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2011 SPECIAL SESSION I

11200264D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5094
Offered July 29, 2011
Celebrating the life of Clarence Anicholas Clemons, Jr.
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Patrons-- James, Alexander, Armstrong, BaCote, Barlow, Brink, Bulova, Carr, Cosgrove, Dance, Helsel, Herring, Howell, A.T., Iaquinto, Joannou, Johnson, Keam, Knight, Lewis, Massie, McClellan, McQuinn, Miller, P.J., Morrissey, Oder, Plum, Sickles, Spruill, Stolle, Tata, Toscano, Tyler, Villanueva, Ward and Watts
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Unanimous consent to introduce
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WHEREAS, Clarence Anicholas Clemons, Jr., one of rock ’n’ roll’s greatest saxophone players who mesmerized millions as part of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, died on June 18, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of the Hampton Roads area and son of a business owner and teacher, Clarence Clemons grew up in a household of faith surrounded by gospel music; he received a saxophone as a Christmas gift as a young boy and soon developed a love for rock ’n’ roll; and

WHEREAS, as a student at Crestwood High School, Clarence Clemons was a star football player and continued to hone his natural skills as a member of the band; and

WHEREAS, an extremely talented musician and outstanding athlete, Clarence Clemons attended Maryland State College, now the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, on a football and music scholarship; a knee injury prevented a professional football career; and

WHEREAS, in the late 1960s and early 1970s while working as a youth counselor in Newark, New Jersey, Clarence Clemons began to involve himself in the local music scene and one memorable night, entered a bar where Bruce Springsteen was playing—the two clicked and forged an amazing partnership; and

WHEREAS, a towering presence at over six feet, Clarence Clemons, frequently known as the “Big Man,” and his melodic saxophone solos became a key part of the E Street Band performances and recordings; and

WHEREAS, Clarence Clemons’ unmistakable sound and talent led to musical collaborations with other artists over the decades, including Aretha Franklin, Roy Orbison, Jackson Browne, The Grateful Dead, Twisted Sister, and Lady Gaga; and

WHEREAS, Clarence Clemons’ artistic talents extended to film and television, where he appeared in such films as Martin Scorcese’s New York, New York, and in the popular sitcom, Diff’rent Strokes; and

WHEREAS, Clarence Clemons chronicled his life in his memoirs entitled Big Man: Real Life and Tall Tales, which gave his millions of devoted fans insight into his extraordinary career; and

WHEREAS, a man of tremendous heart and creativity, Clarence Clemons possessed a lifelong, passionate enthusiasm and love of music that profoundly influenced rock ’n’ roll and led to the creation of a body of work that will continue to entertain and amaze audiences for generations to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of native son and rock ’n’ roll saxophone legend, Clarence Anicholas Clemons, Jr.; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Clarence Anicholas Clemons, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory and appreciation for his singular talent.