purpleronnie Posted 19 June 2011 Share Posted 19 June 2011 Very sad news. My link ONE OF the music industry's most respected saxophone players Clarence Clemons has died aged 69. Best known for playing with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, Clemons also played with many artists from Lady gaga to Ringo Starr. According to a BBC report, Clemons was taken to hospital about a week ago after suffering a stroke at his home in Singer Island, Florida. Known as the Big Man for his 6ft 5in frame, Clemons was credited with shaping the early sound of Bruce Springsteen. His solos powered Springsteen hits such as Born to Run and Jungleland. On his website, Springsteen said the loss of Clemons was "immeasurable" and that he and his bandmates were honoured to have stood beside him for nearly 40 years. The statement said: "Clarence lived a wonderful life. He carried within him a love of people that made them love him." It added: "He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he stepped on stage." Clemons had suffered from poor health in recent years, including major spinal surgery in January 2010. At the 2009 Super Bowl, following double knee replacement surgery, he rose from a wheelchair to perform with Springsteen. In May this year Clemons, a former youth councillor, was well enough to perform with Lady Gaga on the finale of the television show American Idol. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Clemons began playing saxophone at the age of nine after receiving one unexpectedly from his father for Christmas. "I wanted an electric train for Christmas, but he got me a saxophone. I flipped out," he told the Associated Press news agency in a 1989 interview. After his dreams of being a football player were dashed by a car accident, he turned to music. Clemons hit it off immediately with Springsteen, then a singer-songwriter from New Jersey, when they first met in 1971, and the saxophonist became an original member of the E Street Band. Their friendship survived Springsteen's decision to concentrate on solo projects following the success of his album Born in the USA. In a 2009 interview, Clemons described his deep bond with The Boss, saying: "It's the most passion that you have without sex.". He also recorded with legendary musical artists such as Aretha Franklin, Roy Orbison and Jackson Browne. And he jammed with former US President Bill Clinton at the 1993 inaugural ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rico Posted 19 June 2011 Share Posted 19 June 2011 just saw this sad news RIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Posted 19 June 2011 Share Posted 19 June 2011 I always thought Bruce was no good, Ironically The Gaslight Anthem and The Hold Steady got me into the Boss amazing songwriter. Guess I will never get to see the full E Street Band now! some classic Sax from Clarence here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKhwqhbF3tc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleronnie Posted 19 June 2011 Author Share Posted 19 June 2011 I always thought Bruce was no good, Ironically The Gaslight Anthem and The Hold Steady got me into the Boss amazing songwriter. Guess I will never get to see the full E Street Band now! some classic Sax from Clarence here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKhwqhbF3tc Yes I still think bruce is tagged with the whole fist pumping 'Born in the USA' thing, most people dont realise what that song is about or the fact he'd released 4 albums before it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyT Posted 19 June 2011 Share Posted 19 June 2011 Just seen this tweet from the actor Kevin Pollack. kevinpollak Kevin Pollak **** him! Son of a bitch owed me money! Too soon...? RT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finchy Posted 19 June 2011 Share Posted 19 June 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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