Van Zandt became a songwriter and producer for fellow Jersey shore act Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes in 1974, penning their signature song "I Don't Want to Go Home", co-writing other songs for them with Springsteen, and producing their most-acclaimed record, "Hearts of Stone". As such, Van Zandt became a key contributor to the Jersey Shore sound. He also produced two Gary U.S. Bonds albums. Van Zandt then went on to share production credits on the classic Springsteen albums "The River" and "Born in the U.S.A." The first Springsteen song he co-produced was "Hungry Heart." In 1989, Jackson Browne covered the 1983 Van Zandt composition "I Am A Patriot" on his "World in Motion" album. Van Zandt has produced a number of other records, including an uncredited effort on the Iron City Houserockers' "Have A Good Time (But Get Out Alive)". Less successful was his work on Lone Justice's second album "Shelter", which was a career-ending flop for the Los Angeles cowpunk band.