Clarence Clemons life and biography

Clarence Anicholas Clemons, Jr., also known as The Big Man due to his size, was an American musician and actor.

From 1972 until his death, he was a prominent member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, playing 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 Aretha Franklin's classic "Freeway of Love" and on Twisted Sister's "Be Chrool to Your Scuel" as well as performing in concert with The Grateful Dead and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. As an actor Clemons featured in several films, including New York, New York and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. He also made cameo appearances in several TV series, including Diff'rent Strokes, Nash Bridges, The Simpsons and The Wire. Together with his television writer friend Don Reo he published his autobiography, Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales, in 2009. Clemons suffered a stroke on June 12, 2011 and died of complications from the stroke on June 18 at 69 years of age.

Over an ongoing career that has spanned thirty years, Clarence Clemons has left his distinctive mark on all that he has come in contact with. The sheer spectrum of his vast accomplishments is in itself impressive. He has traveled many roads of artistic endeavors. He has never restricted himself to one form of creative expression because he draws from a wide array of talents. In addition to an ever lengthening roster of live concerts, performances and recording projects, he also has to his credit a swiftly growing theatrical and television portfolio.

Clemons is most widely known for his unmistakable saxophone sound, which for more than two decades, has lofted Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band to, as some have deemed it, the greatest rock and roll band in the world. With the influences of such greats as Junior Walker, King Curtis, and Gato Barbieri, Clemons has developed his own unique style that has made him one of the most renowned saxophonists in the world. His live performances with the E Street Band, as well as with his own Red Bank Rockers, Jerry Garcia Band, The Grateful Dead, and Ringo Starr's All Star Band, have left audiences breathless, clinging to every expressive note pouring from his horn.

Mr. Clemons' discography is large and varied, creating what seems to be an endlessly definitive statement of musical expression. He has recorded albums with such notable artists as Aretha Franklin, Paul Young, Great White, Alvin Lee, Roy Orbison, and Patti LaBelle. The greatest testament to his wide appeal would be his unique ability to span a range of musical genres from David Koz's "Sax Man" LP to Ricky Skaggs' LP "Honey".

Clarence continues to consistently add to his acting resume in both television and theatre. He has appeared in several television series ranging from situation comedies to intensely riveting dramas. "The Big Man" has been seen in the hit CBS series "NASH BRIDGES" and UPN's "THE SENTINEL" and "THE VIPER". He's had several featured roles on the big screen including "FATAL INSTINCT", "BILL AND TED'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE", and "BLUES BROTHERS 2000." In "SWING", just released to video, Clarence puts both his theatrical and musical mark in place. Never allowing limitations to hinder his expansion, he's now using his abilities for script writing as well as musical composition.

In Spring '99, Clarence reunited with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band for a sold-out world tour lasting almost two years. The resulting CD "Live In New York" was certified gold (and platinum) in May of 2001.

Clemons suffered a stroke on June 12, 2011. He underwent two surgeries after which he was declared in serious but stable condition. According to Rolling Stone Magazine, he had been showing signs of recovery. However, Clemons died from complications caused by the stroke on June 18.

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