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Clarence Clemons suffers a stroke

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helliott

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NEW YORK, N.Y. Clarence Clemons, saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen’s iconic E Street Band, has suffered a stroke at his home in Florida, according to multiple reports.

Showbiz411, who was the first to report on Clemons’ stroke, said the musician is “said to be seriously ill,” while Rolling Stone confirmed the stroke occurred but said it did not have information on its severity.

Known as the “Big Man,” Clemons has been with the E Street Band for nearly four decades and helped define the band’s sound on such classics as “Born to Run” and “Thunder Road.” The 69-year-old underwent two knee replacements and back surgery in the last year; in an interview with Rolling Stone in February, he described his last tour with the band as “pure hell” due to pain.

Most recently, Clemons collaborated with Lady Gaga on her “Born This Way” album, playing sax on the singles “The Edge of Glory” and “Hair” and performing with the pop star on the May 25 “American Idol” season finale.

While Clemons hasn’t played with the E Street Band since December, he was scheduled to perform the National Anthem at the NBA Finals Game Two last week. However, the appearance was nixed at the last minute due to a hand injury; Clemons watched in the stands .
 
Just saw that.
69 was way too early for the big man. He was set to play pro football for Dallas and another team, but had a bad knee problem that ended his career. Still, talk about an incredible life he got to live...

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born-to=run.jpg

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So terribly sad.

Not the least bit ashamed to say I listened to this and cried.



RIP Clarence and thanks for the music.
 
I was half expecting this, reading between the lines of the reports. Still, I'm surprised how hard it's hitting me. Gonna put on the live in NY DVD for my treadmill run this afternoon. Will need a full box of kleenex on hand. I wonder how on earth Bruce will be able to perform songs like Jungleland with no Clarence? Hard to imagine.
 
I wonder how on earth Bruce will be able to perform songs like Jungleland with no Clarence? Hard to imagine.

Been thinking about that myself.

If I were Bruce Springsteen, and god-willing someday I will be, I'd have Steve or Nils play the solo on the guitar as a statement that only Clarence should play it on sax. I'm sure at some point he'll add another horn to the band, but even so, that solo should remain Clarence's.
 
So sad and still hard to believe. He and Bruce had worked so closely together for 40 years. I can only imagine how it's affecting him.
 
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