Steven Van Zandt, born Steven Lento on November 22, 1950, is a multifaceted American artist known by his stage names Little Steven or Miami Steve. With a diverse range of talents, he is a singer, songwriter, musician, producer, actor, activist, and author.
As a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, Van Zandt plays guitar and mandolin, solidifying his place in rock music history. His roles in television drama series have also garnered significant attention, including his portrayal of Silvio Dante in The Sopranos from 1999 to 2007 and Frank Tagliano in Lilyhammer from 2012 to 2014.
In addition to his work with the E Street Band, Van Zandt has his own solo band, Little Steven and The Disciples of Soul, which has been intermittently active since the 1980s. In 2014, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the E Street Band, a testament to his enduring impact on the music industry.
Throughout his career, Van Zandt has been involved in various creative endeavors, including music production, songwriting, and having his own songs covered by renowned artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Meat Loaf, Nancy Sinatra, Pearl Jam, Artists United Against Apartheid, and the Iron City Houserockers, among many others.