Remembering Clarence Clemons On His Birthday

Bruce Springsteen's longtime saxophonist Clarence Clemons was born on this day in 1942. Known as “The Big Man,” Clemons joined Springsteen’s group in 1972, and his saxophone became an integral part of The Boss’ music for most of Bruce’s career, while the onstage camaraderie between the two men was a key element to the E Street Band’s marathon live shows. It is Clemons who appears with Springsteen on the cover of Bruce’s seminal 1975 album Born to Run— one of rock’s most iconic images. Clemons’ solo on that album’s closing track “Jungleland” is generally considered one of his finest recorded moments. Other classic Springsteen tunes that showcase Clarence’s sax prowess include “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight),” “Born to Run,” “Thunder Road,” “Badlands,” “The Promised Land” and “I’m Goin’ Down.” In all, Clemons contributed to more than a dozen of Bruce’s studio albums.