Unrequited Infatuations Unrequited Infatuations

Unrequited Infatuations

A Memoir

    • 4.2 • 103 Ratings
    • $11.99

Publisher Description

Uncover never-before-told stories in this epic tale of self-discovery by a Rock ’n’ Roll legend, member of the E Street Band, and subject of the acclaimed HBO documentary Stevie Van Zandt: 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 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 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 twenty-first century, Van Zandt founded a groundbreaking radio show (Little Steven's Underground Garage), created the first two 24/7 branded music channels on SiriusXM (Underground Garage and Outlaw Country), started 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 twenty-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.

**Instant International Bestseller, New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, Wall Street Journal Bestseller, Los Angeles Times Bestseller, Publishers Weekly Bestseller**

GENRE
Biographies & Memoirs
RELEASED
2021
September 28
LANGUAGE
EN
English
LENGTH
256
Pages
PUBLISHER
Hachette Books
SELLER
Hachette Digital, Inc.
SIZE
61.9
MB

Customer Reviews

Doggjj ,

What a life

Good book. He touched a lot of things, beginning of the rock band, big time rock, having a band, tv, causes, etc.
what a life.

pamula ,

Excellent book

Who knew Steven Van Zandt was one of the busiest, most intelligent, most creative and imaginative, hardest working rockers in the business? Like most people I grew up with, I was too busy working and raising a family to follow the entertainment industry. Fortunately, Steven takes us along on a very interesting ride, sharing all kinds of things. I had to keep looking up lots of great performers that I didn’t know I knew. I enjoyed every word of this book. I had to keep pen and paper beside me while I was reading to write down all the bands, singers, movies, etc. that were mentioned or talked about in the book. Thanks Steven!

kismet2 ,

GREAT

One of the best music autobiographies I’ve read, and I’ve read many.
A true music rat, historian, keeper of the many flames, and true example of: “the music world and world in general, is better for having Stephen in it”!
My only question: When does this guy sleep?

Killing Bono Killing Bono
2005
Tex Tex
2017
In the Pleasure Groove In the Pleasure Groove
2012
Fortunate Son Fortunate Son
2015
I'm a Believer, Updated Edition: My Life of Monkees, Music, and Madness (Updated) I'm a Believer, Updated Edition: My Life of Monkees, Music, and Madness (Updated)
2004
Wild Tales Wild Tales
2013