Watch CBS News

Report: E Street Band Saxophonist Clarence Clemons Suffers Stroke

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/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 they were 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.

His health seemed to be improving. Just last month, he performed with Lady Gaga on the season finale of "American Idol."

On Monday, Lady Gaga posted on Twitter "Little monsters, my very close friend +musician on The Edge of Glory, Clarence Clemons is very sick. Can we all make some get well videos?"

Clemons' nephew, saxophonist Jake Clemons, updated his Facebook status on Monday to say: "Please do not lose Hope!''

Do you have any sentiments you'd care to share with the Big Man? Sound off in our comments section below…

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.