From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Clarence Clemons (January 11, 1942 – June 18, 2011), known by fans as The Big Man, was an American musician and actor. Since 1972 he has been a prominent member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, playing the saxophone. He has also 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 has also featured on Aretha Franklin's "Freeway of Love" and on Twisted Sister's "Be ...