Clarence Clemons: was born on January 11, 1942 and unfortunately passed away yesterday, June 18, 2011, at the age of 69. Clemons was also known as the The Big Man, and was as an American musician and actor. From 1972 until his death, he was a prominent member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, where he played the saxophone. He released several solo albums and in 1985 had a hit single with "You're a Friend of Mine", a duet with Jackson Browne. As a guest musician he also featured on songs by Aretha Franklin. He also performed inconcert with The Grateful Dead and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. Clemons has played with E Street Band Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Jackson Browne, Narada Michael Walden, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, Aja Kim and has just recently with Lady Gaga. Clemons played the saxophone in Lady Gaga’s “The Edge Of Glory”, and is featured in the video. The video, a New York styled video only featuring Gaga and Clemons, as stated in an earlier entry, about the death of her Grandpa. The video was released just a few days ago, when Clarence first suffered the stroke. The criticism over the video is about how it is too simplistic, not over the top like her other work. But the video has a new poignant new significance to it. The video is a tribute to Clarence Clemons, to New York and her honoring her childhood and her rise to fame. The video is the last appearance of legendary saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who died of complications related to the stroke he suffered last weekend. The beloved musician also provided the much-buzzed-about sax for Gaga’s “Hair” and “Highway Unicorn,” but of course that was just the cap on a long and vital career as both a solo artist and member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band since 1972. Tonight Gaga will perform on the 2011 Much Music Awards. It wouldn't surprise me if she performed and dedicated her song "The Edge of Glory" to Clarence, considering they were very good friends. Clemon's highly recognizable saxophone sound is partially responsible for help creating the catchy, Springsteen feel of the her songs.
Bruce Springsteen's words on Clarence Clemons:
"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."
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