Emerson Boozer on the Passing of Clarence Clemons

Emerson Boozer, the famous running back for the New York Jets was quoted recently when asked how he felt about the death of his old friend and football colleague (both were team-mates at Maryland State University in the mid nineteen sixties) Clarence Clemons:

“Naturally, it saddens you a little, but I’ve gotten to the point where death doesn’t sadden me too much because I know that we’re not here forever,” Boozer said. “We’re only here for a span of time, and no matter how you go, that was your time span. You accept it and move on.”

Well said Emerson. A sobering reminder that life is way too short to worry about the little things and that we should all do the very best we can to live our lives to the fullest and pursue our dreams with passion like the Big Man did.

"The Big Man is gone, but he leaves a rich and timeless legacy. How many musicians can say they opened holes for Emerson Boozer? How many offensive lineman can say they blazed a trail with Bruce Springsteen?
Either way you play it, that’s a life well lived "

From William C. Rhoden, The New York Times 7/10/11

These quotes are from "Before Springsteen, Clarence was a Big Man on Campus" which appeared in the July 10 2011 print and internet edition of the New York Times.

Clarence Clemons 'The Big Man" E-Street Saxophonist & Bruce Springsteen Pal RIP

Clarence Clemons, the Big Man passed away on Saturday, June 18th after suffering a Stroke the previous week. I think that we all can thank Clarence for all of the great saxophone work and his larger than life presence in the E-Street Band. He will indeed be sorely missed by music fans around the world and his musical legacy speaks for itself. One can only hope that the budding musicians out there will appreciate and learn from his huge catalog of phenomenal performances in the studio, live and with the E-Street Band. His contributions were just enormous. Born To Run, Badlands, Prove it All Night, Rosalita, I just can't imagine those songs without the Clarence Clemons sax solos. He is truly the soul and backbone of the E Street Band. The energy levels of these songs were cranked up several notches whenever his sax solos would appear. Clarence Clemons, The Big Man, The Myth and the Legend of the E Street Band.