Clarence Clemons
Clarence Clemons Clemons performs in the E Street Band's Working On A Dream Tour at the 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, November 20, 2009. Background information Birth name Clarence Anicholas Clemons, Jr. Also known as The Big Man Born (1942-01-11)January 11, 1942 Norfolk County, Virginia (later Chesapeake) Died June 18, 2011(2011-06-18) (aged 69) West Palm Beach, Florida Genres Rock, R&B Occupation(s) Musician, actor, athlete Instruments Saxophone Percussion Vocalist Tin whistle Harmonica Years active 1961–2011 Labels Columbia Associated acts E Street Band, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Furthur, Grateful Dead, Jackson Browne, Jerry Garcia Band, Narada Michael Walden, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, Aja Kim, Lady Gaga Website ClarenceClemons.com Notable instruments Julius Keilwerth SX90R tenor saxophone, SX90R baritone saxophone and SX90II soprano saxophone Clarence Anicholas Clemons, Jr. (January 11, 1942 – June 18, 2011), also known as The Big Man, was an American musician and actor. He was reported to be 6'5" (195,5 cm) tall. From 1972 until his death, he was a prominent member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, playing the tenor 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 semi-fictional autobiography told in third person, Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales, in 2009. Clemons suffered a stroke on June 12, 2011, and died of complications from it on June 18. Three years following his death, Clemons, along with the rest of the E Street Band, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
