Clarence Clemons, the E-Street's Sax Man, Dies at Age 69

Fans of Bruce Springsteen and those with a more casual affection for "The E-Street Band" are mourning the loss of one of the most iconic musicians of the group, Clarence Clemons. Clemons died this past Saturday after suffering a stroke.

Clarence Clemons' image is unmistakable. He was a large man (hence his nickname of "Big Man") and he wielded his saxophone with a style all of his own. Clemons made an indelible mark on so much of Springsteen's best material over the years. Though his cannon-sized arms seemed to dwarf his saxophone at times, Clarence was able to not only with expected gusto, but he was also capable of "laying back" and providing subtle colors and tones to the songs of "The E-Street Band" that may have otherwise been lacking.

Clemons' skills with the sax gave him credibility with many music fans, and not just those in love with Bruce Springsteen. Recently Clemons worked on a couple of tracks on Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" album. Tom Morello, former guitarist for "Rage Against the Machine," a band that couldn't be further from "E-Street," also showed his love of Clemons by tweeting "Thank you so much Big Man for sweetening the sound of our planet with your sax and your soul."

By all accounts Clemons was a gentle-giant off stage, which may account for his ability to play with such intense soul and feeling on stage. There's no word as of yet, of course, whether this means "The E-Street Band" will continue on without Clemons. Surely Clemons' absence would create a very palpable hole in the line-up. The only ones who could ever answer that question of course are Springsteen and his fellow band mates.

Springsteen released the following statement on his website.

"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 opportunity to stand beside him for nearly 40 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."

In an era where saxophone solos are no longer quite the staple they once were, it's yet another tribute to Clemons' talent and skill that his loss is so heavily felt by the musical community, and pop-culture in general. Clemons was the best at what he did. There was no sax player that carried the depth and heart into his contributions like Clarence did. He will be missed by many, and his departure leaves the world without a virtuoso of the saxophone.

Click here for a YouTube video of "Jungleland" which features the solo that Clarence Clemons is perhaps best known for.