140015/https://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/the-dave-clark-five-and-beyond-watch-excerpt-a-signature-drum-sound/2095/ |date=October 20, 2017}}", ''[[Great Performances]]''. [[PBS]], April 8, 2014. Accessed March 25, 2017.</ref><ref>"[http://www.sify.com/news/ravi-shankar-influenced-me-musically-steven-van-zandt-news-others-pmstalaghabhe.html Ravi Shankar influenced me musically: Steven Van Zandt] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326225507/http://www.sify.com/news/ravi-shankar-influenced-me-musically-steven-van-zandt-news-others-pmstalaghabhe.html |date=March 26, 2017}}". ''[[Sify]]'', December 18, 2015. Accessed March 25, 2017.</ref>

Van Zandt attended [[Middletown High School North|Middletown High School]] in [[Middletown Township, New Jersey]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/755460951411941376|title=Stevie Van Zandt on Twitter|website=twitter.com|access-date=May 1, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417093135/https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/755460951411941376|archive-date=April 17, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> where he was expelled after refusing to cut his long hair. He later returned to school in 1968, largely to appease his mother.<ref>[http://brucebase.wikidot.com/gig:1965-07-00-clearwater-swim-club-atlantic-highlands-nj Clearwater Swim Club] ''Brucebase''. Brucebase, March 10, 2017. Web. March 25, 2017.</ref><ref>Heyboer, Kelly. [https://www.nj.com/education/2017/05/rutgers_commencement_steven_van_zandt_addresses_gr.html "Steven Van Zandt to Rutgers grads: 'Embrace your Jersey roots'"], NJ Advance Media for [[NJ.com]], May 18, 2017. Accessed September 30, 2018. "The actor and musician is a 1968 graduate of Middletown High School in Monmouth County, but never earned a college degree."</ref> As a teenager, he was involved in a car accident that caused him to smash his head through the windshield, leaving several scars on his head. To cover this up, he began wearing hats, and later, large bandanas, which has become his characteristic look.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-steve-van-zandt/|title=10 Things You Didn't Know About Steve Van Zandt|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=November 22, 2013 |access-date=May 1, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20161118104328/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-steve-van-zandt/|archive-date=November 18, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

==Career==
[[File:Little Steven Van Zandt and Bruce Springsteen.jpg|thumb|Van Zandt and [[Bruce Springsteen]] during the [[Working on a Dream Tour]] in [[Valladolid]], Spain, in August 2009]] 
Van Zandt grew up in the [[Jersey Shore]] music scene, and was an early friend of [[Bruce Springsteen]], before the formation of the [[E Street Band]]. The two first met when Springsteen was at the Hullabaloo club in [[Middletown, New Jersey]], and heard Van Zandt performing "[[Happy Together (song)|Happy Together]]" with the Shadows.<ref name="Born to Run">[[Bruce Springsteen|Springsteen, Bruce]]. ''[[Born to Run (autobiography)|Born to Run]]''. [[Simon & Schuster]], 2016.</ref> They performed together in bands such as [[Steel Mill]] and the Bruce Springsteen Band.<ref name="Steve Van Zandt Brucebase">"[http://brucebase.wikidot.com/relation:Steve-Van-Zandt Steve Van Zandt], Brucebase, February 4, 2017. Accessed March 26, 2025.</ref>

During the early 1970s, Van Zandt worked in road construction for two years before returning to show business.<ref name="Howard Stern Show">"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaC8W0FZABY Little Steven Visits the Howard Stern Show to Promote Lilyhammer 1/31/12] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407101744/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaC8W0FZABY |date=April 7, 2017 }}". ''[[YouTube]]''. YouTube, February 24, 2017. Web. March 25, 2017.</ref><ref>[[David Remnick|Remnick, David]]. "[https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/07/30/we-are-alive We Are Alive] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428023031/http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/07/30/we-are-alive |date=April 28, 2017 }}". ''[[The New Yorker]]''. [[Condé Nast]], July 30, 2012. Accessed March 26, 2025.</ref>

In 1973, he toured with [[The Dovells]]. The tour ended in [[Miami]] on December 31, 1974, with [[Dick Clark]]'s ''[[Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve|Good Old Rock 'n' Roll Show]]'' at the Deauville Star Theater.<ref>{{cite news |last1=RUSSELL |first1=Candice |title=Dick Clark's Good Old Rock 'n' Roll Show |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72577478/1974-12-27/ |access-date=March 5, 2021 |work=newspapers.com |agency=The Miami Herald |issue=36 |publisher=The Miami Herald |date=December 27, 1974}}</ref>

After returning to New Jersey, Van Zandt continued wearing Hawaiian shirts because he did not particularly like winter, which was how he got the nickname "Miami Steve".<ref>Greene, Andy. "[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/darlene-love-on-new-solo-lp-and-working-with-springsteen-steve-van-zandt-20150821 Darlene Love on New Solo LP and Working with Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925040830/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/darlene-love-on-new-solo-lp-and-working-with-springsteen-steve-van-zandt-20150821 |date=September 25, 2017 }}". ''[[Rolling Stone]]''. Rolling Stone, August 21, 2015. Web. March 25, 2017.</ref><ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPojZ57ELHw Full Interview: Steven Van Zandt] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407101528/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPojZ57ELHw |date=April 7, 2017 }}". ''[[Strombo]]''. [[YouTube]], March 1, 2012. Accessed March 25, 2017.</ref>

===Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes===
{{Further|Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes|The Miami Horns}}
He co-founded [[Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes]], in addition to [[The Miami Horns]],<ref>Stern, Kimberly Winter. "[http://www.435mag.com/September-2010/Trumpet-Soul-Man/ Trumpet Soul Man] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326135647/http://www.435mag.com/September-2010/Trumpet-Soul-Man/ |date=March 26, 2017 }}". ''435 Magazine''. Godengo, September 2010. Accessed March 25, 2017.</ref> who got their name from Van Zandt's nickname. Van Zandt helped establish the rhythm and blues oriented style of music that the band performed. He also produced Southside Johnny's first three albums. Van Zandt wrote the bulk of the group's music, contributing substantially to its success.<ref>Basham, Peter. ''Pocket Essentials Series: Bruce Springsteen''. Herts, GBR: Oldcastle Books, 200s. Proquest Ebrary. October 14, 2014.</ref>

===E Street Band===
{{Further|E Street Band}}
Van Zandt then started to switch between writing for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and touring with the E Street Band. He confirmed in an interview on ''[[The Howard Stern Show]]'' that he arranged the horns on "[[Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out]]" in 1975 when Springsteen was at a loss, earning him a spot in the [[E Street Band]] shortly thereafter.<ref name="Howard Stern Show" /><ref name="Goldmine">Prince, Patrick. "[http://www.goldminemag.com/articles/when-van-zandt-joined-springsteen%E2%80%99s-e-street-band When Steven Van Zandt joined Springsteen's E Street Band] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326230809/http://www.goldminemag.com/articles/when-van-zandt-joined-springsteen%E2%80%99s-e-street-band |date=March 26, 2017 }}". ''[[Goldmine (magazine)|Goldmine]]''. [[F+W Media]], July 30, 2010. Accessed March 26, 2017.</ref> In the ''[[Wings For Wheels]]'' documentary, Springsteen revealed that Van Zandt was partially responsible for the signature guitar line in "[[Born to Run (song)|Born to Run]]," described as "Arguably Steve's greatest contribution to my music."<ref name="Bruce Springsteen">"[http://brucespringsteen.net/band/steven-van-zandt Stevie Van Zandt] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326225602/http://brucespringsteen.net/band/steven-van-zandt |date=March 26, 2017 }}". ''[[Bruce Springsteen]]''. [[Sony Music Entertainment]], 2017. Web. March 26, 2017.</ref> Ultimately, Van Zandt officially joined the E Street Band on July 20, 1975, during the first show of the [[Born to Run tours|Born to Run Tour]].<ref name="Steve Van Zandt Brucebase" /><ref name="Goldmine" />

In those early years, Van Zandt supplied a great deal of the lead guitar work for the band in concert, as can be seen on the 1975 concert DVD within ''[[Born to Run 30th Anniversary Edition]]'' (later released as the CD ''[[Hammersmith Odeon London '75]]'').<ref name="Howard Stern Show" /> In 1984, Van Zandt left the E Street Band.<ref name="Nils Lofgren Years">Levy, Piet. "[http://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/02/29/years-by-springsteens-side-a-gift-for-guitarist-nils-lofgren/84860924/ Years by Springsteen's side a gift for guitarist Nils Lofgren] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327075951/http://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/02/29/years-by-springsteens-side-a-gift-for-guitarist-nils-lofgren/84860924/ |date=March 27, 2017 }}". ''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]''. [[Gannett Company|Gannett Company, Inc.]], February 29, 2016. Web. March 26, 2017.</ref> He originally joined to see Springsteen rise in success, and once the band rose to that success he left.<ref>Siegler, Bonnie. "Fame & Fortune: Steven Van Zandt (Page 1 of 2)." Fame & Fortune: Steven Van Zandt (Page 1 of 2). Satellite, n.d. Web. October 15, 2014.</ref><ref name="People">Russell, Lisa. "[http://people.com/archive/little-steven-van-zandt-says-goodbye-to-the-boss-vol-22-no-11/ Little Steven (van Zandt) Says Goodbye to the Boss] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327075755/http://people.com/archive/little-steven-van-zandt-says-goodbye-to-the-boss-vol-22-no-11/ |date=March 27, 2017 }}". ''[[People (magazine)|People]]''. [[Time Inc.]], September 10, 1984. Accessed March 26, 2017.</ref> Despite leaving the band, he appeared as a special guest at some concerts on the [[Born in the U.S.A. Tour]] and appeared in a couple of videos, including "[[Glory Days (Bruce Springsteen song)|Glory Days]]".

Van Zandt later returned to the E Street Band when it was reformed (briefly in 1995, and on an ongoing basis since 1999) and remains a member. By this time, his guitar playing had mostly been reduced to a background rhythm role, due to [[Nils Lofgren]]'s position in the band and his capability as a lead guitarist.<ref name="Nils Lofgren Years" /> In addition, Springsteen had begun taking many more guitar solos as his music became more guitar-centered.<ref name="Howard Stern Show" /> Van Zandt said on the ''Howard Stern Show'' that he is okay with being second in command, especially since he has been in charge before with his solo music and his role in ''Lilyhammer''.<ref name="Howard Stern Show" /><ref>"[https://www.howardstern.com/show/2012/1/31/little-steven-doesnt-mind-being-2-RundownGalleryModel-1104/ Little Steven Doesn't Mind Being #2] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326230738/https://www.howardstern.com/show/2012/1/31/little-steven-doesnt-mind-being-2-RundownGalleryModel-1104/ |date=March 26, 2017 }}". ''[[Howard Stern Show]]''. The Howard Stern Production Company, Inc., January 31, 2012. Accessed March 26, 2017.</ref>

Among E Street Band members, Van Zandt often had the second-most "face time" in concert after [[Clarence Clemons]], frequently mugging and posing for the audience and sometimes delivering his unpolished, nasal backing vocals while sharing a microphone with Springsteen. His playing or singing is most prominently featured on the songs "[[Glory Days (Bruce Springsteen song)|Glory Days]]", "Two Hearts", "Long Walk Home", which featured a Van Zandt outro vocal solo during live performances<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ssEX9HmxqI Springsteen – Long Walk Home – The Spectrum October 13, 2009 – Entire Song] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407104029/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ssEX9HmxqI |date=April 7, 2017 }}". ''[[YouTube]]''. YouTube, October 29, 2009. Web. March 26, 2017.</ref> "[[Land of Hope and Dreams]]", "[[Badlands (Bruce Springsteen song)|Badlands]]", "Ramrod", and "Murder Incorporated", among others like the live versions of "[[Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)|Rosalita]]". He often trades vocals with Springsteen in live versions of "Prove It All Night". He features prominently in the video for "Glory Days", sharing the spotlight with Springsteen during the choruses, while swapping lines with him during the (non)fade, and in live versions he does the same.<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vQpW9XRiyM Bruce Springsteen – Glory Days (Official Video)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321143018/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vQpW9XRiyM |date=March 21, 2017 }}". ''[[Vevo|Bruce Springsteen Vevo]]''. [[YouTube]], October 3, 2009. Accessed March 26, 2017.</ref> During the E Street Band's performance at the [[Super Bowl]] in 2009, Van Zandt was the most prominently featured member of the band, playing a guitar solo on the final number of the set, "Glory Days," as well as sharing lead vocals and exchanging humorous banter with Springsteen.<ref>"[http://brucebase.wikidot.com/gig:2009-02-01+-+RAYMOND+JAMES+STADIUM%2C+TAMPA%2C+FL 2009-02-01 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL (Super Bowl XLIII)]". ''Brucebase''. Brucebase, March 14, 2015. Web. March 26, 2017.</ref><ref>Gamboa, Glenn. "[http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/super-bowl-halftime-shows-most-memorable-of-all-time-1.6834049 Super Bowl halftime shows: Most memorable of all time] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326232546/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/super-bowl-halftime-shows-most-memorable-of-all-time-1.6834049 |date=March 26, 2017 }}". ''[[Newsday]]''. Newsday, February 5, 2017. Accessed March 26, 2025.</ref><ref name="Super Bowl Rumors">Greene, Andy. "[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/van-zandt-on-springsteen-tour-super-bowl-rumors-and-how-garage-bands-can-blow-up-20090303 Van Zandt on Springsteen Tour, Super Bowl Rumors and How Garage Bands Can Blow Up] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925041225/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/van-zandt-on-springsteen-tour-super-bowl-rumors-and-how-garage-bands-can-blow-up-20090303 |date=September 25, 2017 }}". ''[[Rolling Stone]]''. March 3, 2009. Accessed March 26, 2017.</ref>

===Songwriter, arranger, producer===
Van Zandt became a songwriter and producer for fellow Jersey shore act [[Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes]] in 1974, penning their [[signature song]] "[[I Don't Want to Go Home]]", co-writing other songs for them with Springsteen, and producing their most-acclaimed record, ''[[Hearts of Stone (Asbury Jukes)|Hearts of Stone]]''.<ref name="Career Timeline 1970s">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20001014181307/http://littlesteven.com/career-timeline-70.html Career Timeline 1970s]". ''Little Steven Online''. [[Wayback Machine]]. Archived on October 14, 2000. Web. April 1, 2017.</ref> As such, Van Zandt became a key contributor to the [[Jersey Shore sound]]. He also produced two [[Gary U.S. Bonds]] albums.<ref name="Career Timeline 1980s" /> Van Zandt then went on to share production credits on the classic Springsteen albums ''[[The River (Bruce Springsteen album)|The River]]''<ref name="Career Timeline 1970s" /> and ''[[Born in the U.S.A.]]''<ref name="Career Timeline 1980s">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20060718062737/http://www.littlesteven.com/career-timeline-80-z.html Career Timeline 1980s]". ''Little Steven Online''. [[Wayback Machine]]. Archived on July 18, 2006. Web. April 1, 2016.</ref> The first Springsteen song he co-produced was "[[Hungry Heart]]."<ref name="Howard Stern Show" /> In 1989, [[Jackson Browne]] covered the 1983 Van Zandt composition "I Am A Patriot" on his ''[[World in Motion (album)|World in Motion]]'' album.<ref>Fricke, David. "[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/world-in-motion-19890713 World in Motion] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051814/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/world-in-motion-19890713 |date=December 22, 2017 }}". ''[[Rolling Stone]]''. July 13, 1989. Accessed April 1, 2017.</ref> Van Zandt has produced a number of other records, including an uncredited effort on the [[Iron City Houserockers]]' ''Have A Good Time (But Get Out Alive)''.<ref>Deming, Mark. "[
{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/have-a-good-time-but-get-out-alive-mw0000085786 |title=Have a Good Time but Get Out Alive - the Iron City Houserockers &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits &#124; AllMusic |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=2017-04-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402083221/http://www.allmusic.com/album/have-a-good-time-but-get-out-alive-mw0000085786 |archive-date=April 2, 2017 |df=mdy-all }} Have a Good Time But Get Out Alive]", ''[[AllMusic]]'', April 1, 2017.</ref> Less successful was his work on [[Lone Justice]]'s second album ''[[Shelter (Lone Justice album)|Shelter]]'', which was a career-ending flop for the Los Angeles [[cowpunk]] band.<ref>Chrispell, James. "[https://www.allmusic.com/album/shelter-mw0000190713 "Shelter – Lone Justice"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318073411/http://www.allmusic.com/album/shelter-mw0000190713 |date=March 18, 2013 }}", [[AllMusic]], 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref>

In 1989, Van Zandt wrote "While You Were Looking at Me" for [[Michael Monroe]]'s album ''[[Not Fakin' It]]'' and co-wrote video hits "Dead, Jail or Rock'n Roll" and "Smoke Screen". He was an arranger and backing vocalist for a few songs on the album.<ref>"[https://www.allmusic.com/album/not-fakin-it-mw0000201873 "Not Fakin' It – Michael Monroe"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118071737/http://www.allmusic.com/album/not-fakin-it-mw0000201873 |date=January 18, 2013 }}", [[AllMusic]], 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref> In 1992, he produced Austin, Texas-based [[Arc Angels]]' [[Arc Angels (album)|debut album]].<ref>Meredith, Bill. "[https://www.allmusic.com/album/arc-angels-mw0000275769 Arc Angels] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011045049/http://www.allmusic.com/album/arc-angels-mw0000275769 |date=October 11, 2016 }}". ''[[AllMusic]]''. RhythmOne, 2017. Web. April 1, 2017.</ref> In 1991 Van Zandt produced a successful album, ''Spirit of Love'', for Nigerian superstar and reggae icon, [[Majek Fashek]].<ref>Tarte, Bob. "[https://www.allmusic.com/album/spirit-of-love-mw0000675282 Spirit of Love] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402082745/http://www.allmusic.com/album/spirit-of-love-mw0000675282 |date=April 2, 2017 }}". ''[[AllMusic]]''. Accessed April 1, 2017.</ref> In 1992, he wrote and produced "[[All Alone on Christmas]]" for the soundtrack of the [[Chris Columbus (filmmaker)|Chris Columbus]] film ''[[Home Alone 2: Lost in New York]]'', which yielded singer [[Darlene Love]] her first hit since "A Fine, Fine Boy" from 1963, thirty-one years earlier.<ref>"[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104431/soundtrack?mode=desktop "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) – Soundtracks"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723142053/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104431/soundtrack?mode=desktop |date=July 23, 2015 }}", [[Internet Movie Database|IMDb, 1990–2014]]. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref>

In 1994, Van Zandt produced the eponymous debut album of the punk rock band [[Demolition 23]] which featured ex-[[Hanoi Rocks]] members [[Michael Monroe]] and [[Sami Yaffa]]. He co-wrote six songs for the album with Monroe and Jude Wilder.<ref>"[https://www.allmusic.com/album/demolition-23-mw0000887872 "Demolition 23 – Demolition 23"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022222555/http://www.allmusic.com/album/demolition-23-mw0000887872 |date=October 22, 2015 }}", [[AllMusic]], 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref> In 1995, Van Zandt aided [[Meat Loaf]] with the song "Amnesty Is Granted" off of his ''[[Welcome to the Neighbourhood (Meat Loaf album)|Welcome to the Neighborhood]]'' album.<ref>"[https://www.allmusic.com/album/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-mw0000645994 "Welcome to the Neighborhood – Meat Loaf"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212150104/http://www.allmusic.com/album/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-mw0000645994 |date=December 12, 2016 }}", [[AllMusic]], 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref> In 2004, he contributed the song "Baby Please Don't Go" to [[Nancy Sinatra]]'s [[Nancy Sinatra (album)|self-titled album]].<ref>"[https://www.allmusic.com/album/nancy-sinatra-mw0000395745 "Nancy Sinatra – Nancy Sinatra"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104214513/http://www.allmusic.com/album/nancy-sinatra-mw0000395745 |date=January 4, 2015 }}", [[AllMusic]], 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref>

===Solo artist===
[[File:Miami Steve Van Zandt 2 (51412969777).jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|Van Zandt performing at the [[Reading Festival]] in 1983]]
During the summer of 1981, [[EMI America|EMI-America]] approached Van Zandt with a record deal due to his success with the E Street Band, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and Gary U.S. Bonds. He began fronting an on-and-off group known as Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, while Springsteen was working on ''[[Nebraska (album)|Nebraska]]''. The band included [[Dino Danelli]] on drums, [[Jean Beauvoir]] on bass, and the Miami Horns. They made their live debut at the [[Peppermint Lounge]] on July 18, 1982. In October 1982, Van Zandt's debut album, ''[[Men Without Women (album)|Men Without Women]]'', was released. This album earned the most critical praise and [[Jay Cocks]] of [[Time Magazine|''TIME'' magazine]] dubbed it one of the ten best albums of the year.<ref>Saunders, Mike. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20001202182000/http://www.littlesteven.com/career-miami.html Miami Steve]". ''Little Steven Online''. [[Wayback Machine]]. Archived on December 2, 2000. Accessed April 1, 2017.</ref> He released four more solo albums, and has written that these albums are each elements in a five-part political concept cycle: the individual, the family, the state, the economy, and religion.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20001203004500/http://www.littlesteven.com/essays-mww.html Men Without Women Essay]". ''Little Steven Online''. [[Wayback Machine]]. Archived on December 3, 2000. Accessed April 1, 2017.</ref> These albums range from [[soul music]] to [[hard rock]] to [[world music]]. Van Zandt's second album, ''[[Voice of America (Little Steven album)|Voice of America]]'', did the best on the [[Billboard 200|U.S. albums chart]], although none of his albums were much of a commercial success.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}

After touring with the E Street Band during [[The River Tour]] in 1980–81, he started to realize and understand the perceptions of Americans held by people in other countries. He started to become interested in politics and, with ''Voice of America'', his music became explicitly political.<ref name="Howard Stern Show" /> One of the album's leading singles, "Solidarity", is a general statement of international common ground.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20001203031400/http://www.littlesteven.com/essays-voa.html Voice of America Essay]". ''Little Steven Online''. [[Wayback Machine]]. Archived on December 3, 2000. Accessed April 1, 2017.</ref> In April 1984, shortly before the release of ''Born in the U.S.A.'' and ''Voice of America'', Van Zandt left the E Street Band, but rejoined in 1999.<ref name="Billboard Biography">Ruhlmann, William and John Floyd. "[https://www.billboard.com/artist/307639/little-steven-disciples-soul/biography Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul Biography] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402100452/http://www.billboard.com/artist/307639/little-steven-disciples-soul/biography |date=April 2, 2017 }}", ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', April 1, 2017.</ref>

Continuing his involvement in issues of the day, in 1985 he created the music-industry activist group [[Artists United Against Apartheid]] as an action against the [[Sun City, North West|Sun City]] resort in [[South Africa]]. Forty-nine recording artists, including Springsteen, [[U2]], [[Bob Dylan]], [[Pete Townshend]], [[Joey Ramone]], [[Tom Petty]], [[Afrika Bambaataa]], and [[Run DMC]], collaborated on a song called "[[Sun City (song)|Sun City]]" in which they pledged to never perform at the resort.<ref>Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "[https://www.allmusic.com/album/sun-city-artists-united-against-apartheid-mw0000200232 "Sun City: Artists United Against Apartheid"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823131719/http://www.allmusic.com/album/sun-city-artists-united-against-apartheid-mw0000200232 |date=August 23, 2016 }}", [[AllMusic]], 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref> The song was modestly successful, and played a part in the broad international effort to bring attention to apartheid, which the South African government later ended.<ref>Solomon, Dan. "[https://archive.today/20150101010723/http://m.fastcocreate.com/3023454/steven-van-zandt-tells-the-story-of-sun-city-and-fighting-apartheid-in-south-africa "Steven Van Zandt Tells the Story of "Sun City" and Fighting Apartheid in South Africa"]", fastcocreate.com, December 13, 2013. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref> He produced the award-winning documentary ''The Making of Sun City'' and oversaw the production of the book, ''Sun City by Artists United Against Apartheid, the Struggle for Freedom in South Africa: The Making of the Record'', as well as the teaching guide.<ref name="Career Timeline 1980s" /><ref>"[http://africanactivist.msu.edu/document_metadata.php?objectid=32-130-F41 Sun City – An Anti-Apartheid Education Brochure (PDF)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402082833/http://africanactivist.msu.edu/document_metadata.php?objectid=32-130-F41 |date=April 2, 2017 }}". ''African Activist Archive''. Michigan State University. Accessed March 28, 2025.</ref>

In 1987, he released the album ''[[Freedom - No Compromise]]'', which continued the political messaging. Some U.S. appearances in that year as opening act for [[U2]]'s arena-and-stadium [[Joshua Tree Tour]] continued in the same vein, but were not well received by some audiences.<ref>Jonathan. "[http://u2station.com/tours/1987/09/september-20-1987---washington-district-of-columbia-usa---robert-f-kennedy-stadium.php U2 Joshua Tree Tour 3rd leg, North America] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101073336/http://u2station.com/tours/1987/09/september-20-1987---washington-district-of-columbia-usa---robert-f-kennedy-stadium.php |date=January 1, 2015 }}", U2 Station, 1997–2012. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref><ref>"[http://tours.atu2.com/opening/little-steven-the-disciples-of-soul U2 Concerts with Opening Act: Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20150101050005/http://tours.atu2.com/opening/little-steven-the-disciples-of-soul |date=January 1, 2015 }}", @U2. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref> Both the record and his concerts were popular in Europe.<ref>"[http://www.chartsurfer.de/artist/little-steven/vrne.html German Charts] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101073259/http://www.chartsurfer.de/artist/little-steven/vrne.html |date=January 1, 2015 }}", Chartsurfer.de, 2015. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref> He also performed at the "[[Nelson Mandela]] 70th Birthday Tribute" concert at [[Wembley Stadium]] in 1988.<ref name="Career Timeline 1980s" />

His fourth album, ''[[Revolution (Little Steven album)|Revolution]]'' (1989), attracted little attention. Later in 1989, Van Zandt recorded another album, ''Nobody Loves and Leaves Alive'' with his garage band The Lost Boys.<ref name=thatsanalbum>{{Cite tweet|user=StevieVanZandt|number=1233030695414571008|title=That's an album by The Lost Boys that I wrote and recorded in 1989 that has never been released. It has some of my favorite songs and will be released eventually when it can be properly promoted. We'll be putting everything else out this year in every format.|first=Stevie |last=Van Zandt|date=February 27, 2020}}</ref> Although the album remains unreleased, several tracks from it were heard on the ''Sopranos'' and ''Lilyhammer'' television shows: including "Nobody Loves and Leaves Alive", "Affection", and "Come for Me".<ref>Jeckell, Barry A. "[https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/79790/billboard-bits-j-swift-smiths-little-steven?mobile_redirection=false "Billboard Bits: J-Swift, Smiths, Little Steven"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705085817/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/79790/billboard-bits-j-swift-smiths-little-steven?mobile_redirection=false |date=July 5, 2015 }}", [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]], May 10, 2001. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref><ref>"[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0705226/soundtrack?ref_=tt_trv_snd&mode=desktop "The Sopranos" All Happy Families (TV Episode 2004) – Soundtracks"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716041312/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0705226/soundtrack?ref_=tt_trv_snd&mode=desktop |date=July 16, 2015 }}", [[Internet Movie Database|IMDb]], 1990–2015. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref><ref>"[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0705255/soundtrack?ref_=tt_trv_snd "The Sopranos" Irregular Around the Margins (TV Episode 2004) – Soundtracks] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716041310/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0705255/soundtrack?ref_=tt_trv_snd |date=July 16, 2015 }}", [[Internet Movie Database|IMDb]], 1990–2015. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref> "Affection" appeared on ''[[Music on The Sopranos#The Sopranos - Peppers and Eggs: Music From The HBO Series|The Sopranos: Peppers & Eggs (Music From the HBO Original Series)]]''.<ref>Ruhlman, William. "[https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-sopranos-peppers-eggs-music-from-the-hbo-original-series-mw0000586481 The Sopranos: Peppers & Eggs (Music From the HBO Original Series)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420073311/http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-sopranos-peppers-eggs-music-from-the-hbo-original-series-mw0000586481 |date=April 20, 2015 }}", [[AllMusic]], 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref>

Due to a loss of recording contract, his next album, ''[[Born Again Savage]]'', which was recorded in 1994, was not released until 1999.<ref name="Billboard Biography" /><ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20000823191838/http://www.littlesteven.com/essays-bas.html Born Again Savage Essay]". ''Little Steven Online''. [[Wayback Machine]]. Archived on August 23, 2000. Web. April 1, 2017.</ref> In 1995, Van Zandt wrote, produced, and sang "The Time of Your Life" for the soundtrack to the film ''[[Nine Months]]''. He also toured with [[Bon Jovi]] during the first European leg of their [[These Days Tour]].<ref name="Career Timeline 1990s">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20001202215800/http://www.littlesteven.com/career-timeline-90.html Career Timeline 1990s]". ''Little Steven Online''. [[Wayback Machine]]. Archived on December 2, 2000. Accessed April 1, 2017.</ref><ref>"[http://www.bonjovimuseum.com/main/oldmuseum/tours/id20.htm These Days (1995–1996)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815225836/http://www.bonjovimuseum.com/main/oldmuseum/tours/id20.htm |date=August 15, 2017 }}". ''The Bon Jovi Museum Tour Archive.'' The Bon Jovi Museum, Accessed March 28, 2025.</ref><ref>"{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20170402081607/http://www.bonjovi-archives.com/09_These_Days/Tour/19950523.html May 23, 1995]}}". ''These Days''. Bon Jovi Archives. Accessed March 18, 2017.</ref>

His song "Under The Gun" was covered by [[Carla Olson|Carla Olson & The Textones]] on their ''Detroit '85 Live & Unreleased'' album which was released in 2008.<ref>Deming, Mark. "[https://www.allmusic.com/album/detroit-85-live-and-unreleased-mw0000787052 "Detroit 85: Live and Unreleased – Carla Olson"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530024948/http://www.allmusic.com/album/detroit-85-live-and-unreleased-mw0000787052 |date=May 30, 2015 }}", [[AllMusic]], 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref> Another of his songs, "All I Needed Was You", appeared on the 2013 Carla Olson album ''Have Harmony, Will Travel''.<ref>Jurek, Tom. "[https://www.allmusic.com/album/have-harmony-will-travel-mw0002507336 "Have Harmony, Will Travel – Carla Olson"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529043453/http://www.allmusic.com/album/have-harmony-will-travel-mw0002507336 |date=May 29, 2015 }}", [[AllMusic]], 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref>

On April 29, 2013, Van Zandt performed a cover of [[Frank Sinatra]]'s "[[My Kind of Town]]" at a Springsteen concert in [[Oslo, Norway]], during the [[Wrecking Ball Tour]].<ref>Goldstein, Stan. "[http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2013/04/steve_van_zandt_provides_an_un.html Steve Van Zandt provides an unforgettable opening to Springsteen's Monday show in Oslo, Norway] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816132654/http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2013/04/steve_van_zandt_provides_an_un.html |date=August 16, 2016 }}". ''NJ.com''. New Jersey On-Line LLC, April 29, 2013. Web. March 18, 2017.</ref> Although the song was featured in the ''Lilyhammer'' season one episode "My Kind of Town,"<ref>"[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2089229/soundtrack?ref_=tt_trv_snd 'Lilyhammer' My Kind of Town (TV Episode 2012)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402082813/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2089229/soundtrack?ref_=tt_trv_snd |date=April 2, 2017 }}". ''[[IMDb]]''. IMDb.com, Inc., 1990–2017. Web. April 1, 2017.</ref> it was not released as a single until September 23, 2014, when it was "the Coolest Song in the World" on ''Underground Garage'' to help promote the show.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20150206215734/http://www.wickedcoolrecords.com/shop/music/digital-downloads/steven-van-zandt-frank-tagliano-sings-my-kind-of-town-digital-single.html Steven Van Zandt 'Frank Tagliano Sings! My Kind of Town']". ''Wicked Cool Records''. [[Wayback Machine]]. Archived February 6, 2014. Accessed April 1, 2017.</ref> It was released under the title "Frank Tagliano Sings! My Kind of Town" and the lyrics were changed to be about Lillehammer, Norway, instead of Chicago.<ref>"[https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Steven-Van-Zandt-2/Frank-Tagliano-Sings-My-Kind-of-Town Steven Van Zandt – Frank Tagliano Sings! My Kind of Town Lyrics] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402165611/https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Steven-Van-Zandt-2/Frank-Tagliano-Sings-My-Kind-of-Town |date=April 2, 2017 }}"</ref> Van Zandt performed the song on ''[[The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon]]'' on December 9, 2014, to help promote the series.<ref>"[https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6398439/steven-van-zandt-jimmy-fallon-frank-sinatra Watch Steven Van Zandt & Jimmy Fallon Perform Sinatra's 'My Kind of Town'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402100534/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6398439/steven-van-zandt-jimmy-fallon-frank-sinatra |date=April 2, 2017 }}". ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''. Billboard, December 10, 2014. Accessed April 1, 2017.</ref> He performed all the music for ''Lilyhammer'' from season 2 on<ref>Greene, Andy. "[https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/how-lilyhammer-changed-the-tv-world-20131205 How 'Lilyhammer' Changed the TV World] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929135129/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/how-lilyhammer-changed-the-tv-world-20131205 |date=September 29, 2017 }}". ''[[Rolling Stone]]''. December 5, 2013. Accessed April 1, 2017.</ref> and released ''Lilyhammer: The Score'' on December 16, 2014.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20141225042100/http://www.wickedcoolrecords.com/shop/music/digital-downloads/lilyhammer-the-score-3-volume-digital-box-set.html 'Lilyhammer: The Score', 3-volume digital box set]". ''Wicked Cool Records''. [[Wayback Machine]]. Archived December 25, 2014. Accessed April 1, 2017.</ref>

Van Zandt reformed his band, the Disciples of Soul, for the first time since 1990<ref>Jenkins, Jack. "[http://www.lntvglobal.com/gb/article/little-steven-the-disciples-of-soul-to-play-first-uk-show-since-1990/ Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul to play first UK show since 1990!] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501013555/http://www.lntvglobal.com/gb/article/little-steven-the-disciples-of-soul-to-play-first-uk-show-since-1990/ |date=May 1, 2018 }}" ''Live Nation TV''. [[Live Nation (events promoter)|Live Nation Worldwide, Inc.]], October 14, 2016. Web. April 1, 2017.</ref> to play their only European show of 2016 at [[The O2|the O2 Indigo Lounge]] in London for BluesFest on October 29, 2016.<ref>"[https://www.bluesfest.co.uk/lineup-tickets Lineup & Tickets] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403013950/https://www.bluesfest.co.uk/lineup-tickets |date=April 3, 2017 }}". ''BluesFest''. BluesFest, 2017. Web. April 1, 2017.</ref> The new Disciples included [[Richie Sambora]] and Marc Ribler on guitar, [[Eddie Manion]] on saxophone, Hook Herrara on harmonica, Leo Green on tenor sax, Richard Mecurio on drums, Jack Daley on bass, Andy Burton on B3 organ, [[Clifford Carter]] on piano, Danny Sadownick on percussion, Tommy Walsh and Matt Holland on trumpet, Neil Sidwell on trombone, George Millard on flute, and a women's section called the Divas of Soul (Julie Maguire, Sarah Carpenter and Jess Greenfield) on backing vocals. They played a series of Van Zandt's own solo songs, songs he wrote for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, a song he co-wrote for [[The Breakers (Danish band)|the Breakers]], cover songs, and "Goodbye", which he performed with the Lost Boys.<ref>Saunders, Mike. "[http://backstreets.com/newsarchive86.html Men With Women: The Triumphant Return of Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403013747/http://backstreets.com/newsarchive86.html |date=April 3, 2017 }}". ''[[Backstreets (magazine)|Backstreets]]''. November 2, 2016. Accessed April 1, 2017.</ref><ref>Deitch, Royston. "[http://backstreets.com/newsarchive85.html I'm Coming Back: Saturday's Disciples of Soul Set at the O2] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403013837/http://backstreets.com/newsarchive85.html |date=April 3, 2017 }}". ''[[Backstreets (magazine)|Backstreets]]''. Backstreets, October 30, 2016. Accessed April 1, 2017.</ref> His plans included a European tour during the summer of 2017 and a tour of the United States in the fall.<ref name="twitter.com">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/846131708147761153|title=Stevie Van Zandt on Twitter|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>"[http://littlesteven.com/index.php/tour-dates Tour Dates] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403013521/http://littlesteven.com/index.php/tour-dates |date=April 3, 2017 }}"</ref> Van Zandt insists that he is not leaving the E Street Band and he is only touring because the band is not on the road.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/790849012081524737|title=Stevie Van Zandt on Twitter|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref>

Van Zandt announced in November 2016 that he was in the process of remastering and reissuing his albums for a 2017 release,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/797861917796761600|title=Stevie Van Zandt on Twitter|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref> including the unreleased Lost Boys album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/790284103845236736|title=Stevie Van Zandt on Twitter|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/832837128404885504|title=Stevie Van Zandt on Twitter|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref> Additionally, Van Zandt has stated that he was planning on releasing a new cover album, including a cover of [[Etta James]]' "[[Let's Roll (album)|The Blues Is My Business]]",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENuMJpd7d5w&list=PL2a49HJ1PmQCgaG7iLeUUq5sbZXzFu3P2&index=7|title=Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul – Blues Is My Business (Etta James) – BluesFest 2016|last=Simon Vincent|date=October 31, 2016|access-date=May 1, 2018|via=YouTube|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202013920/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENuMJpd7d5w&list=PL2a49HJ1PmQCgaG7iLeUUq5sbZXzFu3P2&index=7|archive-date=February 2, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> as well as new recordings of songs Van Zandt wrote for others, including Southside Johnny, that he describes as "me covering me."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/828809590766571520|title=Stevie Van Zandt on Twitter|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/797507329948286980|title=Stevie Van Zandt on Twitter|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref> The album is a [[soul music|soul record]], composed of a 15-piece band including 5 horns and 3 singers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/820391977598513154|title=Stevie Van Zandt on Twitter|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref> Van Zandt revealed that Richie Mercurio plays drums on the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/835303901410676736|title=Stevie Van Zandt on Twitter|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref>
[[File:Steven Van Zandt (7479336458).jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Van Zandt onstage during the [[New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival]] in 2012]]
On February 9, 2017, Van Zandt released "Saint Valentine's Day," a cover of the song, "Saint Valentine's Day Massacre," that he originally wrote for the [[Cocktail Slippers]], as a single.<ref>Stavropoulos, Laura. "[http://www.udiscovermusic.com/new-releases/little-steven-van-zandt-rocks-on-new-single-saint-valentines-day 'Little Steven' Van Zandt Rocks on New Single 'Saint Valentine's Day'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403013833/http://www.udiscovermusic.com/new-releases/little-steven-van-zandt-rocks-on-new-single-saint-valentines-day |date=April 3, 2017 }}". ''uDiscoverMusic''. uDiscoverMusic, February 10, 2017. Web. March 18, 2017.</ref> The song was repeatedly played on the ''Underground Garage'' radio show.<ref>"[http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-779-770/show-776-the-st-valentine-s-day-massacre.html Show 776 – The St. Valentine's Day Massacre] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402170746/http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-779-770/show-776-the-st-valentine-s-day-massacre.html |date=April 2, 2017 }}". ''[[Underground Garage]]''. Underground Garage, February 14, 2017. Web. April 2, 2017.</ref><ref>"[http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-779-770/show-777-surf-s-up.html Show 777 – Surf's Up] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403013318/http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-779-770/show-777-surf-s-up.html |date=April 3, 2017 }}". ''[[Underground Garage]]''. Underground Garage, February 21, 2017. Web. April 2, 2017.</ref><ref>"[http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-779-770/show-778.html Show 778 – Walking Through My Dreams] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402170432/http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-779-770/show-778.html |date=April 2, 2017 }}". ''[[Underground Garage]]''. Underground Garage, February 28, 2017. Web. April 2, 2017.</ref><ref>"[http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-779-770/show-779-pop-quiz.html Show 779 – Pop Quiz] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402170406/http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-779-770/show-779-pop-quiz.html |date=April 2, 2017 }}". ''[[Underground Garage]]''. Underground Garage, March 7, 2017. Web. April 2, 2017.</ref><ref>"[http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-789-780/show-781-the-week-that-was.html Show 781 – The Week That Was] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402170658/http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-789-780/show-781-the-week-that-was.html |date=April 2, 2017 }}". ''[[Underground Garage]]''. Underground Garage, March 20, 2017.</ref><ref>"[http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-789-780/show-782-pirate-radio.html Show 782 – Pirate Radio] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402170748/http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-789-780/show-782-pirate-radio.html |date=April 2, 2017 }}". ''[[Underground Garage]]''. Underground Garage, March 27, 2017.</ref>

He debuted his new album at the annual Rock and Roll for Children event at the Fillmore Theater in [[Silver Spring, Maryland]], on March 18, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/841344098783121408|title=Stevie Van Zandt on Twitter|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>"[http://www.rockandrollforchildren.org/projects/ Concert] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402170551/http://www.rockandrollforchildren.org/projects/ |date=April 2, 2017 }}". ''Rock and Roll for Children''. Rock and Roll for Children Foundation, 2017. Web. April 2, 2017.</ref> Van Zandt debuted a [[doo-wop]] song called "The City Weeps Tonight," that was an outtake from ''Men Without Women''. At the end of the show, he covered "[[Johnny B. Goode|Bye Bye Johnny]]" as a tribute to the late [[Chuck Berry]]. According to ''[[Backstreets (magazine)|Backstreets]]'', Van Zandt's new album was going to be called ''Soulfire'', titled after the song he co-wrote for the Breakers.<ref>Poole, Shawn. "[https://www.backstreets.com/news.html Disciples of Soulfire] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208074157/http://backstreets.com/news.html |date=February 8, 2009 }}". ''[[Backstreets (magazine)|Backstreets]]''. March 21, 2017. Accessed April 2, 2017.</ref> The album was officially released on May 19, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Soulfire-Little-Steven/dp/B06XZ8XT98|title=Soulfire|date=May 19, 2017|access-date=May 1, 2018|via=Amazon|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501013555/https://www.amazon.com/Soulfire-Little-Steven/dp/B06XZ8XT98|archive-date=May 1, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Van Zandt was selected as the commencement speaker and received an honorary degree from [[Rutgers University]] in May 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nj.com/education/2017/05/rutgers_commencement_steven_van_zandt_addresses_gr.html/ | title="Steven Van Zandt to Rutgers grads: 'Embrace your Jersey roots'" }}</ref>

Van Zandt released his first official live album, ''[[Soulfire Live!]]'', recorded with the Disciples of Soul during their 2017 tour of the same name, on April 27, 2018, via [[iTunes]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Soulfire Live! by Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/soulfire-live/1374550392|language=en-us|access-date=2019-12-12}}</ref> A 7 LP vinyl box set, CD, and two-disc Blu-ray video were released on February 15, 2019, via Wicked Cool Records/UMe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/02/13/little-steven-and-disciples-soul-soulfire-live-gets-vinyl-and-blu-ray-releases/2856767002/|title=Little Steven and Disciples of Soul: 'Soulfire Live!' gets vinyl and Blu-ray releases|last=Jordan|first=Chris|website=Asbury Park Press|language=en|access-date=2019-12-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/little-steven-soulfire-live-box-set/|title=Little Steven's Soulfire Live! Vinyl Box Set Out Now|last=Peacock|first=Tim|date=2019-02-15|website=uDiscover Music|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-12}}</ref> Consisting of the best performances from their North American and European concerts, the collection feature Little Steven and his 15-strong band taking you on a musical history lesson as they blast through an arsenal of songs spanning rock, pop, soul, blues, funk, doo-wop, reggae and everything in between. Of note, is a performance of "[[I Saw Her Standing There]]" recorded at The Roundhouse in London with a special appearance by [[Paul McCartney]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicnewsnet.com/2019/02/little-steven-and-the-disciples-of-souls-soulfire-live-vinyl-box-set-and-blu-ray-video-out-now.html|title=LITTLE STEVEN AND THE DISCIPLES OF SOUL'S SOULFIRE LIVE! VINYL BOX SET AND BLU-RAY VIDEO OUT NOW!|website=Music News Net}}</ref>

Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul recorded a cover of Elvis Presley's "[[Santa Claus Is Back in Town]]", featuring actor [[Kurt Russell]] on lead vocals, for the 2018 film ''[[The Christmas Chronicles]]''.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|last=Saunders|first=Mike|date=July 9, 2021|title=Disciples of Soul Interviews|url=https://www.backstreets.com/DOS1.html|access-date=2021-12-27|website=[[Backstreets Magazine]]}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite web|last=Daly|first=John|date=2018-11-26|title=Kurt Russell Sings The Blues as Santa Jailed with Little Steven in 'Christmas Chronicles'|url=https://californiarocker.com/2018/11/26/kurt-russell-sings-blues-santa-jailed-little-steven-christmas-chronicles-netflix/|access-date=2021-12-27|website=California Rocker|language=en-US|archive-date=December 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227211247/https://californiarocker.com/2018/11/26/kurt-russell-sings-blues-santa-jailed-little-steven-christmas-chronicles-netflix/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On March 8, 2019, Van Zandt announced the May 3, 2019, CD, digital and vinyl release of ''[[Summer of Sorcery]]'' via Wicked Cool/UME. It was written, arranged, and produced by him at his Renegade Studios in New York City and marks his first new album of original material in 20 years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicnewsnet.com/2019/03/little-steven-and-the-disciples-of-soul-reveal-first-new-album-of-original-material-in-20-years-summ.html|title=LITTLE STEVEN AND THE DISCIPLES OF SOUL REVEAL FIRST NEW ALBUM OF ORIGINAL MATERIAL IN 20 YEARS, SUMMER OF SORCERY|website=Music News Net}}</ref> A tour for the album began in May 2019, but was cancelled in September 2019 due to illness.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.littlesteven.com/on-tour|title=ON TOUR|website=Little Steven|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.littlesteven.com/on-tour|title=ON TOUR — Little Steven|date=2019-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416184106/https://www.littlesteven.com/on-tour|access-date=2019-12-12|archive-date=April 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/steven-van-zandt-cancels-tour-illness-889938/|title=Steven Van Zandt Cancels Tour Leg Due to Illness|last=Martoccio|first=Angie|date=2019-09-24|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-12}}</ref>

Van Zandt finally reissued his albums in the 7 LP and 4-CD box set, ''[[Rock N Roll Rebel: The Early Work]]'', released on December 6, 2019. Limited to 1,000 copies, it includes the first United States pressing of 1989's ''Revolution'', as well as the first vinyl release of ''Born Again Savage'', originally released in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://live365.com/blog/steven-van-zandt-preps-rocknroll-rebel-box-set/|title=Steven Van Zandt Preps 'RockNRoll Rebel' Box Set|date=2019-10-20|website=The World's Audio|language=en|access-date=2020-03-27}}</ref> The box set also includes rare outtakes and live performances. The Lost Boys album, however, remains unreleased. Van Zandt stated that the album contains his favorite songs that he recorded and wants to wait until the album can be "properly promoted."<ref name=thatsanalbum/><ref name=remastering>{{Cite tweet|number=1109531711392616448|title=Remastering everything for September. Except Lost Boys. For now.|last=Zandt|first=Stevie Van|date=2019-03-23|user=StevieVanZandt|language=en|access-date=2020-03-27}}</ref>

=== Actor ===
Until 1999, Van Zandt had no professional acting experience. His main focus had been music, whether it was the multiple bands he participated in, groups he composed pieces for, or music he wrote on his own. Then, he was asked to play a part in ''[[The Sopranos]]''. After, acting became part of Van Zandt's career.

====''The Sopranos''====
{{Further|The Sopranos}}
[[File:Silvio Dante (Tony Soprano's Family Captains).jpg|thumb|Van Zandt as [[Silvio Dante]] in ''[[The Sopranos]]'']]
In 1999, Van Zandt took one of the lead roles in ''[[The Sopranos]]'', playing level-headed but deadly mob ''[[consigliere]]'' and strip club owner [[Silvio Dante]]. The casting choice was made by series creator [[David Chase]], who invited Van Zandt to audition after seeing him induct [[The Rascals]] at the 1997 [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] and being impressed with his humorous appearance and presence.<ref name=casting>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/the-sopranos-david-chase-interview-oral-history-james-gandolfini-steven-van-zandt-lorraine-bracco-20-year-anniversary-1202532570/|title=David Chase & 'The Sopranos' Gang Look Back 20 Years Later: Part I|publisher=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=January 10, 2019}}</ref> Though Van Zandt had never acted before, he auditioned for the role of [[Tony Soprano]]. HBO felt that the role should go to an experienced actor, however, so Chase wrote a part especially for Van Zandt.<ref name="vanityfair">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2012/04/sopranos-oral-history |title=The Family Hour: An Oral History of ''The Sopranos'' |magazine=Vanity Fair |first=Sam |last=Kashner |date=April 2012 |access-date=December 6, 2013 |page=2}}</ref><ref name=casting/> Van Zandt eventually agreed to star on the show as Silvio Dante, and his real-life spouse Maureen (née Santoro) was cast as his on-screen wife [[Gabriella Dante|Gabriella]].<ref name="vanzandt1">
{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-hit-man-in-more-ways-than-one/ |title=A Hit Man In More Ways Than One |publisher=CBS News |date=March 18, 2007 |access-date=November 14, 2007}}</ref><ref name="vanzandt2">
{{cite web |url=https://tv.yahoo.com/person/steven-van-zandt/biography.html |title=Steven Van Zandt biography at Yahoo |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=November 14, 2007}}</ref><ref name="vanzandt3">
{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/10/arts/television/10cart.html?_r=1&oref=slogin |title=One Final Whack at That HBO Mob |last=Carter |first=Bill |work=The New York Times |date=June 10, 2007 |access-date=November 27, 2007}}</ref>

====''Tussles in Brussels''====
Van Zandt recorded the narration for [[The Hives]] biography on their concert DVD ''[[Tussles in Brussels]]'' (2004).{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}

====''Hotel Cæsar''====
{{Further|Hotel Cæsar}}
In 2010, Van Zandt appeared as himself in the Norwegian soap opera ''[[Hotel Cæsar]]'', broadcast on Norway's biggest commercial channel [[TV2 Norway]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kjendis.no/2010/02/12/kjendis/hotel_cesar/tv2/tv_og_medier/10362623/ |title=Her sjekker "Sopranos"-Silvio inn på "Hotel Cæsar" – kjendis – Dagbladet.no |publisher=Kjendis.no |access-date=2011-12-08 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930072857/http://www.kjendis.no/2010/02/12/kjendis/hotel_cesar/tv2/tv_og_medier/10362623/ |archive-date=September 30, 2011}}</ref>

====''Lilyhammer''====
In 2011, he starred in, co-wrote, and was the executive producer for an English and Norwegian language series entitled ''[[Lilyhammer]]'', the first original [[Netflix]] series that was produced in collaboration with Norwegian broadcaster [[NRK]].<ref name="Howard Stern Show" /> The name recalls the city of [[Lillehammer]], which hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics.<ref>Silverman, Jacob. "[https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2012/02/the-circuitous-return-of-steven-van-zandt-wise-guy-via-netflix-and-norwegian-comedy-067223 The circuitous return of Steven Van Zandt, wise guy (via Netflix, and Norwegian comedy)] ". ''[[Politico|Politico New York]]''. Politico, LLC., February 13, 2012. Web. April 1, 2017.</ref><ref>"[https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/eastern-norway/the-lillehammer-region/ The Lillehammer region] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402165509/https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/eastern-norway/the-lillehammer-region/ |date=April 2, 2017 }}". ''Visit Norway''. Innovation Norway, 2017. Web. April 1, 2017.</ref> On the show, Van Zandt portrays a ''Sopranos''-like role of an ex-mafioso who enters the [[Witness protection|witness protection program]] and flees to Norway to escape a colleague against whom he testified.<ref name="Howard Stern Show" /> The show premiered on NRK television on January 25, 2012, with an audience of 998,000 viewers (one fifth of Norway's population),<ref name="NIN">[http://www.newsinenglish.no/2012/01/26/lilyhammer-sets-new-nrk-record/ Norway International Network January 26, 2012: 'Lilyhammer' sets new NRK record] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508201306/http://www.newsinenglish.no/2012/01/26/lilyhammer-sets-new-nrk-record/ |date=May 8, 2013 }} Retrieved 2012-07-15</ref><ref name="HollywoodReporter">[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steven-van-zandt-s-lilyhammer-285271 Hollywood Reporter January 27, 2012: "Steven Van Zandt's'Lilyhammer' Breaks Ratings Records in Norway"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128151712/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steven-van-zandt-s-lilyhammer-285271 |date=January 28, 2012 }} Retrieved 2012-07-15</ref> and ran for three seasons before being cancelled in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title='Lilyhammer' Canceled After 3 Seasons On Netflix|url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/lilyhammer-canceled-netflix-1201486351/|website=Deadline|date=July 28, 2015 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801011645/http://deadline.com/2015/07/lilyhammer-canceled-netflix-1201486351/|archive-date=August 1, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Fingas|first1=Jon|title=Netflix schedules loads of new shows, says why 'Lilyhammer' died|url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/07/28/netflix-show-schedules-and-lilyhammer/|website=Engadget|date=July 29, 2015 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602220853/http://www.engadget.com/2015/07/28/netflix-show-schedules-and-lilyhammer/|archive-date=June 2, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

====''The Irishman''====
Van Zandt appears in the [[Martin Scorsese]]-produced gangster epic ''[[The Irishman]]'' as singer [[Jerry Vale]], lip-syncing Vale's ''Al Di La.''<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gorber|first1=Jason|title=The Music of 'The Irishman': Breaking Down Every Song Choice in Martin Scorsese's Gangster Epic|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/the-irishman-soundtrack/|website=Slashfilm|date=November 11, 2019}}</ref>

===Radio host and entrepreneur===
====Radio host====
Since 2002, Van Zandt has hosted ''[[Underground Garage|Little Steven's Underground Garage]]'', a weekly syndicated radio show that celebrates [[garage rock]] and similar rock subgenres from the 1950s to the present day. As of December 2006, the show is heard on over 200 US radio stations and in some international markets. For example, in Spain it has beamed through [[Rock & Gol]] since 2007 and later on Rock FM Radio in Finland; Radio Helsinki started beaming ''Little Steven's Underground Garage'' in August 2008.<ref>"[http://undergroundgarage.com/radio-show-2/little-steven-s-underground-garage-radio-affiliates.html "Little Steven's Underground Garage Radio Affiliates"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216021147/http://undergroundgarage.com/radio-show-2/little-steven-s-underground-garage-radio-affiliates.html |date=December 16, 2014 }}", [[Underground Garage|Little Steven's Underground Garage]], July 24, 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref>

On October 20, 2011, the program recorded its 500th show in front of a sold-out crowd at the [[Hard Rock Cafe]] in New York's [[Times Square]]. The guests included the band [[Green Day]]; [[Steve Buscemi]], star of ''The Sopranos'' and ''[[Boardwalk Empire]]''; [[Vincent Pastore]], aka "[[Big Pussy Bonpensiero]]" from ''The Sopranos''; actor and director [[Tim Robbins]]; and singer [[Debbie Harry]].<ref>"[http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-509-500/500.html "Show 500 – 500!!!"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101040257/http://undergroundgarage.com/shows-509-500/500.html |date=January 1, 2015 }}", [[Underground Garage|Little Steven's Underground Garage]], October 31, 2011. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref>

====Program director====
Van Zandt is also the program director for two radio channels for the [[Sirius Satellite Radio]] network. The channels continuously broadcast on satellite radio in the US, and worldwide on Sirius Internet Radio. One channel, named ''Underground Garage'', has the same philosophy and musical mandate as his own radio show. On-air hosts on the channel include original Rolling Stones manager/producer [[Andrew Loog Oldham]], singer/guitarist [[Joan Jett]], former record executive [[Kid Leo]], punk rock singer [[Handsome Dick Manitoba]] and rock entrepreneur [[Kim Fowley]]. The second channel, named the ''Outlaw Country'', presents the [[Outlaw country|edgier side of country music]], both roots and contemporary. On-air hosts for this channel included the late pop-culture satirist [[Mojo Nixon]].<ref>"[http://investor.siriusxm.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=625695 ""Little Steven" Van Zandt's Underground Garage and Oulaw Country Channels Declare "Robbie Robertson Week" on Sirius XM"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20150101015337/http://investor.siriusxm.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=625695 |date=January 1, 2015 }}", [[Sirius XM Holdings|Sirius XM]], November 21, 2011. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref>

====Record label====
In December 2004, Van Zandt launched his own record label, [[Wicked Cool Records]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.shorefire.com/artists/littlesteven/pr_littlesteven_12_02_04.html|title=Little Steven's Wicked Cool Records is Born with the Release of Davie Allan and the Arrows' 'Fuzz for the Holidays' on Dec. 14'|date=December 2, 2014|website=Shore Fire|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721224433/http://www.shorefire.com/artists/littlesteven/pr_littlesteven_12_02_04.html|archive-date=July 21, 2006|access-date=December 14, 2019}}</ref>

The first album released by Wicked Cool was ''Fuzz for the Holidays'' by Davie Allan and the Arrows, released on December 14, 2004.<ref name=":0" /> The first set of records released by Wicked Cool also included new albums from Underground Garage favorites [[the Charms]], the Chesterfield Kings and the [[(The) Cocktail Slippers (band)|Cocktail Slippers]]; and ''[[CBGB Forever]]'', a tribute to the famous, [[CBGB|now-defunct venue]]. The label continues to release new albums from the next generation of garage rockers including the Cocktail Slippers as well as volumes of ''Little Steven's Underground Garage presents The Coolest Songs in the World,'' a compilation of selected songs from the ''Underground Garage'' radio show's popular feature, the "Coolest Song in the World This Week". In 2007, the label signed [[The Launderettes]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://wickedcoolrecords.com/shop/bands/the-launderettes | title=Bands-The Launderettes | access-date=May 3, 2011 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405161512/http://www.wickedcoolrecords.com/shop/bands/the-launderettes | archive-date=April 5, 2011 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The label's first Halloween and Christmas themed compilations were released in 2008. Lost Cathedral is a subsidiary label of Wicked Cool Records and home to the band Crown of Thorns.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Andy Greene|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/03/van-zandt-on-springsteen-tour-super-bowl-rumors-and-how-garage-bands-can-blow-up|title=Van Zandt on Springsteen Tour, Super Bowl Rumors and How Garage Bands Can Blow Up|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=March 3, 2009|access-date=2011-12-08|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105185402/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/03/van-zandt-on-springsteen-tour-super-bowl-rumors-and-how-garage-bands-can-blow-up/|archive-date=November 5, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

===Rock and Roll Forever Foundation===
{{Main|TeachRock}}
[[File:Steven Van Zandt - Alan Freed memorial dedication - Lake View Cemetery - 2016-05-07.jpg|thumb|Van Zandt at the dedication of the Alan Freed memorial, celebrating the legacy of [[Alan Freed]], at Lake View Cemetery in [[Cleveland Heights, Ohio]], in May 2016]]
In 2007, Van Zandt launched the non-profit Rock and Roll Forever Foundation and its [[TeachRock]] project, which creates K-12{{clarify|date=September 2023}} national curriculum. TeachRock includes interdisciplinary, arts-driven materials. The initiative features lesson plans covering topics in social studies, general music, language arts and media studies.

===Musical director===
In September 2006, Van Zandt assembled and directed an all-star band to back [[Hank Williams Jr.]] on a new version of "[[All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight]]" for the season premiere (and formal [[ESPN]] debut) of ''[[Monday Night Football]]''. The all-star lineup included [[Little Richard]], [[Rick Nielsen]] ([[Cheap Trick]]), [[Joe Perry (musician)|Joe Perry]] ([[Aerosmith]]), [[Questlove]] ([[The Roots]]), [[Charlie Daniels]], [[Bootsy Collins]], [[Chris Burney]] ([[Bowling for Soup]]), and [[Bernie Worrell]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.shorefire.com/artists/littlesteven/pr_littlesteven_08_31_06.html|title=Little Steven 'Tackles' Classic TV Theme Song|website=Shore Fire|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026045036/http://www.shorefire.com/artists/littlesteven/pr_littlesteven_08_31_06.html|archive-date=October 26, 2006|access-date=December 14, 2019}}</ref>

Since 2007, Van Zandt has been the director of a music selection committee for the video game ''[[Rock Band (video game)|Rock Band]]''; he is in charge of selecting new music for the game.<ref>Jkdmedia. "[http://www.gamezone.com/news/steven_van_zandt_to_chair_upcoming_videogame_rock_band_s_music_advisory_board "Steven Van Zandt to Chair Upcoming Videogame Rock Band's Music Advisory Board"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101040234/http://www.gamezone.com/news/steven_van_zandt_to_chair_upcoming_videogame_rock_band_s_music_advisory_board |date=January 1, 2015 }}", GameZone, July 11, 2007. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref><ref>Rosmarin, Rachel. "[https://www.forbes.com/2007/10/22/rockband-videogame-mtv-technology-personaltech_cx_1022rockband.html "Battle of the Bands"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309183239/https://www.forbes.com/2007/10/22/rockband-videogame-mtv-technology-personaltech_cx_1022rockband.html |date=March 9, 2018 }}", [[Forbes]], October 22, 2007. Retrieved 2014-12-31.</ref>

=== Activist career ===
After leaving the E Street Band in 1984, Van Zandt used his celebrity as a musician to fight issues surrounding [[apartheid]] in South Africa by creating a group called the [[Artists United Against Apartheid]]. This activist group was created in 1985 by Van Zandt and record producer [[Arthur Baker (musician)|Arthur Baker]]. Van Zandt and Baker assembled over 54 different artists to record an album entitled ''[[Sun City (album)|Sun City]]'' in order to raise awareness about the apartheid policy in South Africa. The title referred to a resort in South Africa that catered to wealthy white tourists. The resort upheld racist apartheid policies, yet many famous entertainers chose to perform there. Artists that took part in the making of the album included [[Bruce Springsteen]], [[Peter Gabriel]], [[Miles Davis]], [[Bob Dylan]], [[Bono]], and [[Lou Reed]].{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}

The ''Sun City'' project was originally meant to only be one song, but other musicians contributed their own pieces which transformed it into a full-length album. ''Sun City'' was one of the first musical collaborations among major recording stars to support a political cause rather than a social cause. The album raised over $1 million in support of anti-apartheid efforts. The primary goal of the album and foundation was to draw attention to South Africa's racist policy of apartheid and to support a cultural boycott of the country.<ref>"Artists United Against Apartheid, ''Sun City'' – 100 Best Albums of the Eighties." Rolling Stone. N.p., n.d. Web. October 15, 2014.</ref>

Van Zandt was a part of the 1989 charity single, "Spirit of the Forest", dedicated to saving rain forests.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.katebushencyclopedia.com/spirit-of-the-forest|title=Spirit Of The Forest|website=Kate Bush Encyclopedia|date=August 19, 2017 |language=en|access-date=2019-12-14}}</ref>

Later in his career, Van Zandt worked to raise awareness about the U.S. military interference in governments of Central America and other issues.<ref>"Steven Van Zandt." Bio. A&E Television Networks, October 14, 2014.</ref>

===Author===
Van Zandt's memoir ''[[Unrequited Infatuations]]'' was published September 28, 2021, by [[Hachette Book Group|Hachette Books]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/steve-van-zandt-memoir-unrequited-infatuations-1145676/|title=Stevie Van Zandt's New Memoir 'Unrequited Infatuations' Reveals Friendship With Springsteen and More|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|language=en|access-date=2021-09-23}}</ref>

===Tours with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band===
* [[Born to Run tours]], 1975–1977
* [[Darkness Tour]], 1978–1979
* [[The River Tour]], 1980–1981
* [[Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Reunion Tour|Reunion Tour]], 1999–2000
* [[The Rising Tour]], 2002–2003
* [[Vote for Change Tour]], 2004
* [[Magic Tour (Bruce Springsteen)|Magic Tour]], 2007–2008
* [[Working on a Dream Tour]], 2009
* [[Wrecking Ball Tour]], 2012–2013
* [[High Hopes Tour]], 2014
* [[The River Tour 2016|River Tour 2016/Oceania '17]], 2016–2017
* [[Springsteen and E Street Band 2023 Tour]], 2023

==Personal life==
Van Zandt married actress Maureen Santoro in [[New York City]] on December 31, 1982. Later she portrayed his wife on ''[[The Sopranos]]''. [[Bruce Springsteen]] was the best man at their wedding, [[Little Richard]] presided over it, and it featured [[Percy Sledge]] singing "[[When a Man Loves a Woman (song)|When a Man Loves a Woman]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.toxic-web.co.uk/blog/2006/12/29/it-happened-this-week/ |title=It happened this week… → Toxic Web |publisher=Toxic-web.co.uk |date=December 29, 2006 |access-date=2011-12-08 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212175601/http://www.toxic-web.co.uk/blog/2006/12/29/it-happened-this-week/ |archive-date=February 12, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

[[File:VanZandtWay.jpg|thumb|alt=Two New Jersey Men Stare Into the Sun|The Van Zandt Brothers admire the new sign in Middletown, NJ (2024)]]

On April 26, 2024, Van Zandt was honored by having the street his family lived on named after them, becoming "Van Zandt Way".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/04/26/van-zandt-way-middletown-brothers-steven-billy-bruce-springsteen/73451297007/|title=Middletown street renamed for brothers Steven and Billy Van Zandt|website=Asbury Park Press}}</ref>

In June 2025, Van Zandt was forced to miss some shows on the [[Springsteen and E Street Band 2023–2025 Tour]] for what he assumed was food poisoning. He ended up needing emergency surgery in [[San Sebastian]] for what turned out to be [[appendicitis]]. The operation was a success.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaplan |first=Ilana|date=June 24, 2025 |title=Steven Van Zandt Undergoes Emergency Surgery for Appendicitis: 'Thought It Was Food Poisoning'|url=https://people.com/steven-van-zandt-undergoes-emergency-surgery-for-appendicitis-11760145 |access-date=2025-06-27 |website=people.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Philanthropy==
{{BLP sources section|date=December 2021}}
Van Zandt is an honorary board member of [[Little Kids Rock]]. He was awarded the fourth annual "Big Man of the Year" award at the organization's 2013 Right to Rock Benefit Event.<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Big Fans – Steven Van Zandt|url=http://www.littlekidsrock.org/friends/our-big-fans/steven-van-zandt/|website=Little Kids Rock|access-date=January 11, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008075905/http://www.littlekidsrock.org/friends/our-big-fans/steven-van-zandt/|archive-date=October 8, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

He and his wife Maureen also serve on the Count Basie Theatre's Board of Advisors,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thebasie.org/contact/|title=Count Basie Center for the Arts |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=countbasie.org |language=en}}</ref> and were named as that organization's honorary capital campaign chairs in 2015.

Van Zandt, his wife Maureen, and Retired Detective Kevin Schroeder created a 501(C)(3) non-profit, Little Steven's Policeman's Ball, funds raised from the events go to The Detectives Endowment Association Widows and Children's Fund <ref>{{cite web|url=https://nycdetectives.org/events/second-annual-little-stevens-policemans-ball-golf-tournament/ |title=Steven's Policeman's Ball Golf Tournament |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=nycdetectives.org |language=en}}</ref> and NYPD With Arms Wide Open, a foundation that supports NYPD officers with children who have special needs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.littlesteven.com/nypd |title=Little Steven's Policeman's Ball|access-date=2025-09-16|website=littlesteven.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|Steven Van Zandt discography}}
All albums are credited to "Little Steven".

* ''[[Men Without Women (album)|Men Without Women]]'' (1982)
* ''[[Voice of America (Little Steven album)|Voice of America]]'' (1984)
* ''[[Freedom – No Compromise]]'' (1987) 
* ''[[Revolution (Little Steven album)|Revolution]]'' (1989)
* ''Nobody Loves and Leaves Alive'' (1989 - unreleased)
* ''[[Born Again Savage]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Soulfire (Little Steven album)|Soulfire]]'' (2017)
* ''[[Summer of Sorcery]]'' (2019)

==Filmography==
* ''[[American Flyers]]'' as Cyclist (1985)
* ''[[The Sopranos]]'' as [[Silvio Dante]] (1999–2007)
* ''[[Lilyhammer]]'' as Frank Tagliano (2012–2014)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/lilyhammer-canceled-netflix-1201486351/|title='Lilyhammer' Canceled After 3 Seasons On Netflix – TCA|first1=Denise|last1= Petski|first2=Nellie|last2=Andreeva|date=July 28, 2015|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=May 1, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324111233/https://deadline.com/2015/07/lilyhammer-canceled-netflix-1201486351/|archive-date=March 24, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* ''[[American Dad!]]'' as Diner Owner (2016)
* ''[[The Christmas Chronicles]]'' as Wolfie (2018)
* ''[[The Irishman]]'' as [[Jerry Vale]] (2019)
* ''[[Under the Boardwalk (2023 film)|Under the Boardwalk]]'' as Bruno (2023)
* ''[[Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple]]'', a documentary on Van Zandt (2024)
* ''[[The Trainer (film)|The Trainer]]'' (2024)

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Steven Van Zandt}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Van Zandt, Steven}}
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