Big Man

Real Life & Tall Tales

By: Clarence Clemons, Don Reo, Bruce Springsteen - foreword

Narrated by: Jake Clemons

Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

For the first time ever comes the inside story of Clarence "Big Man" Clemons - his life before, during, and beyond the E-Street Band, including unbelievable, never-before-told adventures with Bruce Springsteen, the band, and an incredible cast of other famous characters recounted by himself and his best friend, television writer/producer Don Reo.

Here are just a few things you'll get from reading it:

• The truth behind the final hours of making Born To Run
• The real story of how the E-Street Band got its name
• What happened when Clarence and Ringo Starr were sitting in a hotel room and Clarence got the call that Bruce was breaking up the band
• How Bruce and Clarence met that dark, stormy night at the Student Prince
• The E-Street band's show at Sing-Sing prison where all of their equipment blows out right as they take the stage
• The secret that Robert De Niro told Clarence and Bruce they had to keep for 25 years

But that's merely a glimpse. This is not your average rock book. It is something creative, something unique, something new. It is the story of E-Street. It is the story of stories. It is the story of the Big Man.

©2009 Clarence Clemons, Don Reo (P)2014 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Legends have a way of growing every time they're told. This time, the tales of rock and roll history are brought to life by a legend himself, Clarence Clemons. Big Man relives Clemons's story in a unique personal narrative that's bound in both history and folklore. This is an essential read for any music lover." (President Bill Clinton)

"Big Man takes you on an outrageous journey with one of the most charismatic, gracious, kind and talented men of our time. This peek into the world of Clarence is full of fun and laughter, which is exactly what this guy is all about. He's a genuine soul worth his weight in gold. That's why he's been an inspiration to me for years and years, and his incredible music brings great joy to my heart. His role in the E Street Band helped place him and the band in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame... right where he belongs." (Pat Riley, NBA Hall Of Fame coach)

"Big Man is one of the greatest books about a big black man ever written. If you want to get really close to a big black man without getting punched in the face, this book's for you!" (Chris Rock)

A must read for any fan of Clarence

Experiencing the thoughts, humor, talent and struggles of this awesome artist, was a delight. Jake has done a fantastic job of stepping into his uncle’s shoes. You can hear the love and admiration. Makes me miss the Big Man all the more.

Good listen

Some of these stories were funny, some sad. The Big Man has interesting views on lots of things!

Great Big-man lore

Great Big Man legends and lore. As a CC fan, I liked this quite a lot. I might otherwise find some of the "dreamier" moments slightly less entertaining. In all a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Big Man — everyone's main man, CC. The cat with all the cool.

The Big Man

This audiobook is full of friendship, love and life. I enjoyed learning more about Clarence. His philosophies and music passion are well documented. Jake does a solid job narrating stories that I’m sure made him laugh and cry. The narrations and background music positively complimented the audiobook.

Entertaining but drags on with little insight.

Worth listening to as an E Street fan but failed to provide any real insight.

Entertaining and Heartfelt

For those speculating how much is true and how much is embellished, I'd go with 98% true. A life well lived, a big life, lived with passion. He was my next door neighbor in Sausalito for a few years during the hiatus from Bruce when he played with his band, the Red Bank Rockers. What a treat to hear him play at the Sweetwater! And he's got some great stories to tell you.

Moving and insightful

Gave me a deep, warm sense of who Clarence Clemons was and how important his relationship to Springsteen was to both of them.

The Big Man up close.

Loved the chance to get to know Clarence. He lived a very interesting life .

I miss the big man

I listened to this as a result of finishing Bruce Springsteen's autobiography because I didn't want the story to end. This is not Bruce's book but it's the next best thing. How people from humble beginnings rise to international fame is always endearing and enlightening. This is required reading for any fan of the E Street Band.

Great stories!

Enjoyed their voices. Disliked the explanation of he said , Clarence said, Don replied. Wasn't necessary if you were paying attention you knew who said what.
Now that he's gone , I wish I had seen a concert!