Clarence Anicholas Clemons Jr., also known as The Big Man, was an American saxophonist, musician and actor born January 11, 1942 in Norfolk County, Virginia (later known as the city of Chesapeake). His recording career began at the age of 18, but he is most famously known as a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, playing the saxophone with them from 1972 until his death in 2011.
In his school years, Clemons was a great football player, and after graduating from Crestwood High School (now Crestwood Middle), he attended Maryland State College, receiving both music and football scholarships.
Outside of his work with the E Street Band, Clemons released several solo albums and recorded with many other artists including Aretha Franklin, Jackson Browne and Lady Gaga. He also appeared in several TV series & movies.
On June 12, 2011, Clemons suffered a stroke and died of complications from it on June 18. Three years after his death, Clemons was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with the other members of the E Street Band.