Clarence Clemons (b. January 11, 1942) is an American musician, best known as the saxophone player in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. "The Big Man" has been playing with Bruce for over 30 years; his sax parts are an easily recognized feature of the E Street sound, with the most famous being his long elegiac solo during the song "Jungleland". In addition Clemons has a larger-than-life persona within the band; he serves as a visual foil to Springsteen during concerts (as well as on the Born to Run foldout album cover) and as the crowd favorite is always the last player mentioned during band introductions, usually after a lavish, over-the-top build-up from Springsteen. His arrival into the band is celebrated by Springsteen in the song "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out".
In addition to his E Street Band work, Clemons has recorded with many other artists and has had a number of musical projects on his own. The best known of these are his vocal duet with Jackson Browne on the hit single "You're a Friend of Mine", and his saxophone work on Aretha Franklin's hit single "Freeway of Love". Recently Clemons has been working with a group called The Temple of Soul.
Clemons was raised in Norfolk County, Virginia and was an aspiring professional football lineman until an injury derailed his career. The major influence on his saxophone style has been King Curtis.
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Last updated: 10-24-2005 20:41:59
