General News

The saxophonist died Saturday of complications from a stroke he suffered June 12. He was 69.

Known to his fans as "The Big Man" for his imposing 6 feet 5 Structure and powerful tenor sax riffs, Clemons was the rhythm and soul of the E Street Band and a reference in the legendary concert Springsteen's signature sound many of their songs.

He grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, Maryland and attended the State University in both football and music scholarship but the music quickly became.

Before graduating he moved to Newark, New Jersey, where the myth that became the band of rock 'U.S. debut of the 70's began.

"Bruce and Clarence had one this special bond in the E Street band will tell you that, but it was actually the stage where I really turned to magic," said Robert Santelli, Executive Director of the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.

The important role of Clemons of the band was highlighted by Springsteen himself in the song "10th Avenue Freeze Out", in which the letters explained how the E Street Band found success when "the big man joined the band from the coast to the city, all small creatures raised their hands. "

On his website, Springsteen called Clemons "my friend" and called his loss "immeasurable."

"Clarence lived a wonderful life. Was within her love for the people who did love him. He created a wonderful family and extended. I loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he came on stage "Sprinsteen said.

"His loss is incalculable and we are honored and grateful to have known him and had the opportunity to be with him for almost forty years. He was my friend, my partner and Clarence beside me, my band and I were able to tell a story much deeper than simply the content in our music. His life, his memory and his love will live in history and in our band. "

The oldest member of the E Street Band has suffered several health ailments in recent years, including a knee surgery that forced him to perform sometimes band concert marathon of a bank and even, occasionally, a wheelchair wheels.

Clemons had played with Springsteen since 1972. His presence on stage with Springsteen had been a central feature of his concerts;. His saxophone in a defining element of such mega hits as "Thunder Road", "Badlands" and "Jungleland"

During the concerts, Clemons always had a special place in the introduction of the band's dramatic Springsteen. Clemons was introduced "last but not least," Springsteen would say, even after coming Springsteen's wife, and a member of the band, and receiving the most applause from the audience.

A leading figure in contrast to the young Springsteen flexible framework, the two were on the cover of the triple-platinum, breakthrough album, "Born to Run".

In addition to his saxophone, Clemons also lent his voice deep, with a deep baritone voice, probably best known as the voice of Santa Claus in the version of Springsteen's "Santa Claus is coming to town."

By introducing in recent years Clemons, Springsteen teased the audience about Clemons, saying, "You want to be like him, but you can not!"

Although Clemons was best known for his work with the E Street Band, as recently as last month appeared in the final episode of "American Idol" with Lady Gaga.

Clemons also released several solo albums, including single with Jackson Browne in the 1980 "You are my friend" and Aretha Franklin's hit "Freeway of Love."