Clarence Clemons suffers stroke

​Clarence Clemons, the spirited saxophonist who has held down a prominent spot in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band since the early '70s, has suffered a stroke. The AP is reporting that someone close to Clemons confirmed the stroke but currently does not have any additional information about Clemons' status.

In addition to performing with Springsteen, the 69-year-old sax player and singer known as "Big Man" has laid down tracks with everyone from Jackson Browne to Aretha Franklin to Twisted Sister, and most recently collaborated with Lady Gaga, appearing on two of the tracks on Born This Way and performing with her live on American Idol.

‎Late last night, Clemons' son Jake -- also a professional musician -- posted to his Facebook page: "'And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts.'" Please do not lose Hope!"

For more on Clarence Clemons' legacy, our sister paper the Riverfront Times in St. Louis has compiled a list of Clemons' five best sax solos with the E Street Band.