Happy 70th Birthday Nils Lofgren

In 2018 PBS Newshour did a 10 minute slot on Nils Lofgren called Nils Lofgren: 50 years of ‘just being a guy in the band’. Three years on it could be called 53 Years of 'just being a guy in the band' as he continues to be a member of the famed E Street Band and occasionaly a member of Crazy Horse backing up two of the biggest names in Rock music, Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young, on record and on Stage. Alongside that he also has a Solo career that has spanned over 46 years.

After seeing Jimi Hendrix play live and then scoring an off-the-cuff "audition" of sorts with Neil Young at the legendary Cellar Door in Washington, D.C., at the age of 18 the guitarist was up and running when he was invited to come and play and record for what would become the After The Gold Rush album, on which he would contribute backing vocals, guitar and piano.

He followed that by recording with Crazy Horse on their self-titled debut album released in 1971. He wrote two songs for it, 'Beggars Day' (on which he took lead vocals and the song would later be covered by Nazareth) and 'Nobody' as well as providing backing vocals and of course his guitars.

Nils was able to name drop his work with Neil Young & Crazy Horse as a means of securing a record deal for his band Grin who ended up releasing four albums between 1971-73.

After Grin disbanded in 1974 Lofgren launched out Solo. While not a massive seller, his albums charted. 'Cry Tough' (1976), 'I Came To Dance' (1977) and 'Flip' (1985) probably did the best both in UK and the first two mentioned penetrated the US Top 40.

Next up a break from his Solo Career came in the form of a opportunity to join Bruce Sringsteen & The E Street Band for the up and coming Born In The U.S.A. Tour following the news that Little Steven was departing to embark on his own music career. The Tour would begin in June 1984 and ended in October 1985.

Nils has recorded in the studio with Springsteen between 1989's 'Tunnel of Love' to the latest release 'Letter To You' and appearing on a couple of live albums.

More than a dozen albums by Nils (Solo or with a band, Live and Studio) have been released since 1985's 'Flip' album and he has continued to tour. While he doesn't flip so much these days due to hip replacement surgery, he does tap dance!

Happy Birthday Nils.