Who is the saxophonist in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band?

The saxophonist in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band was Clarence Clemons. Nicknamed “the Big Man,” Clemons became one of the band's defining musicians, adding a powerful tenor-saxophone sound to Springsteen's rock and soul-influenced arrangements.

Clemons first met Springsteen in the early 1970s and joined the developing E Street Band in 1972. He played on Springsteen's debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., and became especially prominent on songs such as “Born to Run,” “Jungleland,” and “Thunder Road.” His role was more than a backing part: his extended solos and imposing stage presence became central to the band's concert identity.

Clarence Clemons died in 2011. His nephew Jake Clemons subsequently became the E Street Band's saxophonist in 2012, which explains why the two names are sometimes confused. Eddie Manion and Stan Harrison have also performed saxophone with Springsteen-related ensembles, but Clarence Clemons is the canonical answer for the band's historic and best-known saxophonist.