
Springstein: Connected with Lozito
(AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Springsteen’s favorite muse
Diane Lozito may not be a household name, says Peter Knobler in More. But she inspired Bruce Springsteen to write his early hit “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight).” In the summer of 1971, right after graduating high school, Lozito went to see the Boss play in Asbury Park, N.J. They soon made eye contact. “One night at the beach, Bruce and I tucked around a rock and started kissing. That was a nice night. Light coming off the ocean, nothing like it.” Springsteen immediately began courting her and meeting her family. “He wrote ‘Rosalita’ in bits and pieces and didn’t have a title for it. My mom is Rita Lozito. Then he met my grandma, Rosa Lozito. I assume that’s where he put it together.” When her parents disapproved of him, Springsteen wrote the lyrics, “I know your mama, she don’t like me ’cause I play in a rock ’n’ roll band.” They moved in together anyway, but split up in 1975. She told him, “I’m sorry, I’m so tired of being introduced as ‘Bruce’s girlfriend.’” Lozito, now 55, has no regrets. Not long ago, she visited Springsteen after a concert. As they embraced, she told him, “‘That man behind me is my husband.’ Bruce went ‘Eeewww!’”















