R.I.P. Danny Federici of the E Street Band

E Street keyboardist Danny Federici passed away last night after a three year battle with melanoma. Springsteen fans were extremely familiar with the oft-smiling Federici who was a mainstay of the group.

On his website Springsteen posted a note that reads: "Danny and I worked together for 40 years - he was the most wonderfully fluid keyboard player and a pure natural musician. I loved him very much...we grew up together."

Also on the site is a note instructing those wishing to recognize Federici's passing to send donations, in lieu of flowers, to the "Danny Federici Melanoma Fund. A web site for the fund is being established and we'll post its link when it is on line."

AP has a nice write-up here.