Clarence Clemons, the legendary saxophonist of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, died Saturday, June 18th, due to complications from a stroke he suffered last weekend. He was 69.
While Clemons was reported to be “responsive and in stable condition” after suffering the massive stroke on Sunday, June 12th, RollingStone.com reports that things took a turn for the worse late last week and he passed away on Saturday afternoon.
Update: Bruce Springsteen has released the following statement:
Clarence lived a wonderful life. He carried within him a love of people that made them love him. He created a wondrous and extended family. He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he stepped on stage. His loss is immeasurable and we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years. He was my great friend, my partner, and with Clarence at my side, my band and I were able to tell a story far deeper than those simply contained in our music. His life, his memory, and his love will live on in that story and in our band.
Clemens, who stood 6’4″ and who was often referred to as ‘The Big Man’, was born in Norfolk, VA on January 11th, 1942. Alongside Garry Tallent, Danny Federici, Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez, and David Sancious, Clemons formed the E Street Band in 1972. He would go on to perform and tour with Springsteen and the band for over three decades, and his licks on tracks like “Born to Run” and “Jungleland” were among the more memorable moments in the band’s iconic history.
In addition to his work with Springsteen and the E Street Band, Clemons also released a number of solo albums, collaborated with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Jackson Browne, and Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, and appeared both on film (New York, New York, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure) and TV (Diff’rent Strokes, Nash Bridges). Most recently, he played saxophone on Lady Gaga’s new album, Born This Way.
This is a developing story…
