In Memoriam: Clarence Clemons

We’re saddened to report that saxophonist Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band has died today from complications of stroke he suffered last Sunday.

Clemons has been a member of Bruce Springsteen’s backing band since 1972 and also released a number of solo albums with You’re A Friend of Mine (a duet with Jackson Browne) standing out as his biggest solo hit. Clarence, who went by the nickname “Big Man,” was the heart and soul of the E Street Band and we’re not sure how they will go on without him. Sadly, this is the second loss for the group since 2008 including Danny Federici’s passing.

The Big Man recently performed with Furthur in Florida after sitting in with the Grateful Dead a number of times in the ’80s. We’ll have more on the life of Clarence Clemons, who was 69,  in the coming days.