Remembering “The Big Man” Clarence Clemons – Gone One Year Ago Today
Today is the one year anniversary of the passing of Bruce Springsteen's partner in crime, Clarence Clemons, the legendary saxophone player from the E Street Band.
While Bruce Springsteen has since written, recorded and released a brand new album and has been touring for it ever since its release in March, the lack of presence of Clarence Clemons has been prevalent, especially with his nephew Jake Clemons taking his place. At the end of each and every show, during the classic "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out", Bruce and the band pause right after the iconic line, "the change was made uptown and the Big Man joined the band" and allow the crowd to cheer and celebrate Clarence Clemons' life for five minutes while a video tribute appears on the big-screen.
While Bruce Springsteen is notorious for taking things as they come and moving constantly forward, there is no denying how big of an impact Clarence Clemons had on his life both professionally and more importantly, personally.
I remember having a chance to interview Clarence Clemons in 2010. It was one of his last public interviews before his passing. I had asked him what his favorite saxophone solo was as a member of the E Street Band. I was expecting him to say "Jungleland", a song that contains over four minutes of an epic solo that, when you heard live, it felt as though the entire world could here it. Clarence told me that he hadn't had his favorite saxophone solo yet, anticipating years and years of upcoming albums and sold out concerts.
In honor of Clarence, let us know what you think is his defining moment in the comment section below.