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Clarence Clemons,  the saxophone player in  Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band passed away on Saturday at the age of 69.

Clemons was hospitalized about a week ago after suffering a stroke at his home in Singer Island, Florida according to The Associated Press.

Known as the Big Man for his 6-foot-5-inch, 270-plus pound frame, Clemons  became a signature sound for the band on many songs, including “Jungleland,” a solo he spent 16 hours perfecting, and “Born to Run.”

In recent years, Clemons  was slowed by health problems. At the 2009 Super Bowl, he rose from a wheelchair to perform after double knee replacements but   endured spinal surgery in 2010.

But his health seemed to be improving. In May, he performed with Lady Gaga on the season finale of “American Idol,” and played on two songs on her “Born This Way” album.

“It is with overwhelming sadness that we inform our friends and fans that at 7:00 tonight, Saturday, June 18, our beloved friend and bandmate, Clarence Clemons passed away,” Springsteen said on his website, adding the cause was complications from Clemons’ stroke last Sunday.

“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,” Springsteen added.

In 2009, the Norfolk, VA native  published his memoir, “Big Man: Real Life and Tall Tales,” co-written with his friend Don Reo.

R.I.P. Clarence Clemons