Shortly after Bruce Springsteen learned that his E Street Band saxophone player Clarence Clemons passed away Saturday, the 61-year-old rocker expressed his sadness in a new blog entry on his official website.
“Clarence lived a wonderful life,” Springsteen wrote. “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.”
Clemons, 69, underwent two brain surgeries after suffering a “serious stroke” on June 12; he is survived by his wife, Victoria, and four children.
“His loss is immeasurable and we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly 40 years,” The Boss continued. “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,” Springsteen concluded.
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Known by fans as The Big Man, Clemons worked with many artists throughout his career, including Jackson Browne (“You’re a Friend of Mine”), Aretha Franklin (“Freeway of Love”) and Lady Gaga (“Edge of Glory” and “Hair”).
