The music world was shaken today by the death of Clarence Clemons, longtime saxophone player in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. Clemons died of complications from a stroke suffered last week at the age of 69. He spent 40 years as a part of The Boss's legendary backing band, playing alongside Springsteen since the illustrious musician's humble beginnings in 1971. In addition to providing the spirit-lifting soul for the E Street Band, Clemons has played with the likes of Jackson Browne and Ringo Starr and spent brief stints acting on the hit shows Diff'rent Strokes and HBO's The Wire.
With a heavy heart, Springsteen released the following statement on his website:
"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 opportunity 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."
Sometimes overlooked by the music community but always appreciated by his Boss and the fans that mattered, Clarence Clemons will forever be remembered as an extremely talented musician and a magnanimous individual, who spread his soul to all who had the good sense to listen. Rest in peace Clarence, may you spend an eternity as you spent your life: delighting all those who listened with your sublime sax playing.
