By Odeisel

Ike Turner created Rock & Roll with his single “Rocket 88.” In the decades since then, it has become decidedly less colorized; abandoned for gospel, Soul, R&B and eventually Hip-Hop. But there are black rockers from GnR’s Slash, Joan Armatrading, Hendrix, and Living Colour to name a few. And there was the Big Man, Clarence Clemons, saxophone titan and anchor of Bruce Springsteen’s legendary E Street Band. Sadly, the music world lost Mr. Clemons this weekend at the age of 69.

Clemons was known for his immense size, as well as his immense heart. As a youth he got involved with music through the church and moved from the alto and the baritone sax before finding a home with the instrument that would make him a true giant, the tenor sax. After running the New Jersey band circuit in the late 60s in separate groups, Clemons and Springsteen began to run in the same circles, eventually coming together and forming E street.

The band’s humble beginnings were soon left behind and much greener pastures would follow. Along with David Burkowitz’s reign of terror closing down the clubs in ‘77, The E Street band was another significant factor in sounding the death knell for the campy disco movement and a cultural force. For that reason alone, Clemons should be lauded.

He became known as the go-to guy for his instrument, not only serving as a significant part of all the major albums of Springsteen’s huge run, but also taking part in other bands, including ex-Beatle Ringo Starr’s inaugural touring run for his All-Starrs. Clemons worked with an assortment of big acts including the aforementioned Armatrading, Aretha Franklin, Twisted Sister, Gloria Estefon, Lisa Stansfield, The Four Tops, Luther Vandross, Lady Gaga and a host of others.  The rep is impeccable.

When you think of rock, I’m sure visions of hair bands, or British bands, or metal bands come to mind. When you get a chance, try to think of the Big Man. His influence and range stretched from jazz, to rock, to urban contemporary and he never made it an issue. He starred on television and in movies, occasionally as himself, but never ever was Clarence Clemons a novelty. For a period spanning over 30 years, Clemons was perhaps the pre-eminent tenor saxophonist. He was a man who gave time to charitable interests and crafted a vortex of love that eveloped his fellow musicians, fans and those who benefitted from his largesse. His friend, Bruce Springsteen noted the following:

Clarence lived a wonderful life. He carried within him a love of people that made them love him. He created a wondrous and extended family. He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he stepped on stage. His loss is immeasurable and we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years. He was my great friend, my partner and with Clarence at my side, my band and I were able to tell a story far deeper than those simply contained in our music. His life, his memory, and his love will live on in that story and in our band

May he rest in peace.

Clemons solo’d on Gaga’s latest album

[pro-player width=’450′ height=’350′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S08KonZiew4[/pro-player]

From the very beginning with Bruce, even providing background vocals on the chorus

[pro-player width=’450′ height=’350′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvJ1A7EeJ7o[/pro-player]

Don’t get it twisted, Clemons could stand center stage and hold an audience.

[pro-player width=’450′ height=’350′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B99nJPjZVPg[/pro-player]

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