Clarence Clemons facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clarence Clemons
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Clemons performing in November 2009
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| Born | January 11, 1942 Norfolk County, Virginia, U.S.
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| Died | June 18, 2011 (aged 69) West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
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| Other names | The Big Man |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1961–2011 |
| Spouse(s) |
Victoria Clemons
(m. 2008) |
| Children | 4, including Nick |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments |
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| Labels | Columbia |
Clarence Anicholas Clemons Jr. (born January 11, 1942 – died June 18, 2011) was an American musician and actor. People often called him The Big Man. From 1972 until he passed away in 2011, he was the main saxophonist for The E Street Band. This famous band played with Bruce Springsteen.
Clarence Clemons also made his own music. In 1985, he had a popular song called "You're a Friend of Mine". He sang this song with Jackson Browne. He also played saxophone on Aretha Franklin's hit song "Freeway of Love". As an actor, Clemons appeared in movies like New York, New York and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. He also showed up in TV shows such as The Simpsons and My Wife and Kids.
In 2009, Clemons wrote a book with his friend Don Reo. It was called Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales. A documentary about his life, Clarence Clemons: Who Do I Think I Am?, came out in 2019. Clarence Clemons died in 2011 when he was 69 years old. In 2014, he was honored and added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the E Street Band.
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Early Life of Clarence Clemons
Clarence Anicholas Clemons Jr. was born on January 11, 1942. His hometown was Norfolk County, Virginia. His father, Clarence Clemons, Sr., owned a fish market. His mother was named Thelma. Clarence was the oldest of their three children.
His grandfather was a Southern Baptist preacher. Because of this, young Clarence grew up in a very religious home. He listened to a lot of gospel music. When he was nine, his father gave him an alto saxophone for Christmas. He also paid for music lessons. Clarence later switched to playing the baritone saxophone. He played this in his high school jazz band.
His uncle also helped him discover music. He bought Clarence his first King Curtis album. King Curtis was a big influence on Clemons. This led him to switch to the tenor saxophone.
Clarence also showed talent in American football. He went to Maryland State College. He had scholarships for both music and football. He was 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 240 pounds. He played as a lineman. Professional teams like the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys noticed him. However, a serious car accident stopped his football career. Years later, in 2012, he was honored in his university's Athletics Hall of Fame.
When he was 18, Clemons recorded music with Tyrone Ashley's Funky Music Machine. This band was from Plainfield, New Jersey. These recordings were released in 2007. While at college, Clemons joined his first band, the Vibratones. They played songs by James Brown. The band stayed together from 1961 to 1965. During this time, he also worked as a counselor. He helped children at a school in Somerset, New Jersey.
Clarence Clemons' Music Career
Joining the E Street Band
The story of how Clarence Clemons met Bruce Springsteen is famous. It's even mentioned in Springsteen's songs. They first met in September 1971. Clemons was playing with Norman Seldin & the Joyful Noyze. This was at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, New Jersey. A singer from his band, Karen Cassidy, told Clemons to check out Springsteen. Springsteen was playing nearby with his own band.
However, Clemons and Springsteen knew some of the same musicians. They had moved in similar music circles for a while. In July 1972, Springsteen started recording his first album. It was called Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.. He needed a tenor saxophone for two songs. These were "Blinded by the Light" and "Spirit in the Night". So, he called Clemons.
By October, Springsteen was ready to tour. He formed a band that included Clemons. Clemons played his last show with Norman Seldin's band on October 21, 1972. Just four days later, Clemons played his first show with the new E Street Band. This was at The Shipbottom Lounge.
Clarence Clemons' Famous Saxophone Solos
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Clemons was a key part of Springsteen's albums. On Born to Run, he played amazing saxophone solos. You can hear them on the title track and "Jungleland". On Darkness on the Edge of Town, his solos stood out on "Badlands".
For The River, Clemons was featured on songs like "Drive All Night". On Born in the U.S.A., he played solos on "Bobby Jean".
Springsteen and the band called Clemons "The Big Man". At the end of concerts, Springsteen would introduce him. He'd say Clemons was "The Biggest Man You Ever Seen."
In April 2014, the E Street Band joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Clemons' wife accepted the honor for him.
Clarence Clemons' Solo Music and Collaborations
Clarence Clemons also worked on many other music projects. He recorded with different artists. His most famous solo work was the song "You're a Friend of Mine" in 1985. He sang this duet with Jackson Browne. He also played saxophone on Aretha Franklin's hit song "Freeway of Love" in 1985.
In the 1980s, Clemons owned a nightclub. It was called Big Man's West. In 1989, he toured with Ringo Starr & The All-Starr Band. He sang "You're a Friend of Mine" with Billy Preston.
In the late 1980s, he became friends with Jerry Garcia. He played many concerts with the Grateful Dead. This included a New Year's Eve concert in 1988. He also toured with the Jerry Garcia Band. One of these shows was released in 2020.
In the 1990s, he recorded a CD in Japan. It was called Aja and the Big Man "Get It On". In the 2000s, Clemons formed a group called The Temple of Soul. They released a song called "Anna". He also worked with a teen band called Creation.
Clemons also worked with Lady Gaga. He played saxophone on her songs "Hair" and "The Edge of Glory". These songs are from her album Born This Way. Just before he had a stroke, he filmed a music video with Lady Gaga for "The Edge of Glory."
Clarence Clemons' Acting Career
Clarence Clemons appeared in several movies and TV shows. His first movie role was in 1977. It was in Martin Scorsese's musical film New York, New York. He played a trumpet player in the film. In the 1989 comedy Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, he played one of the 'Three Most Important People In The World'.
In 1985, Clemons was a special guest on the TV show Diff'rent Strokes. He played Mr. Kingsley, a saxophonist helping Arnold Jackson. He also lent his voice to an episode of The Simpsons in 1999.
He appeared in the movie Blues Brothers 2000 (1999). He was part of a super blues band called The Louisiana Gator Boys. He also showed up in an episode of Damon Wayans' TV show My Wife and Kids. He played a musician and performed an original song.
Clemons appeared twice in the TV show The Wire. He played Roman, a youth-program organizer. He also appeared in an episode of 'Til Death as himself.
Other Work by Clarence Clemons
Clarence Clemons wrote a book with his friend Don Reo. It was called Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales (2009). The book tells his life story in a fun, semi-fictional way.
Clarence Clemons' Personal Life
Clarence Clemons was married five times. He had four sons: Charles, Christopher, Jarod, and Clarence III (known as Nick). His nephew, Jake Clemons, became the new saxophone player for the E Street Band in 2012. This happened after Clarence's death. Clarence lived in Florida and was involved with charity groups there.
The Death of Clarence Clemons
Clarence Clemons passed away on June 18, 2011. He was 69 years old. He had a serious stroke at his home in Florida on June 12. After being in the hospital, he had two brain surgeries. At first, things looked hopeful. However, his condition worsened later that week, and he died.
After his death, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie ordered state flags to be lowered. This was done to honor Clemons. He was survived by his four sons and his younger brother. He was also survived by his fifth wife, Victoria, whom he married in 2008.
Tributes and Legacy of Clarence Clemons
Many musicians honored Clarence Clemons after he died. On June 19, 2011, the band Phish played "Thunder Road" as a tribute. This was at their concert in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam also paid tribute. At a concert, he changed the lyrics of "Better Man". He sang, "Can't find a Bigger Man," honoring Clemons' nickname. Later, on the Late Show with David Letterman, Vedder played a ukulele with "Clarence" written on it.
Bono of U2 honored Clemons at a concert. He read lyrics from Springsteen's "Jungleland". Bon Jovi played "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" at their concert. Photos of Clemons were shown on a giant screen.
Jimmy Buffett added verses about Clemons to his song "The Stories We Could Tell." Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem dedicated their song "The '59 Sound" to Clemons.
On July 17, 2011, a tribute concert was held in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Bruce Springsteen performed a 45-minute set. Clemons' son, Nick, opened the show with his band.
In October 2011, Lady Gaga honored him. She accepted the "Big Man of the Year" award from Little Kids Rock. In 2012, Lady Gaga dedicated her song "The Edge of Glory" to him at a concert in Australia.
On July 28, 2012, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played "Jungleland." This was the first time they played it on the Wrecking Ball World Tour. Clemons' nephew, Jake Clemons, played the saxophone solo. The song was dedicated to Clarence.
Clarence Clemons' Discography
- Clarence Clemons & the Red Bank Rockers
- Rescue (1983)
- Clarence Clemons
- Hero (1985)
- A Night With Mr. C (1989)
- Peacemaker (1995)
- Aja and the Big Man
- Get It On (1995)
- Clarence Clemons & Temple of Soul
- Live in Asbury Park (2002)
- Live in Asbury Park, Vol. 2 (2004)
- Brothers in Arms (2008)
- Bruce Springsteen
- Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. (1973)
- The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle (1973)
- Born to Run (1975)
- Darkness on the Edge of Town (1978)
- The River (1980)
- Born in the U.S.A. (1984)
- Live/1975–85 (1986)
- Tunnel of Love (1987)
- Chimes of Freedom (1988)
- Greatest Hits (1995)
- Blood Brothers (1996)
- Tracks (1998)
- 18 Tracks (1999)
- Live in New York City (2001)
- The Rising (2002)
- The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2003)
- Hammersmith Odeon London '75 (2006)
- Magic (2007)
- Magic Tour Highlights (2008)
- Working on a Dream (2009)
- The Promise (2010)
- Wrecking Ball (2012)
- High Hopes (2014)
- Gary U.S. Bonds
- Dedication (1981)
- On the Line (1982)
- Lady Gaga
- Born This Way (2011)
- Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band
- Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band (1990)
- Zucchero
- Blues (1987)
- Oro Incenso & Birra (1989)
- Zucchero (1991)
- Diamante (1994)
- Spirito Divino (1995)
- Selected Other Collaborations
- Dan Hartman: Images (1976)
- Aretha Franklin: Who's Zoomin' Who? (1985)
- Twisted Sister: Come Out and Play (1985)
- Gloria Estefan: Let It Loose (1987)
- Todd Rundgren: Nearly Human (1989)
- Joe Cocker: Unchain My Heart (1990)
- Nils Lofgren: Silver Lining (1991)
- Alvin Lee: Zoom (1992)
- Roy Orbison: King of Hearts (1992)
- Dave Koz: Lucky Man (1993)
- Great White: Sail Away (1994)
- Luther Vandross: This is Christmas (1995)
- Nick Clemons Band: In the Sunlight (2001)
- Creation: World Without Windows (2005)
- Tyrone Ashley's Funky Music Machine: Let Me Be Your Man (2007)
- Stormin' Norman & Friends: Asbury Park — Then And Now (2008)
- Lady Gaga: "The Edge of Glory" (2011)
- Lady Gaga: "Hair" (2011)
- Jerry Garcia Band: Garcia Live Volume 13 (2020)
Clarence Clemons' Filmography
Movies
- New York, New York (1977)
- Role: Cecil Powell
- Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
- Role: One of the Three Most Important People in the World
- Fatal Instinct (1993)
- Role: Clarence
- Blues Brothers 2000 (1998)
- Role: The Louisiana Gator Boys
- Swing (1999)
- Role: Jack
Television Shows
- Diff'rent Strokes
- Role: Mr. Kingsley in "So You Want to Be a Rock Star" (1985)
- Jake and the Fatman
- Role: Blue Danny Boyd in "Why Can't You Behave?" (1989)
- The Flash (1990)
- Role: Darrell Hennings in "Honor Among Thieves" (1990)
- Nash Bridges
- Role: Big Barry in three episodes (1996)
- The Sentinel
- Role: Workman in "Dead Drop" (1997)
- The Weird Al Show
- Role: Miner in "Mining Accident" (1997)
- Viper
- Role: Leo Duquesne in "The Getaway" (1998)
- Penn & Teller's Sin City Spectacular
- Appeared in one episode (1998)
- The Simpsons
- Role: Narrator in "Grift of the Magi" (1999)
- My Wife and Kids
- Role: Johnny Watson in "Micheal's Band" (2003)
- The Wire
- Role: Roman in "Moral Midgetry" and "Hamsterdam" (2004)
- 'Til Death
- Role: Himself in "Eddie's Book" (2009)
Music Videos
- "You're a Friend of Mine" with Jackson Browne (1985)
- "The Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga (2011)
See also
In Spanish: Clarence Clemons para niños
- List of saxophonists
