Clarence Clemons, the saxophone player in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, has died. aged 69, a spokeswoman for the band has said.
Clemons, who was 69, was taken to hospital about a week ago after suffering a stroke.
The BBC reports he was known as the Big Man for his 6ft 5in frame and that Clemons' sound was credited with shaping the early sound of The Boss.
His solos powered Springsteen hits such as Born to Run and Jungleland.
On his website, Springsteen said the loss of Clemons was "immeasurable" and that he and his bandmates were honoured to have stood beside him for nearly 40 years.
It added: "He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he stepped on stage."
Clemons also dabbled in acting and had a solo hit single with Jackson Browne and he toured with Ringo Starr.
More recently he played on two tracks with Lady Gaga.
