NEW YORK (AP) — Saxophonist Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band has suffered a stroke.
A person who has worked with Clemons in the past
confirmed Sunday night that Clemons had the stroke. The person spoke on
condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak on the
matter. The person had no additional information on Clemons' condition.
Clemons, 69, is known as the Big Man in the E
Street Band and his sax has been one of the most defining elements of the
band's sound. He has suffered from numerous ailments over the last few years.
He had double knee surgery and even had to perform from a wheelchair at one
point.
But his health seemed to be improving. Just last
month, he performed with Lady Gaga on the season finale of "American
Idol."
Drummer and music industry executive Narada Michael
Walden, whom Clemons has called a close friend and spiritual adviser, replied
to an email query Monday about Clemons by responding, "Love and prayers to
the Big Man! He is our Hero!"
Clemons' nephew, saxophonist Jake Clemons, updated
his Facebook status on Monday to say: "Please do not lose Hope!"
Kiley Armstrong in New York City contributed to
this report.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
(AP
Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)
