Following a massive stroke that resulted in two separate surgeries, E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons passed away today at the age of 69.

Clemons suffered a stroke on June 12 in Florida, subsequently being taken to a Palm Beach County hospital.  Despite the stroke—and the resulting surgery—Clemons was reportedly “responsive and in stable condition.”  However, a report from Rolling Stone recently revealed that Clemons’ condition worsened later in the week.

Clemons ultimately passed away as a result of complications resulting from the stroke.

Standing in at 6’4”, Clemons was referred to as “The Big Man” and was one of the founding members of the E Street Band in 1972 along with Vini Lopez, Danny Federici, Garry Tallent and David Sancious.  His first meeting with band leader Bruce Springsteen was immortalized in the break out track from 1975’s Born to Run, “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out.”

A member of the E Street Band for some 40 years, Clemons saxophone work can be heard on albums such as Greetings from Asbury Park, Darkness on the Edge of Town and Born in the U.S.A. He also released several successful solo albums and collaborated with artists like Jackson Browne and Aretha Franklin. His most recent work included playing sax on Lady Gaga’s hit album Born This Way.

More details to come.

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