THE BEAT
Clarence Clemons: The Big Man takes the spotlight
by Seth Rogovoy(WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., May 22, 1997) -- While Clarence Clemons boasts a full resume in his own right as a singer, performer and actor, he will always be thought of first and foremost as "the Big Man" of the E Street Band, in which he labored for nearly two decades alongside leader Bruce Springsteen, lending his signature saxophone riffs to such classic Springsteen tunes as "Born to Run," "Jungleland" and "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out."
For many it came as a huge blow when Springsteen dissolved, fired or just dropped the E Street Band -- depending on who is telling the story -- in 1991, in favor of a more generic backup band comprised of anonymous, hired guns. The E Street Band was in many ways part of a package -- a myth which said that through dint of sheer effort a hard- working, blue-collar bar band from the Jersey shore could become the biggest rock 'n' roll group in the world.
For a brief time in the mid-'80s, the myth proved true, as Springsteen and his bandmates sold out stadiums throughout the world in the wake of the multi-million selling "Born in the U.S.A." album. But not long after this group of "Blood Brothers" -- as Springsteen would later immortalize them in song -- finally reaped the fruits of their years of labor in the trenches, the Boss gave them pink slips.
If Clarence Clemons ever felt this action as a betrayal, he didn't let on in a recent phone interview from his home in Florida. Clemons -- who performs tonight at the Studio in Pittsfield with Steve Smith and the Nakeds -- instead seemed phlegmatic about the turn of events.
"[Bruce] wanted to try something else, to do something different with his life," said Clemons. "Everybody has that right. That was his decision. I agree that evey man should do what he wants to do with his life. He's a grown man, he can make his own decisions. So that's the way it goes."
One thing Clemons did not do after getting the heave-ho from Springsteen -- who after failing to connect with fans with his new band subsequently reinvented himself as a populist folk singer in the Woody Guthrie mode -- was sit around and sulk.
Rather, the multi-talented Clemons hit the road with his own group, Clarence Clemons and the Red Bank Rockers. He also did stints with Ringo Starr's All- Starr Band and the Jerry Garcia Band. He lent his saxophone to recordings by Great White, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Roy Orbison, Ian Hunter and Alvin Lee.
Perhaps most surprisingly, he parlayed his stage presence into a secondary career as an actor, playing roles on TV and on the big screen. His small screen credits include "The Watcher," "The Human Factor," "The Howie Mandel Show," "The Flash," "Jake and the Fat Man" and "Different Strokes," and his movie work includes roles in "Fatal Instinct," "The Sentinel," "New York, New York" and "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure."
Clemons has also recorded a number of solo albums, including "Peace Maker," his most recent. But Clemons regards his work with Steve Smith and the Nakeds as a return of sorts to his roots.
For over two decades, the Providence, R.I.-based Nakeds have labored on the same bar circuit that the E Street Band struggled in before gaining national recognition. "This is a fun thing I do every summer," said Clemons about his gig with the Nakeds, who play a mix of their own originals, some Clemons songs, and bar-band stand-bys, including Springsteen covers. Clemons alternates lead vocals with Smith as well as playing saxophone with the group, which includes a five-piece horn section.
"I love playing clubs," said Clemons. "It's good to get out and press the flesh. It's fun."
As for his relationship with his ex-bandmates, Clemons says they still keep in touch. "I'll be seeing Nils [Lofgren] in a couple of weeks. I talk to Max [Weinberg] quite often," he said.
And the Boss?
"We talk every now and then," said Clemons.
Local R&B band Ben Jamin -- which has just released its first album, "Tools of the Trade," an eclectic showcase for its gritty, muscular, good-time rock 'n' roll -- warms up the crowd for Clemons at the Studio tonight starting at 8:30. Doors open at 6. Call Berkshire World Travel at (413) 663-7646 for tickets.
[This column originally appeared in the Berkshire Eagle on May 22, 1997. Copyright Seth Rogovoy 1997. All rights reserved.]
Seth Rogovoy
rogovoy@berkshire.net
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