Clarence Clemons, the legendary saxophonist most famous for his work with Bruce Springsteen, died on Saturday following complications resulting from a stroke earlier this week, TMZ has reported. Clarence Clemons was one of the most recognisable members of Springsteen's E-Street Band, with his prominent saxophone sound playing a big part in defining Springsteen's signature sound on songs like: Born To Run, Thunder Road, Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out and Dancing In The Dark.
Standing at 6" 4", Clemons was known as 'The Big Man'. He was a former college football player, and developed a brotherly relationship with Springsteen, which was crystallised for many fans in pictures of the two featured in the inlay cover of album Born to Run. People Magazine reported that the saxophonist was brought to a new audience by Lady GaGa, playing on recent album Born This Way, and was a member of her band for her performance on the American Idol final. He also stars in her new video for the single Hair. According to MTV, the Bad Romance hit-maker had tweeted a get well message this week, stating: "Little monsters, my very close friend + musician on The Edge of Glory Clarence Clemons is very sick.Can we all make some get-well videos?" He had the stroke earlier this week, and after an initial improvement, things took a turn for the worse as the weekend approached. The New York Times noted that Clemons' "jovial onstage manner, soul-rooted style and brotherly relationship with Springsteen made him one of rock's most beloved sidemen."