Monday, June 13, 2011

The Big Man

Saxophonist Clarence Clemons suffered a stroke last night at his Florida home and is reported to be in serious condition.

For all the times I waited on line for Bruce Springsteen tickets - staying overnight at the Meadowlands once - I was also waiting to see Clarence. When Bruce would say "... and here's The Big Man" and Clarence would come out of the stage shadows and his music would fill the air I was in heaven.

The saxophone is a soulful instrument and Clarence takes that soul to a level that I find almost impossible to describe. He would hit the sweet notes and I'd feel that chill up my spine and my eyes would tear. At the end of a set he'd flash his billion dollar smile and glide back into the spot he held at stage right.

I can't believe Clarence is 69 years old; he is ageless to me, a giant gentle man who will play on forever.

I hope he can feel my love and respect and hopes for recovery across the miles; the way I always felt his soul as it wafted through the air on the music only he can make.




16 comments:

jabblog said...

Sad to hear of that happening at such a (relatively) young age. We never think of our heroes as being vulnerable.

Daryl said...

I sure hope he will recover, he is an amazing talent and I hear a very nice man

Sylvia K said...

Great musician and I do hope he recovers.

Sylvia

Akelamalu said...

I hope he recovers. I love saxophone music.

Ron said...

Great post, about a great man!

"He would hit the sweet notes and I'd feel that chill up my spine and my eyes would tear."

Me too! I love the sax!

Sending much healing energy his way!

Have a great Monday, dear lady!

X to you and the gang!

Reb said...

I do like to hear a well played sax. Sad news, I hope he recovers and is able to play again.

Kay L. Davies said...

69 isn't old. 80 is old. 90 is old. 69 isn't even 70 yet.
And a well-played saxophone is one my favorite sounds anywhere, any time.
If Clarence doesn't live forever, his music surely will.
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

He should be ageless -- as is his music. But he really isn't old at all. That's way too young to have that kind of serious problem. Not fair.

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

They do not need another sax in the Angels Band...stay around longer Big Man

Hilary said...

That's a real shame. I sure hope he recovers fully.

Ellen Whyte said...

What a shame. I hope he gets better soon.

Granny Annie said...

Nice tribute post Dianne. At his age and with the miracles of modern medicine, he could still come back. I'm hoping for his recovery.

Knight said...

This is a great post. I'm sending healing vibes and hoping he gets them. Such a great talent!

HermanTurnip said...

I heard the news about this on the radio. It's a shame. The man has a permanent place in my memories. Hope he pulls through!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Lots of prayers coming his way....
GREAT Pictures, my dear!

dianasfaria.com said...

such a sweet post & I know exactly what you mean about music & the soul. It's an incredible experience to be able to witness that kind of talent.
God bless Clarence.