Danny Federici (1950-2008)

Friday, April 18, 2008 | 2:13 PM

I'm sure you've heard by now, but Danny Federici, longtime keyboard player of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band passed away yesterday after battling melanoma for three years. He was 58 years old.

"Danny and I worked together for 40 years," Bruce Springsteen said on the band's website. "He was the most wonderfully fluid keyboard player and a pure, natural musician. I loved him very much. We grew up together."

Federici's last live appearance with the E Street Band was on March 20, 2008.

The E Street Band is packed with a cast of characters and stars, led by the legendary Bruce Springsteen, but listen to any one of their songs right now, and I guarantee the first thing that's going to jump out at you is Federici's work on the keys, which laid the foundation for many of the E Street Band's hits.

To donate to the Melanoma Research Foundation, click HERE.

(below: Danny Federici rockin' a keyboard solo.)