His grandfather was a Southern Baptist preacher and, as a result, the young Clemons grew up in a very religious environment listening to gospel music. He was the oldest of their three children. Early lifeīorn in Norfolk County (later the city of Chesapeake), Virginia, Clemons was the son of Clarence Clemons Sr., a fish market owner, and his wife Thelma. Three years following his death, Clemons was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with the other members of the E Street Band. Clemons suffered a stroke on June 12, 2011, and died of complications from it on June 18. Together with his television writer friend Don Reo he published his semi-fictional autobiography told in third person, Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales, in 2009. He also made cameo appearances in several TV series, including Diff'rent Strokes, Nash Bridges, The Simpsons, My Wife and Kids, and The Wire. As an actor Clemons featured in several films, including New York, New York and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. As a guest musician he also featured on Aretha Franklin's classic "Freeway of Love" and on Twisted Sister's "Be Chrool to Your Scuel" as well as performing in concert with the Grateful Dead and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. He released several solo albums and in 1985, had a hit single with "You're a Friend of Mine," a duet with Jackson Browne. His playing on songs such "Born to Run" and "Jungleland", and his presence as a visual foil to Springsteen, made him the most prominent member of the E Street ensemble.
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From 1972 until his death, he was a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, playing the tenor saxophone.
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He was reported to be 6' 5" (195.5 cm) tall, hence his nickname. (January 11, 1942 – June 18, 2011), also known as The Big Man, was an American saxophonist, musician and actor.