Legendary saxophone player Clarence Clemos, who spent 40 years helping rocker Bruce Springsteen define his sound as a member of the E Street Band, passed away Saturday at the age of 69 after succumbing to complications from a stroke he suffered last Sunday.  Clemons is survived by four sons and his wife Victoria.

Nicknamed "Big Man," Clemons has been a major part of Springsteen's sound for nearly forty years, particularly on hits such as "Born to Run" and "Thunder Road".  He has been a major force in the music industry, contributing on albums by artists ranging from Aretha Franklin to Twisted Sister to Luther Vandross, and many, many more.  He performed for a time with the Grateful Dead, and was a part of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band.  Most recently, Clemons performed on a pair of tracks on pop superstar Lady Gag's recently released "Born the Way" album, and joined her onstage during the May 25th season finale of "American Idol".

"Clarence lived a wonderful life," Springsteen in a statement. "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. His loss is immeasurable and we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years.

"He was my great friend, my partner and with Clarence at my side, my band and I were able to tell a story far deeper than those simply contained in our music. His life, his memory, and his love will live on in that story and in our band."