Clarence Clemons dies of complications from stroke

Clarence Clemons and Bruce Springsteen, frozen in time as one of the greatest partnerships in the history of rock 'n' roll.

He was the spirit of the E Street Band, and the oaken staff that Bruce Springsteen leaned on.

(By Tris McCall, The Star-Ledger) - Clarence Clemons — the Big Man with the big horn — died yesterday of complications from a stroke he suffered last weekend. He was 69.

“Clarence lived a wonderful life,” Bruce Springsteen said in a statement last night. “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.”

News of Clemons’ death was first reported last night on nj.com, The Star-Ledger’s real-time news website.