The Sandman Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 (edited) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13827267Clarence Clemons (L) grabs Bruce Springsteen during an appearance in New York in September 2007 Clemons (left) and Springsteen worked together for nearly 40 yearsClarence Clemons, the saxophone player in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, has died, aged 69, a spokeswoman for the band has said.Clemons was taken to hospital about a week ago after suffering a stroke at his home in Singer Island, in the US state of Florida.Known as the Big Man for his 6ft 5in frame, Clemons was credited with shaping the early sound of The Boss.His solos powered Springsteen hits such as Born to Run and Jungleland.Springsteen spokeswoman Marilyn Laverty confirmed the death on Saturday.On his website, Springsteen said the loss of Clemons was "immeasurable" and that he and his bandmates were honoured to have stood beside him for nearly four decades.The statement said: "Clarence lived a wonderful life. He carried within him a love of people that made them love him."It added: "He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he stepped on stage."Canadian rocker Bryan Adams expressed his sadness via Twitter: "RIP Clarence Clemons, one of the greatest rock sax players."Clemons had suffered from poor health in recent years, including major spinal surgery in January 2010.At the 2009 Super Bowl, following double knee replacement surgery, he rose from a wheelchair to perform with Springsteen.In May this year Clemons, a former youth councillor, was well enough to perform with Lady Gaga on the finale of the television show American Idol.Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Clemons began playing saxophone at the age of nine after receiving one unexpectedly from his father for Christmas."I wanted an electric train for Christmas, but he got me a saxophone. I flipped out," he told the Associated Press news agency in a 1989 interview.After his dreams of being a football player were dashed by a car accident, he turned to music.Clemons hit it off immediately with Springsteen, then a singer-songwriter from New Jersey, when they first met in 1971, and the saxophonist became an original member of the E Street Band.Their friendship survived Springsteen's decision to concentrate on solo projects following the success of his album Born in the USA.In a 2009 interview, Clemons described his deep bond with The Boss, saying: "It's the most passion that you have without sex."As well as TV and movie appearances over the years, Clemons performed with the Grateful Dead, the Jerry Garcia Band, and Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band.He also recorded with legendary musical artists such as Aretha Franklin, Roy Orbison and Jackson Browne.And he jammed with former US President Bill Clinton at the 1993 inaugural ball.Clemons published a memoir, Big Man: Real Life and Tall Tales, in 2009.The saxophonist once described performing as his natural environment.The stage, said the Baptist minister's grandson, "always feels like home - it's where I belong". Also: Boss pays tribute:http://entertainment.stv.tv/showbiz/258536-bruce-springsteen-pays-tribute-to-clarence-clemons/Rest in peace Big Man. Edited June 19, 2011 by The Sandman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Sabbath Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunsguy Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 An Amazing man! RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GivenToFly Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 rip...I just read a facebook update a few dates ago from Bruce's page saying that Clarence was alright, recovering etc. This is terrible.His solo in Jungleland is probably my favorite solo on any instrument in any song. I will put it on now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoon87 Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 What a tragic loss. Rest in peace, Big Man! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Streetchild Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 That's so sad, first Danny Federici, now Clarence.The E Street Band will never be the same again.Rest in peace man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orsys Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 Loved him. Made the saxophone cool. RIP Big Man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoon87 Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 This'll be a long night with my Springsteen + E-Street Band records. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiny_dancer Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 (edited) So sad. I'm extremely thankful for the two times that I got to see him play live. Edited June 19, 2011 by tiny_dancer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coolio GNR Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrBrownstone531 Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 I just played "Jungleland" at top volume driving home, and cried during the sax solo. When Springsteen came to town a couple years ago my friend and I had GA floor tickets, and were lucky enough to be in the first 30 to get in. He was trying to figure out where to go since we could have picked any part of the stage to be near. I told him to follow me, and we spent two and a half hours being five feet away from Clarence. Best decision I ever made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeppelinrocksnexttognr Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 R.I.p. he was very good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnr=axl Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 R.I.P. Clarence Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dalsh327 Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 Read his "Big Man" book, lived a full rich life and had a twisted sense of humor. Clarence was married 5 times and survived to tell his story! VH1 Classic ran the Springsteen marathon last weekend. Trivia - was part of the future council in "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure". I'm glad Springsteen's cracked open the vault from the 75 and 78 tours, both documentaries are great. There's also one that Clarence did recently called "Who Do I Think I Am" where he went to China on a soul searching trip. The premiere was prob. the last time Bruce, Clarence and the E Street Band got together. But when you see the full pic of "Born To Run" and what that meant in 1975, Bruce, a white man, leaning on Clarence, a black man, was significant. The sax in the early 70s made its appearance in Roxy Music, but overall was kind of an outdated instrument. Bruce's most emotional tour was in 1976, when he had a falling out with his manager and had to put recording on hold to deal with courtroom issues. He did an epic version of "Backstreets" on that tour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Sandman Posted June 25, 2011 Author Share Posted June 25, 2011 I'm working on completing the last few albums in my Springsteen collection - so worthwhile. Gutted I never got to see him live. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.