Friday, February 26, 2010
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-Clarence Clemons, renowned saxophone player for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and a former student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore will be unable to attend the UMES Gala, “A Night of Stars,” on March 6, due to recent back surgery.
Clemons, known to his fans as “Big Man,” was due to receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the university’s annual fundraising event. However, his physician indicated over the weekend that Clemons should not travel while recuperating from his recent “spine surgery.”
University officials are pleased to announce that Clemons will instead receive his honorary degree during a May visit to attend the university’s spring commencement.
Clemons earned his reputation as a saxophonist extraordinaire during his 30-year stint with Springsteen’s band; but Clemons’ artistic touch reached beyond the famed E-Street Band. In the early 1980s he toured and recorded with his own band, and loaned his distinct style to the recordings of Joe Cocker, Janis Ian and Aretha Franklin. While Clemons continued to play in the E Street Band during the early 1980s, he recorded his first of several solo albums.
For more information about the UMES Gala, contact Dr. Veronique Diriker, director of development, at 410-651-8142.
###
Gains Hawkins, vice president for institutional advancement, UMES, 410-651-7773, ghawkins@umes.edu.
Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, gcstephens@umes.edu.
