http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/06/clarence_clemons_dies.html

Clarence Clemons — the Big Man with the big horn — died today of complications from a stroke he suffered last weekend, said a source close to Bruce Springsteen. He was 69 years old.

He was the spirit of the E Street Band, and the oaken staff that Bruce Springsteen leaned on. There have been many charismatic figures in the band, but none had the personal gravity of Clarence Clemons, the group’s Bunyanesque saxophonist.

Springsteen himself acknowledged this, always introducing Clemons last at concerts and adopting a reverential attitude uncommon among rock stars. It’s Clemons’ big shoulder that Springsteen was looking over lovingly on the famous cover of his "Born to Run" album. As his bandleader beamed at him, Clemons, black-hatted and bold, turned toward the camera and blew his sax.

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so sad.. what a great rock musician.

[Edited 6/18/11 17:20pm]

So my first instincts were right all along. He didn't have long to live.

Rest eternally Big C.

Damn, I was hoping Mr. Clemons would pull through.

RIP

TD3 said:

Damn, I was hoping Mr. Clemons would pull through.

RIP

I did too but I had a sinking feeling he wouldn't make it when I heard the words "still serious". Every time I hear that, it's like Barry White's death, you kind of know what's going to happen. Same with Luther.

Thought he was improving R.I.P

FUCK!

One of my favorite saxophone players! sheesh this really make's me sad=[ he was one of the driving forces of The E-Street Band! and just a great all around musician.

R.I.P

when i think of Clarence Clemons, I always think Rosalita.

My first memory of Clarence was this:

rest in peace.......

I had a bad feeling. Terrible News. R.I.P

NoVideo said:

when i think of Clarence Clemons, I always think Rosalita.

Me too! WOW...Clarence R.I.P. He will always be one of the leading figures in rock history.

R.I.P. Big Man.

Timmy84 said:

My first memory of Clarence was this:

oh yeah i forgot he played on this! great 80s tune.

and how about this gem?

One of the most powerful saxophone solos in music...he brought a song to life!

NoVideo said:

and how about this gem?

I haven't seen this, nor heard the song since it was originally out.

Shocked, as reports were that he was improving.

One of my favourite Clarence solos of recent vintage (3:30):

RIP Sax Man.

Sad news. He was on the mark at last years Glasto.

Damn. R.I.P.

Wow. R.I.P.

I always loved his work with The Boss, I'm just glad he was getting the attention he deserved before he passed.

RKJCNE said:

I always loved his work with The Boss, I'm just glad he was getting the attention he deserved before he passed.

True! I never really got into his solo work, but his work with Bruce and session work with other artists is just enduring and strong. The man was a powerful force from a musician's standpoint.

Rest in peace, Clarence!

I just heard on the national news.

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Bruce Springsteen said of Clarence: " 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."

usually I don't care when rock legends die.

But right now, I'm crying.