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Unrequited Infatuations

A Memoir

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Unrequited Infatuations

By: Stevie Van Zandt
Narrated by: Stevie Van Zandt
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About this listen

What story begins in a bedroom in suburban New Jersey in the early '60s, unfolds on some of the country's largest stages and then ranges across the globe, demonstrating over and over again how rock and roll has the power to change the world for the better? This story.

The first true heartbeat of Unrequited Infatuations is the moment when Stevie Van Zandt trades in his devotion to the Baptist religion for an obsession with rock and roll. Groups like the Beatles and The Rolling Stones created new ideas of community, creative risk and principled rebellion. They changed him forever. While still a teenager, he met Bruce Springsteen, a like-minded outcast/true believer who became one of his most important friends and bandmates. As Miami Steve, Van Zandt anchored the E Street Band as they conquered the rock and roll world.

And then, in the early '80s, Van Zandt stepped away from E Street to embark on his own odyssey. He refashioned himself as Little Steven, a political songwriter and performer, fell in love with Maureen Santoro, who greatly expanded his artistic palette, and visited the world's hot spots as an artist/journalist to not just better understand them but to help change them. Most famously, he masterminded the recording of 'Sun City', an anti-apartheid anthem that sped the demise of South Africa's institutionalised racism and helped get Nelson Mandela out of prison.

By the '90s, Van Zandt had lived at least two lives - one as a mainstream rocker, one as a hardcore activist. It was time for a third. David Chase invited Van Zandt to be a part of his new television show, The Sopranos - as Silvio Dante, he was the unconditionally loyal consiglieri who sat at the right hand of Tony Soprano (a relationship that oddly mirrored his real-life relationship with Bruce Springsteen).

Underlying all of Van Zandt's various incarnations was a devotion to preserving the centrality of the arts, especially the endangered species of rock. In the 21st century, Van Zandt founded a groundbreaking radio show (Underground Garage), a fiercely independent record label (Wicked Cool) and developed a curriculum to teach students of all ages through the medium of music history. He also rejoined the E Street Band for what has now been a 20-year victory lap.

Unrequited Infatuations chronicles the twists and turns of Stevie Van Zandt's always surprising life. It is more than just the testimony of a globe-trotting nomad, more than the story of a groundbreaking activist, more than the odyssey of a spiritual seeker and more than a master class in rock and roll (not to mention a dozen other crafts). It's the best book of its kind because it's the only book of its kind.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Stevie Van Zandt (P)2021 Orion Publishing Group
Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Heartfelt

Critic Reviews

"An inimitable Rock 'n' Roll life told as boldly as it was lived." (Bruce Springsteen)

"A wonderfully original take on a Rock and Roll autobiography." (Paul McCartney)

What listeners say about Unrequited Infatuations

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A incredible life well lived.

Steve's appreciation of other Artists and unique ability to take you inside the times, the feelings, the energy. I felt I was at a bar listening to a good friend talk about a life very well lived. No stone unturned and every opportunity that arrived or was created was explored. Also a shout out to Maureen, people like Stevie need anchors and Maureen is that anchor. Loved everything about the book.

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Just jaw droppingly fantastic

Everything about this is just great. More anecdotes than you will find at a mob wake & best insights into the music business you’ll find just about anywhere. Van Zandt writes with humour, self deprecating & laugh out loud, and sharp insight. He doesn’t fake authenticity.

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sensational

well written and read by the Author, who seems to have an almost encyclopaedic memory for music and world events. Love his passion and willingness to speak his mind when he feels the need. This has made me a fan of Steve.

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I love Stevie!

One of my all time favorite musicians - and people. Really enlightened my understanding of his generation and, being a fellow New Jerseyan, learning what it was like to be probably the second most famous artist from NJ in my lifetime. The only reason I didn’t give 5s across the board is due to his political ranting at the end. But that’s why we are Americans - everyone is entitled to their opinion. Congrats brother!!

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Wonderful Memoir

Whether you are a fan of Little Steven, Miami Steve, political change, or rock and roll, then this should please you.

Well read, and written.

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