In Memoriam
Clarence Clemons
January 11, 1942 – June 18, 2011 · aged 69
Rock · R&B
Clarence Anicholas Clemons Jr., affectionately known as 'The Big Man,' was the beating heart and towering soul of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Born in Virginia in 1942, Clemons was a force of nature, wielding his tenor saxophone like a rock and roll Excalibur. His thunderous, euphoric sax solos provided the emotional climax to Springsteen’s greatest anthems; his legendary two-and-a-half-minute solo on 'Jungleland' is widely considered one of the most majestic moments in rock history. The visual dynamic between the diminutive Springsteen and the massive, charismatic Clemons became an iconic symbol of musical brotherhood. Towards the end of his life, he even bridged the gap to modern pop, laying down an explosive solo for Lady Gaga's 'The Edge of Glory.' Following complications from a stroke, Clemons passed away on June 18, 2011, at the age of 69, leaving a stadium-sized silence in the rock world.
Milestones
Born to Run, Jungleland, The Edge of Glory
Also remembered in 2011
- Amy Winehouse (1983–2011)
- Gary Moore (1952–2011)
- Gil Scott-Heron (1949–2011)
- Nate Dogg (1969–2011)