Associated Press photo

Saxophonist Clarence Clemons suffered a stroke at his home in Florida on Sunday. Bruce Springsteen's buddy in the E Street Band remains hospitalized. He is "seriously ill," according to wire reports.

Of course, best known for his work as the Big Man in Springsteen's band, Clemons also can be heard on Lady Gaga's new "Born This Way" album. He performed "Edge of Glory" with Gaga on the "American Idol" finale last month. His last Springsteen gig was in December in New Jersey for a special taping for the Internet.

Clemons, 69, has suffered a number of ailments in recent years. Last year, he had both knees replaced and spinal fusion. On Springsteen's last tour in 2009, Clemons rode to the stage on a golf cart, limped up to the stage with canes and spent much of the concert sitting. In '09, he published a memoir, "Big Man: Real Life and Tall Tales."

Clemons had been scheduled to perform "The Star Spangled Banner" at Game 2 of the NBA finals in Miami last week but he cancelled at the 11th hour due to a hand injury and watched the game from the stands.