Springsteen sax star dies

New York - Star saxophonist Clarence Clemons, a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, died on Saturday after suffering a stroke, the rock legend announced, saying the loss of his long-time friend and music partner was "immeasurable."

The 69-year-old musician, who has had various health crises in recent years, had suffered a stroke about one week ago and undergone surgery, but died on Saturday from complications of the stroke, Springsteen said on his website.

Springsteen, famous for a wealth of hits including "Born To Run" and "Dancing In The Dark," expressed "overwhelming sadness" at Clemons's passing.

"He was my great friend, my partner," Springsteen said in the statement.

"He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he stepped on stage. His loss is immeasurable and we are honoured and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years."

Massive stroke

He had suffered a massive stroke at home in Florida last weekend. Initial signs were of a recovery, with a fan site, backstreets.com, reporting Clemons being responsive and in stable condition, but indications are that his health failed later in the week.

Clemons's last appearance with Springsteen and his band was in December, after being part of his original backing ensemble - before they were named the E Street Band -- from the start in 1972.

He most recently made a cameo performance on the song "The Edge of Glory" on Lady Gaga's recently released "Born This Way" album.

The son of a minister, Clemons - nicknamed the Big Man with the Big Horn - was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and started playing the alto saxophone at age nine.