Garry Tallent

 ( 1949 Births ) 

Garry Wayne Tallent (born October 27, 1949), sometimes billed as Garry W. Tallent, is an American musician and record producer, best known for being the bass player and a founding member of the E Street Band, Bruce Springsteen's primary backing band since 1972. As of 2025, Tallent is the only remaining original member of the E Street Band besides Springsteen.

He was inducted in 2014 as a member of the E Street Band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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Biography Tallent grew up in Neptune City around the Jersey Shore, and first took up first the tuba and then the bass. Bio, GarryTallent.com. accessed July 31, 2012. "Born on October 27, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan, Tallent and his family eventually relocated to Neptune City, New Jersey." He attended Neptune High School, together with future bandmates Southside Johnny and Vini Lopez.Jordan, Chris. "Review: E Street Band's Garry Tallent shines at Stone Pony", Asbury Park Press, May 15, 2017. Accessed October 14, 2018. "'You notice I got my Neptune High School colors on?' Tallent said. The bassist for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band is a member of Neptune's Class of '67.... Dawg Whistle, featuring Vini Lopez, also a member of the Neptune Class of ‘67, opened the show."

Tallent was influenced by James Jamerson, Donald "Duck" Dunn, and Paul McCartney. He started playing with Springsteen in 1971 in two earlier bands and then was an original member of the E Street Band, which formed in 1972.

His bass plays a key role in Springsteen's music (both live and in-studio). Notable Tallent bass parts can be heard on "Fire", "Prove It All Night", "Kitty's Back", and "Incident on 57th Street". During the E Street Band's early years, he occasionally played the tuba in concert and on record (most notably in "Wild Billy's Circus Story").

In addition to his work with Springsteen, Tallent has recorded with numerous other artists. In 1987, he produced the song "Crying, Waiting, Hoping" for Marshall Crenshaw on La Bamba soundtrack. During the E Street Band's hiatus in the 1990s, Tallent moved to Nashville, having an affinity for country and western and rockabilly music. (By that point, Tallent had already long been referred to by the nickname "The Tennessee Terror", a name given to him after once driving through Tennessee briefly on a roadtrip). There, he opened the MoonDog recording studio and helped start the D'Ville Record Group label. Tallent has produced such artists as Jim Lauderdale, Kevin Gordon, and Steve Forbert.Gold, Adam (July 29, 2011). E Street Band/Former Long Players Bassist Garry Tallent: The Cream Interview , Nashville Scene

On December 12, 2020, Springsteen and the E Street Band performed on Saturday Night Live. However, Tallent opted out of the performance due to COVID-19 travel concerns. This marked the first time that Tallent had missed a show with the E Street Band. Jack Daley of Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul filled in for him.

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External links

• Official website
• Garry Tallent biography at AllMusic
• Interview with Garry Tallent at The Aquarian Weekly, target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Archive
• Backing Up the Boss, at The Wall Street Journal, target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Archive

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