Raised in Neptune City near the Jersey Shore, Tallen’s musical path began with the tuba before shifting to bass, and his high-school years at Neptune High placed him alongside future collaborators Southside Johnny and Vini Lopez. Influenced by James Jamerson, Donald “Duck” Dunn and Paul McCartney, he joined Bruce Springsteen in two early groups and helped found the E Street Band in 1972, where his…
