The music world suffered a big loss Saturday night.
Famed saxophonist, Clarence Clemons, and key member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, died Saturday night after complications from a stroke. He was 69.
Clemons was hospitalized about a week ago after he suffered a stroke at his home in Singer Island, Fla.
Springsteen informed the world of his friend’s death on his website.
Clemons spent nearly 40 years with Springsteen, and as “The Boss” grew in popularity, so did Clemons, who was considered a legend by many in the industry. In a statement on his website, Springsteen called Clemons a “beloved” friend and bandmate.
“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.”
Clemons health was in decline in recent years, after undergoing spinal surgery in 2010, and double knee replacement surgery in 2008.
The saxophonist didn’t stop performing, however. Last month, he performed with Lady Gaga on the season finale of “American Idol”
News of Clemons’ death even reached the sports world with Dwayne Wade tweeting, “RIP Clarence Clemons.. Great musician but a even greater person.”
Actor Rob Lowe tweeted: “Clarence Clemons was an electric, generous, sweet spirit. Taught me how to look cool with a sax. Goodbye Big Man.”
Clemons was born in Norfolk, Va. and began playing the saxophone when he was nine years old.
With Associated Press
