PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh native and musician Joe Grushecky has produced more than a dozen albums in his 30 year career, won a Grammy and worked with music legends like Steve Cropper and Mick Ronson. He recently finished his band’s thirteenth album “East Carson Street” that he worked on with megastar and friend Bruce Springsteen.

I wondered, “What would it be like to be The Boss’ friend and work on an album with him?” I had to find out. Joe and I sat down to chat on Oct. 26, a few days before the release of the album.

On “East Carson Street,” Bruce sings the duet “Another Thin Line” and plays the guitar on another track. “Bruce gets a kick out of playing the guitar with us,” said Joe. Bruce also co-wrote a song on the album.

Joe and Bruce have been friends for about 30 years and performed together dozens of times. The two were introduced in 1980 and hit it off. They began recording together in 1990, something Bruce rarely does with other artists. “Doing a record is real personal,” Joe told me after I asked how they developed such a great relationship.

Joe describes Bruce as laid back and an outstanding musician. Bruce shares the same sentiments for Joe. “Joe is a good writer,” said Bruce in the documentary about Joe called “A Good Life.” “The lyrics are always the hardest part.”

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A few years ago when the remnants of Hurricane Ivan ripped through the Pittsburgh area, Joe asked Bruce to help him with a benefit concert. Joe told me Bruce agreed immediately, a testament of their friendship. The concert raised $265,000 for the Salvation Army.

With all of his accomplishments, what is Joe most proud of? When I asked him that, he responded without hesitation, “My family.” Joe is married with two children. His daughter Desiree, 23, is an interior designer. His 21-year-old son, John, is a musician. John is even on Joe’s new album. He plays guitar, bass and drums. Joe said having John play on the album is one of the coolest things that has happened in his career. Joe believes John will make a career out of music.

Joe who has made a career out of it said if he hadn’t, he’d still be playing music every day. “I’m a crazy music fan. If I wasn’t playing professionally, I’d be in my basement, playing with my buddies,” said Joe.

Joe and his band Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers feel fortunate to have put out a number of great albums. The band, once named the Iron City Houserockers, made their first album in 1979. Thirty years later, Joe is hoping the fans enjoy “East Carson Street,” which includes a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, his son and some of the best songs he thinks he has ever written. “I’m really excited about it. It’s one of the best things I’ve done. You know, you just know when you do something well. I know when I write good songs.”

The new album is the band’s first album out in five years. It will be available for purchase at gigs and on the Web site.

The album was recorded in Studio L. in Weirton, W.Va., owned by Rick Witkowski.