Godspeed Clarence

Clarence Clemons, aka The Big Man, has passed at 69.

Clemons was the saxophonist for the E Street Band from the very beginning, touring the world many times over and playing incredibly memorable sax parts on every album.

Here’s Bruce Springsteen on losing his bandmate and friend (via Rolling Stone):

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 oppurtunity 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 playing could be heard and felt on all of Bruce’s records and at the live shows his presence was enormous.  He was an incredible musician in the studio and a fan favorite on the stage.

Below is a live performance of Jungleland featuring Clemons delivering his signature sax solo to a huge crowd in London’s Hyde Park in June of 2009.  He was still doing what he loved best right up until the end.