“Big Man” Clarence Clemons — one of the original members of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band — was showing signs of improvement Monday after suffering a stroke yesterday at his home on Singer Island off Florida’s east coast.
Sources close to the saxophonist told myFOXny.com Monday that he was paralyzed on the left side of his body but said his vital signs were improving, he was responsive and was able to squeeze a nurse’s hand with his left hand.
The 69-year-old sax player had already been ill, undergoing a series of surgeries and treatments for knee and back ailments that often forced him to sit during portions of concerts.
Entertainment journalist Roger Friedman wrote on showbiz411.com that the stroke left the beloved musician “seriously ill.”
Although the E Street Band is on hiatus, Clemons — supposedly given the nickname Big Man by Springsteen — recently performed on Lady Gaga’s new album, “Born This Way.” He also appeared with her on the season finale of “American Idol.”
In an interview with The Star-Ledger of Newark in March, Clemons said he was undergoing “major, major rehab” from knee-replacement and spinal surgeries, but hoped the band would tour again next year.
His memoir, “Big Man: Real Life and Tall Tales,” came out in 2009.