Clarence Clemons

Clarence Clemons Birthday Highlights

Birth Name

Clarence Anicholas Clemons

Place Of Birth

Norfolk, USA

Age

80 years old

Birth Date

January 10 1942

Clarence Clemons Facts

Child Star?

no

Occupation

Musician, Actor

Education & Qualifications

Crestwood High School

Net Worth

$20,000,000

Current Partner

Victoria Clemons

Children

Charles, Christopher, Jarod, Clarence III

Parents

Thelma, Clarence Clemons Sr.

Siblings

William Melvon Clemons

Have you listened to the famous Clarence Clemons and Jackson Browne duet 'You're a Friend of Mine'?
Clarence Clemons was not only a stalwart of The E Street Band, he was also a true humanitarian. While pursuing music, he also took up the role of a counselor, working for the welfare of traumatized kids at the Jamesburg Training School for Boys.
Clarence Clemons was an iconic American musician and actor, famously known for his role as a saxophonist in the rock music band, The E Street Band. However, before being a part of the band, Clemons was playing with Norman Seldin, the Jersey Shore entrepreneur and musician who owned Selsom Records. With some hit solo albums, Clemons became a legendary figure. When he died, Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey, honored the prolific artist by ordering to lower all the state flags.

What was Clarence Clemons's net worth?

The net worth of Clarence Clemons was estimated at $20 million at the time of his death. The artist amassed a huge fortune with his highly prosperous music and acting career.

How much did Clarence Clemons earn per year?

Clemons was a highly successful artist earning around $420,000 per year.

How tall was Clarence Clemons?

Clemons stood at the very tall height of 6 ft 5 in (196 cm).

How old was Clarence Clemons?

The renowned American rock artist was born on January 11, 1942 and was 69 years old when he passed away on June 18, 2011. Clemons' younger brother, William Melvon Clemons Sr., Victoria Clemons, and his sons survived him. Following his death, his son Jake took over his position in The E Street Band.

Born on January 11, 1942, Clarence Anicholas Clemons Jr., aka The Big Man, was the eldest child of Clarence Clemons Sr. and Thelma. His father was the owner of a fish market.
From his early years, Clemons was exposed to gospel music, as his grandfather was one of the Southern Baptist preachers. Being brought up in a religious environment, he developed a taste for music and when he was just nine years old, his father presented him with an alto saxophone on Christmas and he started taking music lessons. His uncle played a significant role in his initial musical development by buying him his first-ever album by the famous American saxophonist, King Curtis. It was Curtis who influenced him to switch to the tenor saxophone, finally.
Clarence Clemons attended Crestwood High School, where he also exhibited his caliber in football. While in his school, Clemons performed with the school jazz band playing the baritone saxophone. After completing his graduation, Clemons enrolled in Maryland State College based on football and music scholarships. He played on the team that had Emerson Boozer and Art Shell and his caliber as the lineman earned him an offer for trials from Cleveland Browns. He also tried out his luck to get a place with the Dallas Cowboys, but unfortunately, his dreams of securing a place in the National Football League got forestalled when he suffered a major car accident. However, he refused to submit and shifted his focus to his music career.

Who was Clarence Clemons' partner?

Clarence Clemons tied the knot with Victoria Clemons in 2008. Together they had two children, Christopher and Jarod. Clemons' sons, Clarence III and Charles, were from his first marriage with Jackie.

Best Known For…

Clemons climbed the ladder to success as a part of The E Street Band and he continued to perform with the band until his death. In fact, his first meeting with Bruce Springsteen went down in The E Street Band history. The first meet had been recorded in a monologue in 'E Street Shuffle' while it was also eternized in the song 'Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out'. It was September 1971 when Clemons came across the American singer-songwriter, Bruce Springsteen.
During that time, Clemons was performing with the band, Norman Seldin & the Joyful Noyze, in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Clemons recorded several albums for this band. However, it was the band's lead vocalist, Karen Cassidy, who egged him on to meet Bruce Springsteen, who, at that time, was performing at The Student Prince Club as a part of the Bruce Springsteen Band. Clemons reminisced the historical event when he approached the band and directly asked if he could play with the band and Bruce at once agreed. They stated that they 'were the missing links in each other's lives'.
Clemons' first song with Bruce Springsteen was 'Spirit in the Night'. The partnership between the two ultimately led to the formation of The E Street Band in October 1972. Clemons became a distinct part of Springsteen's albums from the '70s to the '80s. Some of his saxophone solos are included on songs 'Thunder Road', 'Night', 'Jungleland', and 'She's the One' on the studio album 'Born to Run'.
In 'The Darkness on the Edge of Town', his solos 'The Promised Land' and 'Badlands' became popular. He recorded many other solos for the albums of Bruce Springsteen, including 'The River' and 'Born in the USA'. In fact, Clemons was named 'The Big Man' by Springsteen and his band members.
Throughout his music career, Clemons produced numerous solo albums and played with various artists besides The E Street Band. Some of his major hits include 'You're a Friend of Mine', where he performed with Jackson Browne, and 'Freeway of Love' with the American singer, Aretha Franklin. In 1989, Springsteen declared the disbandment of The E Street Band. Although shocked, he continued to play with The Grateful Dead and Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band.
In the '80s, he owned the Big Man's West nightclub in Red Bank, New Jersey and in 1981, he even created the Red Bank Rockers band. In 1999, Springsteen summoned the band for a reunion tour with 'The Rising' as its first album after revival. Clemons also accompanied Lady Gaga in her 'Born This Way' album songs on 'American Idol'.
Clemons made his big-screen debut with the role of Cecil Powell in 'New York, New York' and also featured in several films such as 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure' (1989), 'Fatal Instinct' (1993), 'Blues Brothers 2000' (1998), and 'Swing' (1999). He even worked in some TV series, including 'Diff'rent Strokes', 'Jake and the Fatman', 'The Flash', 'Nash Bridges', 'The Simpsons', and 'The Wire'.
Clarence Clemons experienced one of his first studio recording sessions when he was just 18. He performed with the band Funky Music Machine, whose members were Tyrone Ashley, Ray Davis, Billy Bass Nelson, and Eddie Hazel. He even performed with the legend, Daniel Petraitis, but these recordings were not released before 2007. The compilations of 'Let Me Be Your Man' were released by the label Truth & Soul Records. Clemons started off as a band member of Vibratones when he studied at Maryland State College and eventually, he went on to become a global figure in the entertainment industry.

Charity Work

The Big Man possessed a big heart as he donated and raised funds for numerous charitable causes. He organized many charitable events and concerts. For instance, he extended his support to the Bicol Clinic Foundation with the 'Rock 'n The Hard Place' concert. He also helps out Home Safe by hosting charitable auctions and galas.
Do you know that the award titled 'Big Man of the Year' has been named in his honor? Little Kids Rock made an effort in 2008 to inspire and support the dreams of school children who are not affluent. The award is given away to a person who aids the organization in making modern musical resources available to school children.

What awards did Clarence Clemons win?

After his death, Clemons was honored and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Although he hasn't received an award for his contributions yet, eminent artists like Bon Jovi, Springsteen, Lady Gaga, and Phish have paid homage to the 'Big Man' at several concerts.

Clarence Clemons's Hobbies And Interests

In an interview with 'Rolling Stone', Victoria offered a sneak-peek into Clemons' life. Clarence Clemons loved to go out fishing, while he also enjoyed watching movies and sports. While driving, he loved to listen to Bruce Springsteen. Clemons was a lighthearted man who enjoyed entertaining people with his jokes and he enjoyed cooking. He had a taste in collecting teddy bears, scented candles, and candleholders.
Are you aware that Clemons had some really unique cars in his possession? He owned cars such as a Twin Star Cadillac and a 1978 Rolls Royce Cornish!

• Clemons maintained a close association with Sri Chinmoy. Perhaps he engaged with the Indian spiritual guru for some spiritual guidance.
• Do you know that a documentary has been produced on the life of the iconic musician? Under the direction of Nick Mead, the documentary named 'Clarence Clemons: Who Do I Think I Am?' was released in August 2019.
• Clarence Clemons also collaborated with Don Rio and published the book 'Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales' in 2009. Written in a third-person narrative, the autobiography is semi-fictional.

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