The Big Man

Bruce Springsteen's indispensible saxophonist Clarence Clemons was making progress at a Palm Beach County hospital on Monday after a massive stroke suffered at his Singer Island home, according to associates.
“Yesterday it did not look good at all,” a “close friend” told the well-connected Springsteen fan site Backstreets.com on Monday. “Today... miracles are happening. His vital signs are improving. He's responsive. His eyes are welling up when we're talking to him. He was paralyzed on his left side, but now he's squeezing with his left hand. This is the best news we've heard since [the stroke] happened — it's nothing short of miraculous. The next five days will still be critical. But he's a fighter."

Clemons reportedly underwent two brain surgeries after the stroke and was in serious, but stable condition, the site stated.

The 69-year-old Clemons, a fixture at Miami Heat games, was forced to bow out of performing the “Star-Spangled Banner” before Game 2 of the just-ended NBA Finals with what a Heat spokesman said was an injured hand. Clemons, who in recent years has undergone knee replacements and spinal surgery, used a single crutch on his left arm to reach his seat for the June 2 game.

Clemons has been in the middle of an odd pop culture resurgence: He recently teamed up with Lady Gaga on cuts from her new album “Born This Way,” performing with her on the season finale of “American Idol.” Clemons was in the audience at Gaga’s April 12 concert at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla. where she dedicated the power ballad "You and I" to the saxman, calling him "one of my favorite people in the world."

On Monday Gaga tweeted her sentiments: “Little monsters, my very close friend +musician on The Edge of Glory, Clarence Clemons is very sick. Can we all make some get well videos?”

Rockbird wrote:1) - NOOOOO!!!!! I've seen him live, and he is AMAZING. Such a talent.

2) - GET GAGA OUT OF THE FUCKING ARTICLE.