Coordinates	3°8′51″N101°41′36″N
Name	Ronnie Spector
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Veronica Yvette Bennett
Born	August 10, 1943
Origin	New York City, New York,United States
Instrument	Vocals
Genre	Rock, pop
Years active	1959–present
Occupation	Singer
Label	Colpix, Philles, Columbia
Associated acts	The Ronettes, Eddie Money, George Harrison
Website	Official website}}

Veronica Yvette "Ronnie" Spector ( Bennett; born August 10, 1943) is an American rock and roll and popular music vocalist, and was the lead singer of the 1960s hit-making girl group, The Ronettes, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. She is known as the "original bad girl of rock and roll."

Personal life

She was born Veronica Yvette Bennett in New York City on August 10, 1943. From an early age, Ronnie took to singing, encouraged by her large, close family. The other members of the Ronettes, her sister, Estelle Bennett (1941–2009), and cousin, Nedra Talley, were also encouraged to sing by their family. The Ronettes were a multiracial group. The Bennetts' mother was African-American and Cherokee, and their father was Irish; their cousin, Nedra Talley, is African-American and Puerto Rican.

Bennett was married to Phil Spector from 1968 to 1974, and took his name professionally; they adopted three children, including a set of twins, whom Phil adopted as a single parent after Ronnie and the youngest child left.

Donté Phillip (b. March 23, 1969; adopted November 1969, aged 8 months)

Louis Phillip (b. May 12, 1966; adopted at the age of 5)

Gary Phillip (b. May 12, 1966; adopted at the age of 5)

By her account, Phil kept Ronnie a near-prisoner and limited her opportunities to pursue her musical ambitions. In her autobiography, she said that he would force her to watch the film ''Citizen Kane'' to remind her she would be nothing without him. Spector's domineering attitude led to the dissolution of their marriage. Bennett was forbidden to speak to the Rolling Stones or tour with the Beatles, because Phil Spector feared that she would be unfaithful.

Bennett claims Spector showed her a gold coffin with a glass top in his basement, promising to kill and display her if she left him. During Spector's reclusive period in the late 1960s, he reportedly kept his wife locked inside their mansion. She claimed he also hid her shoes to dissuade her from walking outside, and kept the house dark because he did not want anyone to see his balding head. Spector's son later claimed that he was kept locked in his room, with a pot in the corner to be used as a toilet. Ronnie stated in her autobiography that she walked out of the house through the closed and locked rear sliding glass door, shoeless, shattering the glass as she left, and feet all cut up by the time she got to the gate. She never returned. Ronnie Spector filed for divorce in 1972. She wrote a book about her experiences, and said years later, "I can only say that when I left in the early 1970s, I knew that if I didn't leave at that time, I was going to die there". She and Spector separated in 1973 and divorced one year later. In August 2011, Spector admitted that she went to rehab in order to escape living with Phil.

Her autobiography, ''Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness'', co-authored with Vince Waldron, was published in 1989. In 2004, Onyx Books republished the book in a revised and updated mass-market paperback edition in the United States. She lives in Connecticut with her second husband, Jonathan Greenfield, and their two sons, Austin Drew and Jason Charles. She has been performing Ronnie Spector's Christmas (Xmas) Party annually since the late 1980s around the United States and for the last ten years in New York City at B. B. King's Blues Club and Grill.

Career

The Ronettes were produced by Phil Spector and managed by Val Irving of (GAC) General Artists Corporation in Manhattan. In the early 1960s, they had huge hits with "Be My Baby", "Baby, I Love You", "The Best Part of Breakin' Up, "Do I Love You?" and "Walking in the Rain". The group had two top 100 hits in 1965: "Born to Be Together" and "Is This What I Get for Loving You." The group broke up in early 1967, following a European concert tour that included their appearance at the Moonlight Lounge, in Gelnhausen, Germany, where they entertained American military personnel there. The group's last single, "I Can Hear Music," on the Philles Records label (# 133), was released in the fall of 1966. Ironically, that song was not produced by Phil Spector, who used to hire the "Wrecking Crew," Los Angeles area musicians, to provide Wall of Sound orchestral pop symphony backups for the group, at Gold Star Recording Studios in Hollywood. Instead, "I Can Hear Music" was produced by songwriter/producer Jeff Barry, who used only a small band when he recorded the trio in a New York City recording studio. For the group, the writing was on the wall. Spector simply stopped producing new Ronettes' records and kept many of the group's many unreleased songs in the vault, for years. The Ronettes were never to reunite until their 2007 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)The year of 1966 was also the time when Phil Spector went into a brief seculsion. He earlier that same year felt reputationally devastated by the high expectations and then disappointment of the Spector-produced Tina Turner recording "River Deep - Mountain High" {US #88; a UK #3}. Thereafter, a one-off single, "You Came, You Saw, You Conquered," sung by Ronnie but credited to "The Ronettes Featuring the Voice of Veronica," appeared in 1969 on Herb Alpert's A&M; label, with "Oh I Love You," an old Ronettes B-side, as the flip. Only Ronnie voice was used for the lead and background vocals on "You Came, You Saw, You Conquered". Ronnie's recording and performing career had begun its long hiatus. Ironically, it all happened after Ronnie and Phil Spector married in 1968.

In early 1971, during Phil Spector's tenure as head of A&R; at Apple Records, Ronnie recorded the single "Try Some, Buy Some"/"Tandoori Chicken"; released as Apple 33 in the UK, Apple 1832 in the U.S. The A-side of the single was written by George Harrison, and produced by both Harrison and Spector. Although the single was not a big hit, it had one lasting influence: when John Lennon recorded "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" later the same year, he asked Spector to reproduce the same mandolin-laden 'Wall of Sound' that he had created for "Try Some, Buy Some". Lennon liked the rockabilly B-side too; he sang it at his birthday party in New York in October 1971 (a recording of which appeared in bootlegs). Other Ronnie Spector songs were produced by Phil Spector during those London recording sessions, but none were ever released.

In the early to mid 1970s, Ronnie briefly reformed the Ronettes (as Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes) with two new members (Chip Fields Hurd, the mother of actress Kim Fields, and Diane Linton). In her book, she recounted several abortive attempts to recapture mainstream success throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, during which time she was widely perceived as an oldies act.

Billy Joel's 1976 hit Say Goodbye to Hollywood was inspired by Ronnie. Ronnie herself covered it in 1977 backed by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Ronnie recorded her first solo album in 1980 produced by Genya Ravan, which was a prelude to her work with Joey Ramone in the late 1990s. In 1986, Ronnie enjoyed a resurgence to popular radio airplay as the featured vocalist on Eddie Money's Top 5 hit "Take Me Home Tonight", (where she is introduced by Money singing "just like Ronnie sang (Money)... OH, OH, OH, OH-OH (Ronnie Spector)"). The video to the hit recording was one of the top videos of the year and in power rotation on MTV. During this period, she also recorded the song "Tonight You're Mine, Baby" (from the film ''Just One of the Guys'') and sang a duet with Southside Johnny on the recording "You Mean So Much To Me", which was penned by Southside's longtime friend Bruce Springsteen and produced by Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band.

In 1999, she released the critically acclaimed album, ''She Talks to Rainbows'', which featured a few covers of older songs. Joey Ramone acted as producer, and appeared on stage with her to promote the record. In 2003, she provided backing vocals for The Misfits' album, ''Project 1950''.

In 2003, Ronnie Spector and the other Ronettes sued Phil Spector for non-payment of royalties, winning a $3 million judgment; upholding the terms of the group's 1963 contract as binding.

Ronnie along with her group were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004.

The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

Ronnie's recent album ''Last of the Rock Stars'' (Bad Girl Sounds) was released domestically in 2009 featuring contributions from members of the Raconteurs, Nick Zinner of the 'Yeah Yeah Yeahs', the Raveonettes, Patti Smith and Keith Richards. Ronnie herself has co-produced two of the songs.

A new Christmas EP, "Ronnie Spector's Best Christmas Ever" was released on Bad Girl Sounds in November 2010 featuring five new Christmas songs.

In 2011, after the death of Amy Winehouse, Ronnie Spector released her version of Amy's hit 'Back to Black' as a tribute and for the benefit of the Daytop Village addiction treatment centers.

Ronettes and solo album discography

''The Ronettes Featuring Veronica'', 1961

''The Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica'', 1965

''Siren'', 1980

''The Ronettes Greatest Hits - Volume 1'', 1981

''The Ronettes Greatest Hits - Volume 2'', 1981

''Unfinished Business'', 1987

''The Best of The Ronettes'', 1992

''She Talks to Rainbows'' EP, 1999

''Something's Gonna Happen'', 2003

''Last of the Rock Stars'', 2006

References

External links

Official website

Interview on Spinner.com regarding Rock Hall of Fame Induction

Asked & Answered | Ronnie Spector, The New York Times ''T Style'' magazine interview

Category:1943 births Category:Living people Category:People from New York City Category:American mezzo-sopranos Category:African American female singers Category:American people of Irish descent Category:American people of Native American descent Category:African American rock musicians Category:Apple Records artists Category:Epic Records artists Category:American rock singers Category:Female rock singers Category:The Ronettes members

fr:Ronnie Spector it:Ronnie Spector no:Ronnie Spector sv:Ronnie Spector

Coordinates	3°8′51″N101°41′36″N
name	Darlene Love
background	solo_singer
birth name	Darlene Wright
birth date	July 26, 1938
origin	Hawthorne, California,
genre	R&B;
occupation	SingerActress
years active	1959–present
label	ChallengeOKehRepriseOdeMGMBellLion
spouse	}}

Darlene Love ( Wright; born July 26, 1938 ) is an American popular music singer and actress. She gained prominence in the 1960s for the song "He's a Rebel," a #1 American single in 1962.

Biography

Early career

Darlene Wright began singing with her local church choir in Hawthorne, California. While still in high school (1959) she was invited to join a little-known girl group called The Blossoms, who in 1962 began working with producer Phil Spector. With her powerful voice she was soon a highly sought-after vocalist, and managed to work with many of the legends of 1950s and 1960s rock and soul, including Sam Cooke, Dionne Warwick, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones and Sonny and Cher; Darlene and the Blossoms sang back-up vocals on the Shelley Fabares hit "Johnny Angel", Sharon Marie (Esparza) (a Brian Wilson act), as well as John Phillips' solo album ''John, Wolfking of L.A.'', recorded in 1969. They also appeared on Johnny Rivers' hits, including "Poor Side of Town" and Motown covers "Baby I Need Your Loving" and "The Tracks of My Tears". (The Blossoms recorded singles, usually with little success, on Capitol 1957-58 [pre-Darlene Love], Challenge 1961-62, OKeh 1963, Reprise 1966-67, Ode 1967, MGM 1968, Bell 1969-70, and Lion 1972.)

With The Blossoms, Love also sang backing vocals on many of the biggest hits of the 1960s, including Spector's own "Da Doo Ron Ron" (allegedly recorded with her lead, which was later erased by Spector and re-recorded using Crystals' lead Dolores "LaLa" Brooks). Though credited by Spector as singles recorded by The Crystals, "He's A Rebel" and "He's Sure The Boy I Love" actually featured Love singing lead, backed by The Blossoms. "Today I Met The Boy I'm Gonna Marry" was released as a single by Spector, and featured Love's name as the artist. She says that Spector offered $3,000 for her rights to the song. And though he said it was going to be a hit, she took the money. But, in spite of that decision, she said that she has continued to have a career because people have loved hearing her sing her songs. She was also part of a trio called Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans, who recorded a cover version of "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah", an Oscar-winning song from the Walt Disney film, ''Song of the South'', which got into the Top 10 in 1963. The Blossoms landed a weekly part on ''Shindig!'', one of the top music shows of the era. They were part of the highly acclaimed ''Elvis Presley's '68 Comeback Special'', which aired on NBC.

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" is a song by Darlene Love from the 1963 holiday compilation album, ''A Christmas Gift for You from Philles Records''. The song was written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, along with Phil Spector, with the intention of being sung by Ronnie Spector of The Ronettes. According to Love, Ronnie Spector was not able to put as much emotion into the song as needed. Instead, Love was brought into the studio to record the song, which became a big success over time and one of Love's signature tunes.

Career break

Into the 1970s Love continued to work as a back-up singer, before taking a break in order to raise a family. In 1973, she recorded vocals as a cheerleader along with Michelle Phillips, for the Cheech & Chong single "Basketball Jones", which peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

1980s return

Love returned to music in the early 1980s and to an appreciative audience she thought might have long since forgotten her. She had been performing at venues like the Roxy in L.A., and it was a conversation with Steven Van Zandt that greased the wheels for her to come to New York and begin performing there in 1982, at places like The Bottom Line. In addition to singing the songs that made her famous, she has re-explored her gospel roots on several recordings.

In the mid-1980s she portrayed herself in the Tony Award-nominated jukebox musical ''Leader of the Pack'', which featured the iconic rock and roll songs written by Ellie Greenwich, many of them for the young Love. The showstopping number of that show, "River Deep - Mountain High", had been recorded by Phil Spector with Ike & Tina Turner and had been less than the success they had expected. ''Leader of the Pack'' commenced as a revue at the Greenwich Village nightclub the Bottom Line, as did the later show about Love's life, ''Portrait of a Singer'', which never made the move uptown. ''Portrait'' included covers of "The Change Is Going to Come" and "Don't Make Me Over", as well as "River Deep, Mountain High" and original music from some of the instrumental writers of early rock and roll, including Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Love contributed a cover of The Hollywood Argyles song "Alley Oop" to the soundtrack of the 1984 film ''Bachelor Party''.

In 1987, Love sang back-up for U2's cover of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)", while in 1990, Cher invited Love and her sister Edna Wright as her background vocalists for the Heart of Stone tour. She also released a minor single in 1992 with "All Alone on Christmas", written and composed by Steven Van Zandt, which can be found on the ''Home Alone 2: Lost in New York'' soundtrack. Love also contributed vocals to the soundtrack of the film ''Jingle All the Way''. In October 2007, Love released the holiday collection ''It's Christmas, Of Course'', featuring her versions of classic yuletide tunes from the 1970s and 1980s.

She continues to do a Christmas show every year in New York City, which is always capped by "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)".

Acting roles

In the late 1980s and 1990s, Love also began an acting career, playing Danny Glover's wife in the four ''Lethal Weapon'' movies. Love has performed in a number of Broadway productions. She acted and sang in ''Grease'', in the short-lived musical adaptation of Stephen King's ''Carrie'', and starred as Motormouth Maybelle in Broadway's ''Hairspray'' from August 2005 till April 2008.

Television appearances

Love has performed the song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" every year since 1986 on the last episode before Christmas of ''Late Night with David Letterman'' (NBC 1986 - 1992) and the ''Late Show with David Letterman'' (CBS 1993 to present). The song is always performed with Paul Shaffer and the show's house band (The World's Most Dangerous Band at NBC, now the CBS Orchestra), with the band being augmented over the years by additional strings and other instruments, as well as a choir. Letterman has stated that the annual performance is his favorite part of Christmas. Due to the 2007 Writers Guild of America strike, Love was unable to perform on the Letterman show in 2007; a repeat of her 2006 performance was shown instead.

She was a special guest on the December 17, 2005, broadcast of ''Saturday Night Live'', singing "White Christmas" with the ''SNL'' band and providing the vocals for a Robert Smigel cartoon, "Christmastime for the Jews". Love was the musical guest on ''Late Show with David Letterman'' on May 7, 2007, performing "River Deep-Mountain High". Love performed with Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band in November 2009 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concert at Madison Square Garden.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On December 15, 2010, it was announced that Love had been chosen for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On March 14, 2011, Love was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with a speech by Bette Midler.

Discography

US albums

1963 - Various Artists ''Today's Hits'' (Philles Records #4004)

1963 - Various Artists ''A Christmas Gift for You from Philles Records'' (Philles Records #4005)

1977 - Various Artists ''Phil Spector's Greatest Hits'' (Warner/Spector Records #9104)

1978 - Various Artists ''Lakeshore Music presents Rock and Roll Forever'' (Warner Special Products #2508) (same as above release)

1985 - ''Leader of the Pack'' Original Broadway Cast (Elektra Records #60420)

1985 - ''Darlene Love Live!'' (Rhino Records RNLP #855)

1988 - ''Paint Another Picture'' (Columbia Records #40605)

1990 - Various Artists ''Dick Tracy: Music from and inspired by the film'' (Sire/Reprise Records #26236)

1991 - Various Artists ''Back to Mono (1958-1969)'' (ABKCO Records #7118) (box set)

1992 - Various Artists ''A Very Special Christmas 2'' (A&M; Records #450003)'

1992 - ''The Best of Darlene Love (The Philles Recordings)'' (ABKCO Records #7213)

1992 - ''Bringing It Home'' (with Lani Groves) (Shanachie Records #9003)

1998 - Various Artists ''Grease Is the Word'' (Rhino Records)

2007 - ''It's Christmas of Course'' (Shout! Factory Records #10569)

US singles

Incomplete list of recordings.

Year	Title	Chart Positions
		! width="86"
1961	"SON-IN-LAW" (The Blossoms) ''Challenge 9109''
1961	"HARD TO GET" (The Blossoms) ''Challenge 9122''	align="center"
1962	"THE SEARCH IS OVER" (The Blossoms) ''Challenge 9138''	align="center"
1962	"HE'S A REBEL" (released as The Crystals) ''Philles 106''
1962	"ZIP-A-DEE DOO-DAH" (released as Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans) ''Philles 107''
1962	"HE'S SURE THE BOY I LOVE" (released as The Crystals) ''Philles 109''
1963	"WHY DO LOVERS BREAK EACH OTHERS HEARTS?" (released as Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans) ''Philles 110''
1963	"TODAY I MET THE BOY I'M GONNA MARRY" ''Philles 111''
1963	"NOT TOO YOUNG TO GET MARRIED" (released as Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans) ''Philles 113''
1963	"WAIT 'TIL MY BOBBY GETS HOME" ''Philles 114''
1963	"I'M IN LOVE" (The Blossoms) ''Okeh 7162'' [This girl-group named "The Blossoms" had members Fanita James, Gloria Jones and Darlene Wright. They later changed their name to the D.C. Blossoms to avoid confusion with Darlene Love's group.]	align="center"
1963	"A FINE, FINE BOY" ''Philles 117''
1963	"CHRISTMAS (BABY PLEASE COME HOME)" ''Philles 119''	align="center"
1964	"STUMBLE AND FALL" ''Philles 123''	align="center"
1964	"CHRISTMAS (BABY PLEASE COME HOME)" ''Philles 125''	align="center"
1965	"GOOD GOOD LOVIN' / THAT'S WHEN THE TEARS START" (The Blossoms) ''Reprise 0436''	align="center"
1966	"LOVER BOY" (The Blossoms) ''Reprise 0475''	align="center"
1966	"LET YOUR LOVE SHINE ON ME" (The Blossoms) ''Reprise 0522''	align="center"
1966	"TOO LATE TO SAY YOU'RE SORRY" ''Reprise 0534''	align="center"
1967	"DEEP INTO MY HEART / GOOD GOOD LOVIN'" (The Blossoms) ''Reprise 0639''	align="center"
1967	"Stoney End" (The Blossoms) ''Ode 101''	align="center"
1968	"Tweedlee Dee" (The Blossoms) ''MGM 13964''	align="center"
1968	"CRY LIKE A BABY" (The Blossoms) ''Ode 106''	align="center"
1969	"STONEY END" - reissued (The Blossoms) ''Ode 125''	align="center"
1969	"YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVIN' FEELIN'" (The Blossoms) ''Bell 780''	align="center"
1969	"(YOU'RE MY) SOUL AND INSPIRATION" (The Blossoms) ''Bell 797''	align="center"
1970	"I AIN'T GOT TO LOVE NOBODY ELSE" (The Blossoms) ''Bell 857''	align="center"
1970	"ONE STEP AWAY" (The Blossoms) ''Bell 937''	align="center"
1972	"TOUCHDOWN" (The Blossoms) ''Lion 108''	align="center"
1972	"GRANDMA'S HANDS" (The Blossoms) ''Lion 125''	align="center"
1974	"CHRISTMAS (BABY PLEASE COME HOME)" ''Warner/Spector 0401''	align="center"
1975	"LORD, IF YOU'RE A WOMAN" ''Warner/Spector 0410''	align="center"
1977	"THERE'S NO GREATER LOVE" (The Blossoms) ''Epic 50435''	align="center"
1988	"HE'S SURE THE MAN I LOVE" ''Columbia 07984''	align="center"
1992	"ALL ALONE ON CHRISTMAS" ''(from the film HOME ALONE II) Fox 10003''
2008	"CHRISTMASTIME FOR THE JEWS" ''(from SNL) ''

References

External links

History of Rock and Roll: Darlene Love

Who Is Darlene Love? Official blog and news site.

Category:1941 births Category:African American musicians Category:African American singers Category:African American female singers Category:American female singers Category:American pop singers Category:American rhythm and blues singers Category:Musicians from California Category:Living people Category:Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees

cs:Darlene Love de:Darlene Love es:Darlene Love fr:Darlene Love no:Darlene Love ru:Лав, Дарлин sv:Darlene Love

Coordinates	3°8′51″N101°41′36″N
name	Joey Ramone
background	solo_singer
birth name	Jeffry Ross Hyman
alias	Joey Ramone
born	May 19, 1951, Queens, New York, United States
died	April 15, 2001, New York City, New York, United States
instrument	Vocals, drums, percussion, guitar
genre	Punk rock
occupation	Musician, songwriter
years active	1972–2001
label	Sire, Radioactive
associated acts	Ramones, Sibling Rivalry, Sniper (American band)
website	joeyramone.com }}

Joey Ramone (born Jeffry Ross Hyman; May 19, 1951 – April 15, 2001) was an American vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist in the punk rock band the Ramones. Joey Ramone's image, voice and tenure as frontman of the Ramones made him a countercultural icon.

Biography

Early life

Joey Ramone was born Jeffry Hyman to parents Noel and Charlotte Hyman. The Jewish Hyman family lived in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, where Jeffry and his future Ramones bandmates attended Forest Hills High School. By general accounts, Jeffry was happy but something of an outcast.

Jeffry was a fan of The Beatles, The Who, David Bowie and The Stooges among other bands (particularly oldies and the Phil Spector-produced "girl groups"). His idol was Pete Townshend of The Who (with whom he shared birthdays). Jeffry took up drums at 13, and played throughout his teen years.

Ramones

In 1974, Jeffry Hyman co-founded the punk rock band the Ramones with friends John Cummings and Douglas Colvin, upon which point all three adopted stage names using "Ramone" as their surname: Cummings became Johnny Ramone, Colvin became Dee Dee Ramone, and Hyman became Joey Ramone. The name Ramone stems from a story that Paul McCartney of the The Beatles would check into hotels under the pseudonym "Paul Ramon" while touring.

Joey initially served as the group's drummer while Dee Dee Ramone was the original vocalist. Ramones manager Tommy Erdelyi suggested Joey switch to vocals while Tommy took over on drums.

The Ramones were a major influence on the punk rock movement in the United States, though they achieved only minor commercial success. Their only record with enough U.S. sales to be certified gold was the compilation album ''Ramones Mania''. Recognition of the band's importance built over the years, and they are now regularly represented in many assessments of all-time great rock music, such as the ''Rolling Stone'' lists of the 50 Greatest Artists of All Time and 25 Greatest Live Albums of All Time, VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, and Mojo's 100 Greatest Albums. In 2002, the Ramones were voted the second greatest rock and roll band ever in ''Spin'', trailing only The Beatles.

In 1996, after a tour with the Lollapalooza music festival, the band played their final show and then disbanded. Less than nine years after the breakup, three of the band's four founding members (Joey, guitarist Johnny Ramone, and bassist Dee Dee Ramone) were dead.

Vocal style

Ramone's vocal style was unorthodox in that he had no formal training in an era where vocal proficiency was arguably the norm for most rock bands. His signature cracks, hiccups, snarls, crooning and youthful voice made his one of punk rock's most recognizable voices. Allmusic.com claims that "Joey Ramone's signature bleat was the voice of punk rock in America." As his vocals matured and deepened through his career, so did the Ramones' songwriting, leaving a notable difference from Joey's initial melodic and callow style—two notable tracks serving as examples are "Somebody Put Something in My Drink" and "Mama's Boy".

Other projects

In 1985, Joey joined Little Steven Van Zandt's music-industry activist group Artists United Against Apartheid which acted against the Sun City resort in South Africa. Joey and forty-nine other top recording artists, including Bruce Springsteen, U2, Bob Dylan and Run DMC, collaborated on the song "Sun City" in which they pledged they would never perform at the resort.

In 1994, Joey appeared on the Helen Love album ''Love and Glitter, Hot Days and Music'' singing the track "Punk Boy". Helen Love returned the favor, singing on Joey's song "Mr. Punchy".

Hyman co-wrote and recorded the song "Meatball Sandwich" with Youth Gone Mad. For a short time before his death, he took the role of manager and producer for the punk rock group The Independents.

His last recording as a vocalist was singing backup vocals on the CD ''One Nation Under'' by the Dine Navajo rock group Blackfire. He appeared on two tracks, "What Do You See" and "Lying to Myself". The CD, released in 2002, won "Best Pop/Rock Album of the Year" at the 2002 Native American Music Awards.

Joey also produced the Ronnie Spector album, ''She Talks to Rainbows'', in 1999. It was critically acclaimed, but did not perform too well with the public and went virtually unnoticed. The title track was previously on the Ramones' last studio album, ''¡Adios Amigos!''.

Death and influence

right|thumb|180px|Headstone for Joey Ramone with fan tributesJoey Ramone died of lymphoma at New York-Presbyterian Hospital on April 15, 2001, after a seven-year battle. He was reportedly listening to the song "In a Little While" by U2 when he died. This was during U2's Elevation Tour, and from that point on during shows Bono would introduce the song as a tune that was originally about a lovestruck hangover but that Joey turned it into a gospel song.

His solo album ''Don't Worry About Me'' was released posthumously in 2002, and features the single "What a Wonderful World", a cover of the Louis Armstrong standard. MTV News claimed: "With his trademark rose-colored shades, black leather jacket, shoulder-length hair, ripped jeans and alternately snarling and crooning, hiccoughing vocals, Joey was the iconic godfather of punk."

On November 30, 2003, a block of East 2nd Street in New York City was officially renamed Joey Ramone Place. It is the block where Hyman once lived with bandmate Dee Dee Ramone, and is near the former site of the music club CBGB, where the Ramones got their start. Hyman's birthday is celebrated annually by rock 'n' roll nightclubs, hosted in New York City by his brother and, until 2007, his mother, Charlotte. Joey Ramone was buried in Hillside Cemetery in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.

In 2001, when Joey Ramone died, the Ramones were named as inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, prior to the actual ceremony held early the following year (2002).

Several songs have been presented as a tribute to Joey Ramone, including "Hello Joe" by Blondie from the album ''The Curse Of Blondie'', "Don't Take Me For Granted" by Social Distortion and "Here's To You" by Minus3. Indianapolis band Sloppy Seconds have a song on their album ''Endless Bummer'' entitled "You Can't Kill Joey Ramone."

In September 2010, the Associated Press reported that "Joey Ramone Place," a sign at the corner of Bowery and East Second Street was New York City's most stolen sign. As of September 27, the sign has been moved to 20 feet above ground level. Drummer Marky Ramone thought Joey would appreciate the fact that his sign would be the most stolen adding "Now you have to be an NBA player to see it."

Discography

:''For Ramones albums, see Ramones discography.''

Solo

''Don't Worry About Me'' – (2002)

EPs

''In a Family Way'' – Sibling Rivalry (1994)

''Ramones: Leathers from New York'' – The Ramones and Joey Ramone (solo) (1997)

''Christmas Spirit...In My House'' – (2002)

Singles

"I Got You Babe" - (1982) (Duet with Holly Beth Vincent)

"What a Wonderful World" - (2002)

Memorial books

"Heaven Needed A Lead Singer: Fans Remember Joey Ramone" by Jari-Pekka Laitio-Ramone - (2002)

"Rock In Peace: Dee Dee And Joey Ramone" by Jari-Pekka Laitio-Ramone - (2004)

References

External links

The Official Joey Ramone Website

Monte A. Melnick, Ramones Tour Manager "On The Road With The Ramones"

Joey's memorial section in Jari-Pekka Laitio-Ramone's site

Category:1951 births Category:2001 deaths Category:American Jews Category:American punk rock singers Category:American record producers Category:American tenors Category:American vegetarians Category:Cancer deaths in New York Category:Deaths from lymphoma Category:Jewish American musicians Category:Jewish singers Category:Musicians from New York Category:New York Democrats Category:People from Forest Hills, Queens Category:People from Queens Category:Pseudonymous musicians Joey

an:Joey Ramone ca:Joey Ramone cs:Joey Ramone cy:Joey Ramone de:Joey Ramone et:Joey Ramone es:Joey Ramone fr:Joey Ramone hr:Joey Ramone io:Joey Ramone it:Joey Ramone he:ג'ואי ראמון hu:Joey Ramone nl:Joey Ramone ja:ジョーイ・ラモーン no:Joey Ramone pl:Joey Ramone pt:Joey Ramone ru:Джоуи Рамон simple:Joey Ramone sk:Joey Ramone fi:Joey Ramone sv:Joey Ramone

Coordinates	3°8′51″N101°41′36″N
Name	Eddie Money
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Edward Joseph Mahoney
Birth date	March 21, 1949
Origin	Brooklyn, New York,United States
Instrument	Vocals, guitar, saxophone, harmonica, keyboards, Synthesizer
Genre	Rock, pop rock, hard rock
Occupation	Singer-songwriter, musician
Years active	1974–present
Label	Columbia Records
Website	EddieMoney.com }}

Eddie Money (born Edward Joseph Mahoney, March 21, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American rock guitarist, saxophonist and singer-songwriter who found success in the 1970s and 1980s with a string of Top 40 hits and platinum albums. Rock impresario Bill Graham said of Money "Eddie Money has it all...Not only can he sing, write and play, but he is a natural performer."

Money originally followed his father's footsteps and became a police officer in the late 1960s. As his interest in music intensified, he eventually ended his law enforcement career in favor of becoming a full time musician. He moved to Berkeley, California and became a regular at area clubs, where he eventually got enough attention to secure a recording contract with Columbia Records. Later in the 1970s, he charted with singles such as "Baby Hold On" and "Two Tickets to Paradise". Money continued his successes and took advantage of the MTV music video scene in the early 1980s with his humorous narrative videos for "Shakin'" and "Think I'm in Love", but his career began to fail him after several unsuccessful releases in the mid-1980s, accompanied by his struggles with drug addiction.

Money made a comeback two years later in 1986 and returned to the mainstream rock spotlight with the album ''Can't Hold Back'', which featured a Ronnie Spector duet with "Take Me Home Tonight", which reached the Top 10, along with the hit "I Wanna Go Back". Money followed the album with another Top 10 hit, late 1988's "Walk on Water", but his Top 40 career ended following the #21 placement of "I'll Get By" in 1992. During the 1990s and 2000s, Money continued to release numerous compilation albums along with several albums featuring new material. Today, he still tours the "Oldies" circuit regularly, often accompanied by other successful rock acts from his era, and has also made several television appearances on American sitcoms. Since 1992, Money has traditionally opened the summer concert season for DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan.

Early years

Eddie Money was born Edward Mahoney into a large Irish Catholic family in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island. He attended Island Trees High School in Levittown, New York. His father, grandfather and brother were all New York City Police Department (NYPD) policemen and Eddie was an NYPD trainee and a police officer for two years.

Musical career

Mahoney left the NYPD to pursue a musical career and moved to Berkeley, California in 1968. He made his splash with the Berkeley band, The Rockets, which included future Eddie Money band members John Nelson and Chris Solberg.

According to an article in the Portland Times, Eddie Money changed his name from Mahoney in 1972 as a "laugh" prompted by a then current girlfriend, in that he had no money and was living on food stamps.

In 1976, after meeting promoter Bill Graham, he released his first album, the eponymous ''Eddie Money'', in 1977. It reached #37 on the charts, and contained two of his most memorable hits, "Baby Hold On" and "Two Tickets to Paradise". Both songs entered the top 40. The next year he followed up with his second album, ''Life for the Taking'', which had more of a pop–disco sound. The album charted higher at #17, but neither of its two singles, "Can't Keep a Good Man Down" and "Maybe I'm a Fool", entered the top 20.

Two years later in 1980, Money released his third album, ''Playing for Keeps''. The album only reached #35 in the United States and yielded no Top 40 singles. Two years later, he released ''No Control'', which included the hits "Shakin'", "Think I'm In Love", and "Take A Little Bit". The album hit #20 in the United States.

Trying to duplicate the success of ''No Control'', Money released ''Where's the Party'' in 1983. This album featured the songs "Big Crash", "Club Michelle" and "Leave It To Me". It became his lowest charting album to date at #67, which now makes it hard to find and a collectible album. A second comeback for Money came in the form of ''Can't Hold Back'' in 1986, which featured the single "Take Me Home Tonight", featuring Ronnie Spector, that reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other songs include "Wanna Go Back", "Endless Nights", and "We Should Be Sleeping". The album later went platinum.

In the late 1980s, the single "Walk on Water", from his 1988 album ''Nothing to Lose'', became a top ten hit. The album also featured the songs "Forget About Love" and "The Love In Your Eyes". Subsequent releases by Money have often failed to chart.

Television appearances

Money appeared in an episode of the CBS sitcom ''The King Of Queens'', when Doug, Deacon, and Arthur hire Money to play a personal concert for just the three of them in Doug's living room.

He made an appearance in ''The Drew Carey Show'', as the former husband of Mimi Bobeck.

He also appeared on ''Don't Forget The Lyrics!'' on December 5, 2008, with his daughter Jesse Money, raising money for charity.

On January 2, 2010, he performed "Two Tickets to Paradise" and "Shakin'" during halftime of college football's Liberty Bowl.

Soundtrack appearances

"Two Tickets to Paradise" has been featured in numerous forms of media including video games, television, and movies. It was featured in the video game ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' on the radio station K-DST in 2004, and also in an episode of ''The Simpsons'', to which Homer remarks "excellent guitar riff". It also appeared in the reality show ''Paradise Hotel'' and in the film ''Operation Situation: Code Name Kill''.

"Baby Hold On" was featured in the video game ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories'' on the radio station Emotion 98.3 in 2006.

"Shakin'" is featured in the ''Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s'' game.

Two of Money's songs ("Get A Move On" and "Open Up Your Heart") were featured in the movie ''Americathon''. While both appear on the vinyl release of the motion picture soundtrack album, the ballad "Open Up Your Heart" does not seem to have ever been released on CD or on any of Money's collections.

His song "Think I'm In Love" is featured in both ''Joe Dirt'' (2001) as well as ''Paul Blart: Mall Cop'' (2009), starring his friend Kevin James.

"Take Me Home Tonight" is featured in ''Saturday Night Live'' sketch turned movie "MacGruber" (2010).

''The Groomsmen'', a 2006 movie directed and staring Ed Burns, John Leguizamo, Matthew Lillard, Jay Mohr, and Donal Logue, is an indie movie where the five reunite for Ed's character's wedding, and relive their high school days by playing "Shakin'", featuring John Leguizamo on vocals.

He performed the song "Roll It Over" as the theme to the 1989 TV series Hardball.

Personal life

Eddie Money and his wife Laurie live in Westlake Village, California and have five children, one daughter and four sons, all musically inclined.

Money's daughter Jesse Money appeared on the 2008 MTV reality competition ''Rock the Cradle'', coming in last. She also toured with Money in 2008–2009, performing as his opening act, as well as singing backing vocals throughout his show, including the Ronnie Spector part on "Take Me Home Tonight."

Discography

''Eddie Money'' (1977)

''Life for the Taking'' (1978)

''Playing for Keeps'' (1980)

''No Control'' (1982)

''Where's the Party?'' (1983)

''Can't Hold Back'' (1986)

''Nothing to Lose'' (1988)

''Right Here'' (1991)

''Love and Money'' (1995)

''Ready Eddie'' (1999)

''Wanna Go Back'' (2007)

References

External links

MelodicRock.com interview

Rock N Roll Universe interview

Review of ''Wanna Go Back'' CD

Eddie Money Music at Wolfgangsvault

Category:1949 births Category:American male singers Category:American rock singers Category:American rock guitarists Category:Living people Category:Musicians from New York Category:People from Brooklyn Category:People from Nassau County, New York Category:New York City Police Department officers

de:Eddie Money es:Eddie Money fr:Eddie Money it:Eddie Money pt:Eddie Money sq:Eddie Money fi:Eddie Money sv:Eddie Money

Coordinates	3°8′51″N101°41′36″N
name	Clarence Clemons
background	solo_singer
birth name	Clarence Anicholas Clemons, Jr.
alias	The Big Man
birth date	January 11, 1942
Birth place	Norfolk County, Virginia (later Chesapeake), U.S.
death date	June 18, 2011
Death place	Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
instrument	SaxophonePercussionVocalist
genre	Rock, R&B;
occupation	Musician, actor, athlete
associated acts	E Street BandBruce SpringsteenAretha FranklinFurthurGrateful DeadJackson BrowneJerry Garcia BandNarada Michael WaldenRingo Starr & His All-Starr BandAja KimLady Gaga
years active	1961–2011
website	ClarenceClemons.com
notable instruments	Julius Keilwerth SX90R tenor saxophone, SX90R baritone saxophone and SX90II soprano saxophone }}

Clarence Anicholas Clemons, Jr. (January 11, 1942 – June 18, 2011), also known as The Big Man, was an American musician and actor. From 1972 until his death, he was a prominent member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, playing the tenor saxophone. He released several solo albums and in 1985, had a hit single with "You're a Friend of Mine", a duet with Jackson Browne. As a guest musician he also featured on Aretha Franklin's classic "Freeway of Love" and on Twisted Sister's "Be Chrool to Your Scuel" as well as performing in concert with The Grateful Dead and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. As an actor Clemons featured in several films, including ''New York, New York'' and ''Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure''. He also made cameo appearances in several TV series, including ''Diff'rent Strokes'', ''Nash Bridges'', ''The Simpsons'' and ''The Wire''. Together with his television writer friend Don Reo he published his semi-fictional autobiography told in third person, ''Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales'', in 2009. Clemons suffered a stroke on June 12, 2011, and died of complications from it on June 18, at 69 years of age.

Early life

Born in Norfolk County (later the city of Chesapeake), Virginia, Clemons was the son of Clarence Clemons, Sr., a fish market owner, and his wife Thelma. He was the oldest of their three children. His grandfather was a Southern Baptist preacher and, as a result, the young Clemons grew up listening to gospel music. When he was nine, his father gave him an alto saxophone as a Christmas present and paid for music lessons. He later switched to baritone saxophone and played in a high school jazz band. His uncle also influenced his early musical development when he bought him his first King Curtis album. Curtis, and his work with The Coasters in particular, would be become a major influence on Clemons and led to him switching to tenor saxophone. As a youth Clemons also showed potential as a football player, and he attended Maryland State College on both music and football scholarships. He played as a lineman on the same team as Emerson Boozer and attracted the attention of the Cleveland Browns, who offered him a trial. However, the day before, he was involved in a serious car accident which effectively ended any plans of a career in the NFL. At age 18, Clemons had one of his earliest studio experiences, recording sessions with Tyrone Ashley's Funky Music Machine, a band from Plainfield, New Jersey that included Ray Davis, Eddie Hazel and Billy Bass Nelson, all of whom later played with Parliament-Funkadelic. He also performed with Daniel Petraitis, a New Jersey and Nashville legend. These sessions were eventually released in 2007, by Truth and Soul Records as ''Let Me Be Your Man''. While at Maryland State College Clemons also joined his first band, The Vibratones, which played James Brown covers and stayed together for about four years between 1961 and 1965. While still playing with this band he moved to Newark, New Jersey where he worked as a counselor for emotionally disturbed children at the Jamesburg Training School for Boys between 1962 and 1970.

Music career

Bruce Springsteen

The story of how Clemons first met Bruce Springsteen has entered into E Street Band mythology. "The E Street Shuffle" with a monologue about how they met and the event was also immortalized in "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out". They allegedly met for the first time in September 1971. At the time Clemons was playing with Norman Seldin & The Joyful Noyze at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Seldin was a Jersey Shore musician/entrepreneur who, as well as playing piano and leading various bands, had his own record label, Selsom Records. In 1969, Clemons had recorded an eponymous album with this band. In 2008, tracks from this album were reissued on an anthology, ''Asbury Park — Then And Now'', put together by Seldin. It was Karen Cassidy, lead vocalist with The Joyful Noyze, who encouraged Clemons to check out Springsteen who was playing with The Bruce Springsteen Band at the nearby Student Prince. Clemons recalled their meeting in various interviews:

'' One night we were playing in Asbury Park. I'd heard The Bruce Springsteen Band was nearby at a club called The Student Prince and on a break between sets I walked over there. On-stage, Bruce used to tell different versions of this story but I'm a Baptist, remember, so this is the truth. A rainy, windy night it was, and when I opened the door the whole thing flew off its hinges and blew away down the street. The band were on-stage, but staring at me framed in the doorway. And maybe that did make Bruce a little nervous because I just said, "I want to play with your band," and he said, "Sure, you do anything you want." The first song we did was an early version of "Spirit in the Night". Bruce and I looked at each other and didn't say anything, we just knew. We knew we were the missing links in each other's lives. He was what I'd been searching for. In one way he was just a scrawny little kid. But he was a visionary. He wanted to follow his dream. So from then on I was part of history.''

Well before this meeting, however, Clemons and Springsteen had moved within the same circle of musical acquaintances. Norman Seldin had managed and promoted several local bands, including The Motifs who featured Vinnie Roslin, later to play with Springsteen in Steel Mill. On April 22, 1966, Seldin had also organised a battle of the bands competition at the Matawan-Keyport Roller Drome in Matawan, New Jersey. Springsteen was among the entrants playing with his then band, The Castiles. Billy Ryan, who played lead guitar with The Joyful Noyze, also played in The Jaywalkers with Garry Tallent and Steve Van Zandt and Clemons himself had played with Tallent in Little Melvin & The Invaders.

In July 1972, Springsteen began recording his debut album ''Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.'' and during breaks from recording, he jammed with Clemons and The Joyful Noyze on at least two occasions at The Shipbottom Lounge in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. When Springsteen then decided to use a tenor saxophone on the songs "Blinded by the Light" and "Spirit in the Night," it was Clemons he called. By October Springsteen was ready to tour and promote ''Greetings…'' and he put together a band featuring Clemons, Tallent, Danny Federici and Vini Lopez. Clemons played his last gig with Norman Seldin & The Joyful Noyze at the Club Plaza in Bayville, New Jersey on October 21, 1972. Four days later Clemons made his debut with the formative E Street Band at an unadvertised, impromptu performance at The Shipbottom Lounge. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s Clemons featured prominently on Springsteen albums. On ''Born to Run'' he provided memorable saxophone solos on the title track, "Thunder Road" and "Jungleland" while ''Darkness on the Edge of Town'' featured another notable solo on "Badlands". ''The River'' saw Clemons feature on songs such as "The Ties That Bind", "Sherry Darling", "I Wanna Marry You" and "Independence Day" while ''Born in the U.S.A.'' saw solos on "Bobby Jean" and "I'm Goin' Down".

At the end of shows, while recognizing members of the E Street Band, Springsteen referred to Clemons as "The Biggest Man You Ever Seen". He sometimes changed this depending on where the E Street Band performs — at their 2009 concert in Glasgow he introduced Clemons as "the biggest Scotsman you've ever seen".

Solo career

Outside of his work with the E Street Band, Clemons recorded with many other artists and had a number of musical projects on his own. The best known of these are his 1985 vocal duet with Jackson Browne on the Top-20 hit single "You're a Friend of Mine", and his saxophone work on Aretha Franklin's 1985 Top-10 hit single "Freeway of Love". He was managed briefly in the 1980s by former Crawdaddy editor Peter Knobler, whose wedding Clemons played with his band, Clarence Clemons & the Red Bank Rockers. During the 1980s Clemons also owned a Red Bank, New Jersey nightclub called Big Man's West. He toured in the first incarnation of Ringo Starr & The All-Starr Band in 1989, singing "You're a Friend of Mine" (dueting with Billy Preston) and an updated rap arrangement of "Quarter to Three." In the mid-1990s, he recorded a Japan-only CD release called ''Aja and the Big Man "Get It On"'' with Los Angeles singer/songwriter Aja Kim. In the 2000s, Clemons along with producer Narada Michael Walden, put together a group called The Temple of Soul, releasing a single called 'Anna'. He also recorded with philanthropic teen band Creation. Clemons collaborated with Lady Gaga on the songs "Hair" and "The Edge of Glory" from her album ''Born This Way'', providing a saxophone track and solo. Clarence Clemons occasionally sat in with the Grateful Dead and as recently as April 2011, sat in on several tunes with the Grateful Dead "spinoff" band Furthur during a concert in Boca Raton Florida. Just days before he suffered a major stroke, he shot a music video with Lady Gaga for The Edge of Glory.

Acting career

Clemons appeared in several movies and on television, making his screen debut in Martin Scorsese's 1977 musical, ''New York, New York'' in which he played a trumpet player. He played one of the 'Three Most Important People In The World' in the 1989 comedy film ''Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure''. In 1985, Clemons was a special guest star in ''Diff'rent Strokes'' episode "So You Want to Be a Rock Star", in which he played the role of Mr. Kingsley, a young saxophonist helping Arnold Jackson to learn to play his sax. He has also been a guest voice in an episode of ''The Simpsons''. In 1990, he co-starred in the pilot episode of ''Human Target'', a Rick Springfield action series intended for ABC. He also played the role of Jack in ''Swing'' starring opposite Lisa Stansfield and Hugo Speer, directed by Nick Mead. He appeared alongside Michael McKean and David Bowe as a miner in one episode of musician "Weird Al" Yankovic's children's television show ''The Weird Al Show''. He made a cameo appearance in 1999's sequel to Blues Brothers, Blues Brothers 2000 as part of the meatl section of super blues band The Louisiana Gator Boys. He appeared in an episode of Damon Wayans' television show, ''My Wife And Kids'' as a musician and performed an original composition, co written with bassist, Lynn Woolever, called "One Shadow In The Sun". Clemons twice appeared as a Baltimore youth-program organizer in HBO's crime drama ''The Wire''. He appeared in an episode of ''Brothers'' and in the "Eddie's Book" episode of '''Til Death'' as himself.

Personal life

Marriages and family

Clemons was married five times. He fathered four sons, Clarence III, Charles, Christopher and Jarod. He lost most of the vision in one eye from a retinal detachment. Clemons stated "It's not something you can replace. If it goes out, that's it."

Philanthropy

Clemons was a strong advocate and supporter of Home Safe, a non-profit organization helping victims of child abuse and domestic violence. Each year, Home Safe serves more than fifteen thousand infants, children and families in south Florida.

From 2005 until his passing, Clemons hosted an annual charity event for Home Safe called The Classic Rock & Roll Party. Through these events, Clemons helped raise over $2.5 million for Home Safe. In addition to raising funds for Home Safe programs, Clemons would also personally visit abused children at Home Safe's campuses to give them words of encouragement and practical advice about life.

The 2011 edition of The Classic Rock & Roll Party will serve as major, first-class tribute to Clemons' life - with many of Clarence's family members and longtime personal and musician friends to attend and perform. The tribute is being produced by Grammy and Emmy award-winning musical producer, John Colby. Event information is available at www.TheClassicForHomeSafe.org.

Clemons monumental efforts on behalf of Home Safe earned him the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2010.

On October 22, 2009, Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring and revitalizing music education in public schools, presented Clemons with the inaugural "Big Man of the Year Award" at the Right to Rock charity benefit. He helped raise money to put musical instruments and curriculum into underfunded public schools across the country. He also performed "Jailhouse Rock" with a student band from the Bronx, in addition to a number with legendary producer, John Colby.

Death

Clemons suffered a stroke on June 12, 2011. He underwent two surgeries after which he was declared in serious but stable condition. According to ''Rolling Stone'' magazine, he had been showing signs of recovery. However, Clemons died from complications caused by the stroke on June 18, 2011.

Bruce Springsteen said of Clarence Clemons: "Clarence lived a wonderful life. He carried within him a love of people that made them love him. He created a wondrous and extended family. He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he stepped on stage. His loss is immeasurable and we are honored and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years. He was my great friend, my partner, and with Clarence at my side, my band and I were able to tell a story far deeper than those simply contained in our music. His life, his memory, and his love will live on in that story and in our band."

Various artists reacted on stage to the death of Clarence.

At their concert in Portsmouth, Virginia on Sunday, June 19, 2011, Phish covered Thunder Road as a tribute to Clemons.

At an Eddie Vedder concert in Hartford, Connecticut on Saturday, June 18, 2011, Vedder played tribute to Clarence during Pearl Jam song Better Man. Eddie wished Clemons well, and shortly thereafter was notified by a sound tech that he had died. During a subsequent performance on The Late Show with David Letterman, Vedder played a ukulele with "Clarence" written across the front of it.

Before singing Moment of Surrender at the U2 concert in Anaheim on Saturday, June 18, 2011, Bono paid tribute to Clarence Clemons, who had died earlier that day. Bono read lyrics from Springsteen's Jungleland near the end of the song, and he repeated them at the song's conclusion. Bono repeated this dedication and tribute during Moment of Surrender at the U2 concert in Baltimore on Wednesday, June 22, 2011.

New Jersey rock band Bon Jovi performed Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out as the first encore during their concert in Horsens, Denmark on June 19, 2011. While playing that song photos of Clarence were shown on the giant video screen behind the band.

Jimmy Buffett added verses that included Clarence in "The Stories We Can Tell" during his final encore during his concert in June 21, 2011. The rest of the band left the stage and it was Buffett playing and singing alone.

During their afternoon Pyramid stage set at the Glastonbury Festival 2011 Brian Fallon lead singer of The Gaslight Anthem (also from New Jersey) dedicated their song The '59 sound to Clemons' memory.

During Southside Johnny's annual July 4 weekend concert at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ he and Miami Steve spoke of Clemons. Afterwards, Eddie Manion played Clemons' famous Jungleland solo while a projector screened showed images of the Big Man.

On July 17, 2011, a tribute concert was held at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ. Bruce Springsteen performed a 45 minute set playing some of Clarence's songs. Clarence's son (Clarence III), who goes by Nick, opened the show with his band, The Nick Clemons Band.

On October 1, 2011, a major, first-class tribute to Clemons will take place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Traditionally an annual charity event hosted by Clemons, called The Classic Rock & Roll Party, the event will now pay tribute to Clemons' life and all he did for Home Safe, a non-profit organization helping victims of child abuse and domestic violence.

Discography

Clarence Clemons & the Red Bank Rockers

* ''Rescue'' (1983)

Clarence Clemons

* ''Hero'' (1985)

* ''A Night With Mr. C'' (1989)

* ''Peacemaker'' (1995)

Aja and the Big Man

*''Get It On'' (1995)

Clarence Clemons & Temple of Soul

* ''Live in Asbury Park'' (2002)

* ''Live in Asbury Park, Vol. 2'' (2004)

* ''Brothers in Arms'' (2008)

Bruce Springsteen

* ''Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.'' (1973)

* ''The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle'' (1973)

* ''Born to Run'' (1975)

* ''Darkness on the Edge of Town'' (1978)

* ''The River'' (1980)

* ''Born in the U.S.A.'' (1984)

* ''Live/1975–85'' (1986)

* ''Tunnel of Love'' (1987)

* ''Chimes of Freedom'' (1988)

* ''Greatest Hits'' (1995)

* ''Blood Brothers'' (1996)

* ''Tracks'' (1998)

* ''18 Tracks'' (1999)

* ''Live in New York City'' (2001)

* ''The Rising'' (2002)

* ''The Essential Bruce Springsteen'' (2003)

* ''Hammersmith Odeon London '75'' (2006)

* ''Magic'' (2007)

* ''Magic Tour Highlights'' (2008)

* ''Working on a Dream'' (2009)

* ''The Promise'' (2010)

Gary U.S. Bonds

* ''Dedication'' (1981)

* ''On the Line'' (1982)

Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band

* ''Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band'' (1990)

Zucchero

* ''Blues'' (1987)

* ''Oro incenso e birra'' (1989)

* ''Zucchero'' (1991)

* ''Diamante'' (1994)

* ''Spirito Divino'' (1995)

Selected Others

* Dan Hartman: ''Images'' (1976)

* Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes: ''I Don't Wanna Go Home'' (1976)

* Pezband: ''Pezband'' (1977)

* Ronnie Spector & The E Street Band: "Say Goodbye To Hollywood" / "Baby, Please Don't Go" (1977)

* Scarlet Rivera: ''Scarlet Rivera'' (1977)

* Intergalactic Touring Band: ''Intergalactic Touring Band'' (1977)

* Carlene Carter: ''Two Sides to Every Woman'' (1979)

* Janis Ian: ''Night Rains'' (1979)

* Musicians United for Safe Energy: ''No Nukes'' (1979)

* Michael Stanley Band: ''Heartland'' (1980)

* Joan Armatrading: ''Me Myself I'' (1980)

* Various artists: ''In Harmony 2'' (1981)

* Greg Lake: ''Greg Lake'' (1981)

* Schwartz: ''Schwartz'' (1981)

* Blue Steel: ''Nothing But Time'' (1981)

* Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul: ''Men Without Women'' (1982)

* Ian Hunter: ''All of the Good Ones Are Taken'' (1983)

* Silver Condor: ''Trouble At Home'' (1983)

* Michael Stanley: ''Poor Side of Town'' (1984)

* Aretha Franklin: ''Who's Zoomin' Who?'' (1985)

* Twisted Sister: ''Come Out and Play'' (1985)

* Soundtrack: ''Porky's Revenge'' (1985)

* Artists United Against Apartheid: ''Sun City'' (1986)

* Jersey Artists For Mankind: "We've Got The Love" / "Save Love, Save Life" (1986)

* Gloria Estefan: ''Let It Loose'' (1987)

* Various artists: ''A Very Special Christmas'' (1987)

* Narada Michael Walden: ''Divine Emotions'' (1988)

* The Four Tops: ''Indestructible'' (1988)

* Todd Rundgren: ''Nearly Human'' (1989)

* Soundtrack: ''Home Alone 2: Lost in New York'' (soundtrack) (1992)

* Lisa Stansfield et al.: ''Swing – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1999)

* Joe Cocker: ''Unchain My Heart'' (1990)

* Nils Lofgren: ''Silver Lining'' (1991)

* Alvin Lee: ''Zoom'' (1992)

* Roy Orbison: ''King of Hearts'' (1992)

* Jim Carroll: ''A World Without Gravity: Best of The Jim Carroll Band'' (1993)

* Dave Koz: ''Lucky Man'' (1993)

* Great White: ''Sail Away'' (1994)

* Luther Vandross: ''This is Christmas'' (1995)

* Craig and Co.: ''My Newish Jewish Discovery'' (1997)

* Various artists: ''Humanary Stew – A Tribute to Alice Cooper'' (1999)

* Nick Clemons Band: ''In the Sunlight'' (2001)

* Creation: ''World Without Windows'' (2005)

* Tyrone Ashley's Funky Music Machine: ''Let Me Be Your Man'' (2007)

* Stormin' Norman & Friends: ''Asbury Park — Then And Now'' (2008)

* Lady Gaga: ''Born This Way'' (2011)

Filmography

Film

''New York, New York'' (1977)

* Cecil Powell

''Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure'' (1989)

* The Three Most Important People in the World

''Fatal Instinct'' (1993)

* Clarence

''Blues Brothers 2000'' (1998)

* The Louisiana Gator Boys

''Swing'' (1999)

* Jack

Television

''Diff'rent Strokes''

* Mr. Kingsley: "So You Want to Be a Rock Star" (1985)

''Jake and the Fatman''

* Blue Danny Boyd: "Why Can't You Behave?" (1989)

''The Flash''

* Darrell Hennings: "Honor Among Thieves" (1990)

''Nash Bridges''

* Big Barry in three episodes : "25 Hours of Christmas", "Aloha Nash" and "Javelin Catcher" (1996)

''The Sentinel''

* Workman: "Dead Drop" (1997)

''The Weird Al Show''

* Miner: "Mining Accident" (1997)

''Viper''

* Leo Duquesne: "The Getaway" (1998)

''Penn & Teller's Sin City Spectacular''

* one episode (1998)

''The Simpsons''

* Narrator: "Grift of the Magi" (1999)

''My Wife and Kids''

* Johnny Watson: "Micheal's Band" (2003)

''The Wire''

* Roman: "Moral Midgetry" and "Hamsterdam" (2004)

'''Til Death''

* Himself : "Eddie's Book" (2009)

Music videos

"The Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga (2011)

See also

List of saxophonists

References

External links

Official site

The Best of Clarence Clemons – public radio special

VH1 site

Interview with Chorus and Verse (Jan. 2004)

Interview Clarence Clemons on Meeting Bruce Springsteen

Remembering Clarence Clemons — slideshow.''Life''

Clarence Clemons; findagrave.com database

"Remembering Springsteen’s Saxman, Clarence Clemons" ''On Point''

Category:1942 births Category:2011 deaths Category:African American players of American football Category:African American rock musicians Category:American rock saxophonists Category:Cardiovascular disease deaths in Florida Category:Deaths from stroke Category:Grateful Dead Category:Jersey Shore musicians Category:Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks football players Category:Musicians from New Jersey Category:Musicians from Virginia Category:People from Norfolk, Virginia Category:Players of American football from Virginia Category:The E Street Band members

ast:Clarence Clemons ca:Clarence Clemons cs:Clarence Clemons da:Clarence Clemons de:Clarence Clemons es:Clarence Clemons fr:Clarence Clemons hr:Clarence Clemons it:Clarence Clemons nl:Clarence Clemons no:Clarence Clemons pl:Clarence Clemons pt:Clarence Clemons simple:Clarence Clemons fi:Clarence Clemons sv:Clarence Clemons