Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band Suffers Stroke

NEW YORK -- 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 the person was not authorized to speak on the matter. The person had no additional information on Clemons' condition.

Clarence Clemons and Bruce Springsteen

Clemons 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.

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

He is 69 years old.

A friend of Clemons' tells Backstreets.com that the saxophonist "was paralyzed on his left side, but now he's squeezing with his left hand. This is the best news we've heard since [the stroke] happened - it's nothing short of miraculous. The next five days will still be critical. But he's a fighter."

According to Backstreets.com, Clemons is in stable condition and responsive after undergoing two brain surgeries.

FOX 5 reports that Clemons is paralyzed on the left side of his body.


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