Clarence Clemons Dead at 69

E-Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons died Saturday of from complications of a stroke, bandmate Bruce Springsteen said. He was 69 years old.

Clemons "The Big Man", had played sax in Springsteen's E Street Band off and on since 1972.

Springsteen told CNN,

Clarence lived a wonderful life. He carried within him a love of people that made them love him. He created a wondrous and extended family. He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he stepped on stage," Springsteen said in a statement.

His loss is immeasurable and we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly 40 years. He was my great friend, my partner and with Clarence at my side, my band and I were able to tell a story far deeper than those simply contained in our music. His life, his memory, and his love will live on in that story and in our band.

Tributes to the musician began to pour in on Springsteen's Facebook page Saturday night.

One post read,

RIP CC, you were the heart and soul of the E Street Band. Thank you for all the music, you got me through some dark days. Blessings on your journey.

For the band's statement, stop by the website HERE.