Clarence playing with Bruce Springsteen
Clarence Anicholas Clemons, Jr. (January 11, 1942 – June 18, 2011), also known as The Big Man, was an American musician and actor. From 1972 until his death, he was a prominent member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, playing the tenor saxophone. He released several solo albums and in 1985 had a hit single with “You’re a Friend of Mine”, a duet with Jackson Browne. As a guest musician he also featured on Aretha Franklin’s classic “Freeway of Love” and on Twisted Sister’s “Be Chrool to Your Scuel” as well as performing in concert with The Grateful Dead and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. As an actor Clemons featured in several films, including New York, New York and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. He also made cameo appearances in several TV series, including Diff’rent Strokes, Nash Bridges, The Simpsons and The Wire. Together with his television writer friend Don Reo he published his autobiography, Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales, in 2009. Clemons suffered a stroke on June 12, 2011 and died of complications from the stroke on June 18 at 69 years of age.
But, there’s another piece of the story…
It’s safe to say that Clarence Clemons found his life’s calling. Belting out notes on the sax for Springsteen’s crew has made for a decent job — fame, millions of dollars, and looking completely badass. But Clemons was one car accident away from a career move that might have changed the course of rock forever, a choice that would have had the Boss introducing someone named Clive or Joe or Tommy on the horns instead of The Big Man.
Clemons, you see, might have played for the Cleveland Browns.
He’d played college football at Maryland State but went undrafted by the NFL. Clemons ended up on a semi-pro team in New Jersey, which is where a scout for the Cleveland Browns noticed him.
It was around 1964 to 1966, Clemons isn’t too sure anymore. It was also right around the time the Browns had won their most recent NFL title and just missed another. Fullback Jim Brown was about to leave football for Hollywood.
During a semi-pro practice, Clemons apparently caught the eye of a Browns scout, who told the coach he wanted him to try out in Newark.
But the day before he was to show the Browns what he could do, Clemons slammed his blue Buick Riviera into a tree. He still remembers the out-of-body experience — hovering over the accident scene as emergency crews pulled him from the car. He awoke in the hospital. The wreck had nearly torn off an ear.
Clemons was told he could never play football again.
Clarence Clemons (50) as a senior at Maryland State College in 1964 with two senior teammates.
