Indeed, Saturday June 18th was a sad day for music lovers all over the world, as 'The Big Man' - Clarence Clemons, saxophonist extraordinaire, personification of Bruce 'The Boss' Springsteen's legendary E Street band, sadly passed away in a Florida hospital.
Although dogged by ill health in recent years, Clarence was always the epitome of professionalism, and his superb saxophony exemplified the E Street Band as much as its leader's gravelly tones and heartfelt lyrics.
Whether it was his haunting riffs and extended solos on Jungleland, or the sheer exuberance of Born To Run, Clarence's exquisite saxophony will haunt many people in the most touching way for years to come, and among true music lovers, his legacy will be treasured and passed down future generations as 'the only way to do it.'
It all seems doubly ironic that in an age dominated by auto-tune, manufactured bands, image obsession, talent shows and manufactured opium for the masses, the world says goodbye to a true artist.
An artist of the highest calibre, exceptional ability, and an unwavering sense of the purity and spirituality of music in its cleanest form.
Clarence once supposedly joked that he'd endured so many surgeries that he was virtually bionic.
How we wish that he had been.
That way, he may still be with us, laying down those beautiful sax riffs.
The world will be a poorer place for this remarkable individual's passing.
Clarence Clemons was 69.
