Clarence Clemons, the larger-than-life saxophone player for the E Street Band who was one of the key influences in Bruce Springsteen’s life and music through four decades, has died. He was 69. Mr Clemons died on Saturday after being hospitalised about a week ago following a stroke at his home in Singer Island, Florida.

Bruce Springsteen acknowledged the dire situation earlier last week, but said then he was hopeful. He called the loss “immeasurable.”

“We are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly 40 years,” Mr Springsteen said on his website. “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.”

Known as the Big Man for his imposing six-foot-five-inch, 270-plus pound frame, Mr Clemons and his ever-present saxophone spent much of his life with The Boss, and his booming saxophone solos became a signature sound for the E Street Band on many key songs, including Jungleland, a triumphant solo he spent 16 hours perfecting, and Born To Run.