Clarence Clemons recovering from stroke
Saxophonist Clarence Clemons performs during halftime of the Tennessee Titans-Miami Dolphins football game in Miami. (Nov. 14, 2010) Credit: AP
Clarence Clemons, “The Big Man” from Bruce Springsteen & The 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. “Today... miracles are happening.”
According to Showbiz411.com, Clemons had a stroke Sunday night at his home in Florida and that the members of the band were advised “to get down to Florida as soon as possible.”
However, Backstreets.com says that Clemons' vital signs are improving. “He's responsive,” the site quotes a friend. “His eyes are welling up when we're talking to him. He was paralyzed on his left side, but now he's squeezing with his left hand. This is the best news we've heard since [the stroke] happened — it's nothing short of miraculous. The next five days will still be critical. But he's a fighter.”
Clemons has had health issues for years, including problems with his knees that have limited his stage presence on recent Springsteen tours. However, the 69-year-old looked strong on his recent “American Idol” appearance with Lady Gaga on her song “The Edge of Glory.”
