Sax Legend (And Lady Gaga’s Partner In “Glory”) Clarence Clemons Dies At Age 69

Idolator Staff | June 19, 2011 8:52 am

Lady Gaga’s “The Edge Of Glory” video may have severely underwhelmed us (and other critics), but now the “sidewalks of New York”-themed visual has taken on a poignant new significance — it’s the last appearance of legendary saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who died of complications related to the stroke he suffered last weekend. The beloved musician also provided the much-buzzed-about sax for Gaga’s “Hair” and “Highway Unicorn,” but of course that was just the cap on a long and vital career as both a solo artist and member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band since 1972. Head below for some concert footage of one of Clemons’ incomparable sax solos as we pay tribute to this great artist.

There’s something circular about Clemons passing just after his appearance in the “Edge Of Glory” video, considering that the tune was originally conceived when Gaga witnessed the final moments of her own grandfather’s life on his deathbed.

In addition to The Boss, Clemons (also known as “The Big Man”) has also played with such powerhouse artists as Aretha Franklin and Jackson Browne, and was also an actor who appeared in such films as Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and once lent his voice to The Simpsons.

Rest in peace, Big Man.