All Access With Linsey Davis: Stevie Van Zandt

Key Concepts

• Steven Van Zant: Musician, actor, activist, and founder of TeachRock.org.
• Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Long-standing musical collaboration.
• TeachRock.org: Music education program providing free lesson plans connecting music, history, and culture.
• "The Sopranos": Critically acclaimed television series where Van Zant played Silvio Dante.
• Artists United Against Apartheid: Activist group co-founded by Van Zant, known for the "Sun City" protest song.
• Underground Garage: Sirius XM radio show hosted by Van Zant.
• No Child Left Behind Act: Legislation that, according to Van Zant, led to the cutting of arts classes in schools.
• Cross-curricular learning: Integrating different subjects through a common theme, in this case, music.

Steven Van Zant: A Multifaceted Artist and Educator

This summary details the life and career of Steven Van Zant, highlighting his evolution from a rock and roll musician to a prominent actor, activist, and, most recently, an influential figure in music education through his organization, TeachRock.org.

Musical Roots and Early Career

Steven Van Zant, a founding member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band since 1975, has been a pivotal figure in rock music. His journey began in Massachusetts and New Jersey, where his passion for guitar blossomed. A formative moment was witnessing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, which solidified his dedication to music. Despite initial familial disapproval, viewing a music career as less stable than being a criminal, Van Zant persevered. His early path crossed with Bruce Springsteen in the 1960s, leading to their enduring musical partnership. Van Zant played lead guitar for the E Street Band, co-producing significant albums such as The River and Born in the USA.

A Period of Separation and Reinvention

In 1984, at the height of the band's success, Van Zant made the decision to leave the E Street Band. He later described this as "the biggest mistake of my life," a sentiment he carried for decades. However, upon reflection and through the process of writing his autobiography, he realized that this departure, while a personal regret, was instrumental in enabling him to pursue other significant accomplishments. He believes that without leaving the band, he would not have had the opportunities to act in The Sopranos and Lilyhammer, start his record label, or develop his educational initiatives. This period of separation allowed for personal and professional reinvention, proving that "reinvention isn't just possible, it's his way of life."

Solo Career, Activism, and Acting Debut

Following his departure from the E Street Band, Van Zant continued his solo career as Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul. In 1985, he shifted his focus to activism by co-founding Artists United Against Apartheid and recording the protest song "Sun City." His acting career began unexpectedly in 1999, the same year he rejoined the E Street Band. This opportunity arose after David Chase, creator of The Sopranos, saw Van Zant's comedic introduction at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony for The Rascals. Despite Van Zant's initial reluctance, Chase convinced him, stating, "You're an actor, you just don't know it yet." Van Zant found immense value in this new craft, describing it as "the greatest acting class in the world," particularly citing the experience of working with James Gandolfini.

Expanding Horizons: Radio, Production, and Legacy

Beyond music and acting, Van Zant has hosted his Sirius XM radio show, Underground Garage, for over 20 years. This role requires him to listen to all new rock and roll releases, leading to the introduction of over a thousand new bands. He expresses continuous excitement about the enduring creativity within the 12-note, five-chord structure of rock music. He also produced a Broadway show with his wife, which he found to be a profound experience, allowing him to understand theater from a new perspective. Looking ahead, he aims to see his own scripts developed into television shows and continues to write.

TeachRock.org: A Commitment to Education

A significant aspect of Van Zant's current work is his dedication to education through TeachRock.org. This initiative was born from the concern that the No Child Left Behind Act was leading schools to cut arts programs. Van Zant argued that a student's engagement with a single class or teacher can be a powerful motivator to attend school, especially given the significant dropout rates. He met with politicians who acknowledged the cuts as an "unintended consequence" of a focus on testing.

TeachRock.org provides teachers with free, ready-to-use lesson plans that integrate music, history, and culture with core academic subjects. The program aims to make learning engaging by connecting concepts to popular music. For example, math can be taught by examining the hours The Beatles played at the Cavern Club or the budget of a Jackson Browne tour. Science can be explored through the Grateful Dead's PA system, and social studies can link artists like Kendrick Lamar and Marvin Gaye to the Civil Rights Movement.

The organization, founded with support from a powerhouse board including Bono, Martin Scorsese, Jackson Browne, and Bruce Springsteen, is privately funded through donations to avoid government involvement and potential delays. TeachRock.org reports having registered over 80,000 teachers in 30,000 schools across all 50 states and internationally, reaching more than 1 million students. The program has inspired retiring teachers to continue their careers and has been described as revolutionizing classrooms and teaching methods.

Impact on Students and Future Vision

Van Zant actively participates in classrooms where TeachRock.org is implemented, often surprising students who may not initially recognize him. He emphasizes that the goal is to make the class enjoyable and educational, allowing students to learn before they even realize it. He believes that integrating music into the curriculum fosters critical thinking and deeper connections to historical events. Students report feeling more engaged, confident in asking questions, and better able to articulate their understanding of the material.

Van Zant views TeachRock.org as his potential legacy, aiming to inspire and motivate 50 million students and keep them engaged. He believes that by transforming the education system, they can prevent the loss of a generation. He expresses a strong belief in the program's success and its potential to make a significant impact on education globally. He wishes such a program had existed during his own school years, acknowledging that he had to return to graduate after being expelled. He hopes TeachRock.org will be a class students look forward to attending, where learning happens organically.