‘The Big Man’ Clarence Clemons, the larger-than-life saxophonist and Bruce Springsteen’s right hand man, died last night at his Singer Island, Florida home from complications following a stroke he suffered a few days ago. A longtime member of the E Street Band, Clemons also released several solo albums, collaborated with greats like Aretha Franklin and Jackson Browne, and dabbled in acting. In a statement on Saturday, Springsteen said,
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 oppurtunity 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.
We will remember him as much for his music as for his huge personality and, it must be said, that iconic 1975 fold out cover of Born to Run . Click through to watch the video of Clemons and Jackson Browne’s classic 1985 hit ‘You’re a Friend of Mine’ and reminisce.