June 18th, 2011
09:30 PM ET

E Street saxophonist Clarence Clemons dies

[Updated at 10:30 p.m ET] Legendary rock saxophonist Clarence Clemons died Saturday of complications from a stroke, bandmate Bruce Springsteen said. He was 69.

Clemons had played sax in Springsteen's E Street Band off and on since 1972.

"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," Springsteen said in a statement.

"His loss is immeasurable and we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly 40 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."

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soundoff (82 Responses)
  1. Saint in the City

    "Teardrops on the city" for sure now that the Big Man has joined rock'n roll heaven's band. Will listen to "Jungleland" and remember one of the great concerts I've ever seen ("Born in the USA Tour" all those years ago). RIP Big Man!

    June 18, 2011 at 10:00 pm | Report abuse |
  2. tommyrock

    The Big Man was bigger than that band to me. I think he was the one who actually blew Bruce away!

    June 18, 2011 at 10:00 pm | Report abuse |
  3. buzzy

    This is all they give him and Ron Paul gets a lead story? What t lasts is music, books and art. Ron Paul in 100 years? Dust in the wind. E Street band? Will still be played.

    June 18, 2011 at 10:01 pm | Report abuse |
  4. bernadette

    OMG!! THIS IS TRAGIC. FOR ME, THIS IS THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED. MY HEARTFELT CONCERN
    FOR BRUCE AND THE E-STREETERS... COVER ME...

    June 18, 2011 at 10:02 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Calico

    Fare thee well, Big Man – hard to believe you aren't here on this plane of existence anymore. Best wishes.to you and your family. XO

    June 18, 2011 at 10:02 pm | Report abuse |
  6. So sorry

    Very sad news. One of the best is gone.

    June 18, 2011 at 10:03 pm | Report abuse |
  7. Cary Lewis

    The single most intimate fantastic concert I ever saw was Clarence in Montreal in the eighties. It was magical. Rest in Peace, big man. The band in the great beyond has acquired a new member and will never be the same.

    June 18, 2011 at 10:05 pm | Report abuse |
  8. b. Slider

    RIP BIG MAN. Your warmth, talent ,and spirit will be missed by all. This is so sad

    June 18, 2011 at 10:06 pm | Report abuse |
  9. Jared

    Rest easy big man. You gave the world so much beauty for so long. You will be missed.

    June 18, 2011 at 10:06 pm | Report abuse |
  10. tmichael

    RIP

    June 18, 2011 at 10:06 pm | Report abuse |
  11. brown

    A legend has been lost!

    June 18, 2011 at 10:07 pm | Report abuse |
  12. Pat

    Will be missed by many. Has left his mark in the music industry. Thanks for the memories.

    June 18, 2011 at 10:08 pm | Report abuse |
  13. Jon Z

    This is such a shame.You will be missed. You brought life to so many people who truly adored you. You're sax, soul, and energy helped give me some of the happiest and most intense moments in my life. Thank you Clarence and may your journey "uptown" provide moments for you to "sit back right easy and laugh..."
    Rest in peace, Brother.

    June 18, 2011 at 10:08 pm | Report abuse |
  14. Leo Anderson

    RIP

    June 18, 2011 at 10:12 pm | Report abuse |
  15. ethertop

    So very saddened by this news. I remember when Born to Run came out. I was just blown away by Clarence's sax. And again and again throughout his career. And once again in The Edge of Glory. A great loss for the world. RIP Clarence.

    June 18, 2011 at 10:12 pm | Report abuse |
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