Unrequited Infatuations

A Memoir

By: Stevie Van Zandt

Narrated by: Stevie van Zandt

Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

An epic tale of self-discovery by a self-confessed rock 'n' roll disciple.

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 likeminded 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 institutionalized 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.

©2021 Stevie Van Zandt (P)2021 Hachette Audio

Wow!

Not a huge Springsteen fan but respect their music. I do love Steven and will always be a Silvio Dante fan girl which led me to this book. If you are a music fan, social liberal and grew up in the 50’s or 60’s, this book is for you. What a man. What a life.

what a great personality. such a selfless person.

loved it. I couldn't put it down. A must read for all,rock fans. go steve

So much more than I ever knew

If you are a fan of ANYTHING he has done, you need to hear him, in his own words and that voice, as to how he made every step of the journey. Thoroughly engaging, at times heartbreaking, always entertaining

Enlightening and inspiring

I have always been a fan of Little Steven. Now I am a disciple.
I am so glad he read the book himself. His expression is so important to the story.

Excellent book

Book slapped. Go Stevie!!! The man is a legend! Go E Street band man love that shit

E Street is a small part of an interesting life

This one is a little uneven. Stevie has lived a very interesting life. He’s been a part of one of the best bands of all time, a star in one of the best TV series of all time and was the star of one of Netflix’s first original programs. He gives more information about the formation of the E Street Band than Springsteen did in his book. He reveals that he was originally cast as Tony Soprano until HBO executives wouldn’t green light such a big project staring someone who hadn’t acted. He tells about the business aspects of his deal with Netflix on Lilyhammer. He also goes through a lot of his work with other artists. Where the book comes up short is when he’s discussing his solo music career. It was always someone else’s fault or a bad break that kept him from making it big there. I wanted to like his solo stuff in the mid 80s. I bought some of it. It just wasn’t for me. So, I’m not buying all the excuses. The book also lulls when he gets too preachy on politics, but he did do a better job of explaining apartheid than my political science professors did at the time. He’s to the left of me politically and doesn’t pull punches on his political views. If you own a MAGA hat, you are probably going to be offended. Stevie reads the book himself and does a great job. I can’t imagine anyone else doing a better job telling his stories.

Wildly entertaining, Humorous and Sincere.

Absolutely terrific, I learned SO much.
Mind expanded and Spirit uplifted.
Stevie is TRULY ‘ a friend of ours..’

Loved it! Music, Acting, History, Stories...

Narration With That New Jersey Charm. Lots of life, thought, and personal philosophy goes into this one. I recommend this book to people that love people stories... And now I'm an even bigger fan.

Loved this book

Loved the stories of this man’s life. Interesting, funny and thoughtful. One of the books by a rock star.

Great stories and insights

Hearing Steve deliver this in his own voice is so much fun! He has truly had made significant yet mostly unnoticed contributions to the world.