E Street's Clemons recovering from stroke

Clarence Clemons, "The Big Man" from Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, is recovering from a stroke and in "better condition than anyone expected," according to the Springsteen fan site Backstreets.com.

"Yesterday, it did not look good at all," a close friend of Clemons told the website.

According to multiple sources, Clemons suffered a stroke Sunday at his Florida home. Backstreets.com reported that Clemons was responsive and improving Monday and that the paralysis on his left side appeared temporary. "His eyes are welling up when we're talking to him," the site quotes a friend. "The next five days will still be critical. But he's a fighter."

Clemons has had health issues for years, including knee problems that limited his stage presence on recent Springsteen tours. However, the 69-year-old looked strong on "American Idol" with Lady Gaga, who tweeted Monday asking her fans for support for Clemons and homemade get-well videos.