Celeb News: Clarence Clemons suffers stroke

Dephira

Quote:

Rolling Stone can confirm reports that Clarence Clemons has had a stroke. The news broke this evening at 411.com, which reported that Clemons is "seriously ill after a stroke at his home in Florida." We have no information on the severity of the stroke, but we have independently confirmed that the E Street Band saxophonist has suffered a stroke.

Clemons has gone through a series of medical ailments - mostly involving his back and knees - over the past decade. He hasn't missed any concerts, but the conditions caused him to suffer a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort. "That last tour was hell," Clemons told Rolling Stone in February. "Pure hell." In the past year Clemons had both knees replaced and spinal fusion surgery. "The timing was perfect because it didn't interfere with a lot of stuff that was going on in my life," he says. "It made me stronger, and for the past year I've been in physical therapy a few days a week working my ass off to get back in shape. I'm walking better now, though I still use a cane and crutches. But now I'm having hip problems again. I don't know why."

Clemons last performed with Springsteen and the E Street Band in December of 2010 at Asbury Park's Carousel House for a special web broadcast taping. He performs on two songs on Lady Gaga's new album Born This Way, and just last month played "Edge of Glory" with her at the season finale of American Idol. He was supposed to play the national anthem before Game 2 of the NBA Finals last week, but a hand injury forced him to cancel at the last minute. He watched the game in the stands with Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning.

When Rolling Stone spoke to Clemons in February he said that virtually nothing would take him off the road with Springsteen and The E Street Band. "As long as my mouth, hands and brain still work I'll be out there doing it," he said. "I'm going to keep going 'til I'm not there anymore. This is what's keeping me alive and feeling young and inspired. My spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy told me that my purpose in life is to bring joy and light to the world, and I don't know any better way to do then what I'm doing now."

Source: Rolling Stone

I hope he feels better soon.
For those of you who don't know Clemons came to fame as member of the E Street Band around Bruce Springsteen and more recently for playing the saxophone on Lady Gaga's songs Hair and Edge of Glory

andresg770

Wishing him a speedy recovery!! Some of his sax solos are easily my favorite parts of several of Springsteen's songs.

frankru2010

One of the greatest "pop" saxaphonist ever. Solo on "Edge of Glory" one of his best.

candlebox

i bet he was a miami heat fan

GreasyBruce

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Originally posted by frankru2010

One of the greatest "pop" saxaphonist ever. Solo on "Edge of Glory" one of his best.

Just no.

I don't pray much but he is in my thoughts. His sax playing has given me so much joy over the years, I wish him the best.

frankru2010

Clarence Clemons' Greatest Chart Hits

by Gary Trust | June 14, 2011 4:35 EDT
http://www.billboard.com/#/column/ch...05230402.story
Billboard.com

As Clarence Clemons faces recovery from a stroke suffered Sunday (June 12), Lady Gaga is rallying fans to show their support for the beloved Rock and Roll Hall of Fame E Street Band member.

"Little monsters, my very close friend + musician on The Edge of Glory, Clarence Clemons is very sick. Can we all make some get well videos?," she Tweeted.

Not only does Clemons' trademark sax add stylistic flare to "The Edge of Glory," but he also adds highlights to "Hair," likewise from Lady Gaga's Billboard 200-topping album "Born This Way."

With "Glory" having peaked at No. 3 so far on the Billboard Hot 100, the song is the highest-charting title to sport a Clemons sax solo since Aretha Franklin's "Freeway of Love" also sped to No. 3 in 1985.

Billboard joins fans worldwide in wishing the iconic entertainer a return to health.

As an audio card, here is a look at five of the Big Man's biggest Billboard hits, including his 1986 vocal turn with Jackson Browne (as well as an uncredited Daryl Hannah, Browne's then-girlfriend).

"Born to Run," Bruce Springsteen
No. 23, Hot 100, 1975

"Dancing in the Dark," Bruce Springsteen
No. 2, Hot 100 / No. 1 (six weeks), Mainstream Rock, 1984

"Freeway of Love," Aretha Franklin
No. 3, Hot 100 / No. 1 (five weeks), R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, 1985

"You're a Friend of Mine," Clarence Clemons & Jackson Browne
No. 18, Hot 100, 1986

"Secret Garden," Bruce Springsteen
No. 19, Hot 100 / No. 5, Adult Contemporary, 1997