The Boss mourns his beloved saxophonist

(REX)

Clarence Clemons, the saxophone player who helped propel Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band into global rock'n'roll dominance for three decades, died late on Saturday, a week after suffering a stroke. He was 69.

Clemons had been in ill health for several years. But his artistry appears on the latest Lady Gaga single, "Edge of Glory" and he was able to perform live with her at the end of the last series of American Idol.

Springsteen paid tribute on his website: "Clarence lived a wonderful life. He carried within him a love of people that made them love him. He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night."