I was saddened to learn tonight that Clarence Clemons, the E Street Band saxophonist nicknamed “The Big Man,” died today of complications from a stroke he suffered about a week ago.
Bruce Springsteen is one of my favorite musicians, and the loss of his longtime sidekick will be felt throughout the music world. I got to see them perform together in Milwaukee during the E Street Band reunion tour, and that remains one of the best concerts I ever saw in person.
You may be aware that I’m currently working on a book project that involves visiting all 16 of the Midwest League (Class A minor-league baseball) parks. (You can read more about it on my other blog, The Midwest League Traveler.) I go back on the road Monday, and I’ve decided that I’m going to make that two-day trip’s soundtrack Springsteen-based. I’ll bring all the classic E Street Band albums, but I also want to create a Big Man mix CD for the trip. I’m definitely going to include “Jungleland,” which includes my absolute favorite Clarence Clemons saxophone solo. I have other songs in mind, too, but I’d like to know what you would include if you were making the mix CD.
I look forward to reading your suggestions!
June 18, 2011 at 10:30 pm
Listening to Jungleland right now. Holy cow. He’s amazing!
(Such a cool idea, Craig.)
June 18, 2011 at 10:47 pm
This may sound crazy, but there are so many obvious ones. I’ll throw out the E Street Band’s cover of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” That solo is great!
June 18, 2011 at 10:57 pm
It may be crazy, but I like it, Jeff! I didn’t think of that one. Would probably make a good “bonus” track at the end of the CD.
June 19, 2011 at 7:03 am
Badlands
Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)
Sherry Darling
Thunder Road (the original mix had the sax solo in the middle, not the end, of the song)
and
Freeway of Love (Aretha Franklin)