Clarence Clemons, the legendary saxophone player in Bruce Springsteen''s E Street Band breathed his last at the age of 69, after being hospitalised a week ago with a stroke.
The 'larger-than-life saxophone player' succumbed to multiple complications from the stroke at his home in Singer Island, Florida, reports the Fox News.
Famously known as the 'Big Man' because of his imposing 6-foot-5-inch, and 270-plus pound frame, Clemons has produced key songs, including 'Jungleland,' and 'Born To Run.'
His booming saxophone solos became a signature sound for the E Street Band and he was a major influence in Bruce Springsteen''s life and music through four decades.
Clemons had been pulled down by health issues in recent years. He endured a major spinal surgery in January 2010 and at the 2009 Super Bowl, he rose from a wheelchair to perform with Springsteen after a double knee replacement surgery.
Fighting severe, chronic pain and post-surgical depression, Clemons still managed to maintain a sense of humour.
Beach, Fla., a band spokeswoman said. He was 69.
Clemons was a key influence in Springsteen's music. He was hospitalized about a week ago after suffering a stroke at his home in Singer Island, Fla.
Known as the Big Man for his 6-foot-5-inch, 270-plus pound frame, Clemons and his ever-present saxophone spent much of his life with The Boss. His solos became a signature sound for the band on many songs, including "Jungleland," a solo he spent 16 hours perfecting, and "Born to Run."
In recent years, he was slowed by health woes. At the 2009 Super Bowl, he rose from a wheelchair to perform after double knee replacements; he endured spinal surgery in 2010.
But his health seemed to be improving. In May, he performed with Lady Gaga on the season finale of "American Idol," and played on two songs on her "Born This Way" album.
Clemons said in a 2010 interview that he was winning his health battles.
"God will give you no more than you can handle," he said. "All this pain is going to come back and make me stronger."
No comments:
Post a Comment