Clarence Clemons (1942

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Biography

Clarence Anicholas Clemons Jr., also known as The Big Man, was an American saxophonist. From 1972 until his death in 2011, he was the saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band.

Timeline

The story of Clarence Clemons, told in moments.

1972 Event

Joined Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. The story goes that he walked into a bar where Springsteen was playing, the door blew off its hinges in the wind, and the two locked eyes. "I'd been waiting for him my whole life."

Is the story about the door blowing off its hinges true? What was it about Springsteen that made you stay?

1985 Event

Hit single "You're a Friend of Mine" with Jackson Browne. He also played saxophone on Aretha Franklin's "Freeway of Love."

Did you ever want to be more than the sax player in someone else's band? What was it like playing with Aretha?

2011 Death

Died at 69 from complications of a stroke. They called him the Big Man. On stage with the E Street Band, he earned it every night for 39 years.

What did being called the Big Man mean to you? Did 39 years with the E Street Band feel long or short?

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Explore what happened on the days that shaped Clarence Clemons's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.