Christmas Recordings of Clarence Clemons are Released

Two newly discovered Clarence Clemons Christmas recordings to be released.

The world lost the big man, Clarence Clemons, back in June but they have something new to look forward to in this holiday season. Two Christmas songs that he recorded back in 1981 have been located and released through iTunes, Amazon and other download sites by Oceangate Records.

The release includes Clemons' take on There's Still Christmas, written by Dennis Bourke and the late Stevie Betts, along with the classic Christmas Song (Chestnuts).

Producers Dennis Bourke and Jim Nuzzo helmed the recording session that produced the two never-before-released tracks. Armed with the support of the Clarence Clemons Trust and his son Clarence Clemons III (a.k.a. Nick Clemons), the producers are honored to be a part of this celebrated legacy with this unique release. Bourke and Nuzzo recall, "We were blessed to have the opportunity to share some time with Clarence and record these marvelous Christmas tunes. He poured himself into the project, wearing Santa gear and capturing the essence of the season.

"With his passing in June 2011, we were all saddened to lose this American rock icon. One of the beauties of recorded music is its eternal power to play on long after the artist is physically gone. Clarence has a parting Christmas gift to us all with these soon-to-be holiday classics. Open up your hearts and listen to the Big Man say Merry Christmas to the world."

The Nick Clemons Band recently headlined the sold-out "Clarence Clemons Christmas Songs" CD release party held at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park on November 18, and will make two special appearances at the legendary Stone Pony, with a Christmas concert on Friday, Dec. 23, and the "Light Of Day" tribute concert for the "Asbury Angels" honoring the musicians and other members of the Asbury Park music scene who have passed on in recent years on Friday, January 13. Honorees include Clarence Clemons, Danny Federici, Kevin Kavanaugh, Donnie Bertleson and John Luraschi.

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E Street Band's Clarence Clemons has stroke

Clarence Clemons, saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen's iconic E Street Band, has suffered a stroke at his home in Florida, according to multiple reports.



Showbiz411, who was the first to report on Clemons' stroke, said the musician is "said to be seriously ill," while Rolling Stone confirmed the stroke occurred but said it did not have information on its severity.



Known as the "Big Man," Clemons has been with the E Street Band for nearly four decades and helped define the band's sound on such classics as "Born to Run" and "Thunder Road." The 69-year-old underwent two knee replacements and back surgery in the last year; in an interview with Rolling Stone in February, he described his last tour with the band as "pure hell" due to pain.



Most recently, Clemons collaborated with Lady Gaga on her "Born This Way" album, playing sax on the singles "The Edge of Glory" and "Hair" and performing with the pop star on the May 25 "American Idol" season finale.



While Clemons hasn't played with the E Street Band since December, he was scheduled to perform the National Anthem at the NBA Finals Game Two last week. However, the appearance was nixed at the last minute due to a hand injury; Clemons watched in the stands instead.

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