Clarence Clemons: "This Is for the Kids"

Clarence "The Big Man" Clemons, the legendary saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, returned to the stage after spinal surgery and double knee replacement to host his final Clarence Clemons Classic Gala and Auction at Hard Rock Live in Fort Lauderdale — raising funds for Home Safe, a children's charity for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. Premier Guide Miami sat down to find out what that means — and what comes next.

Clarence "The Big Man" Clemons, sax legend for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, returned to the stage after undergoing several surgeries — including spinal surgery and double knee replacement. Clemons served as spokesperson for Home Safe, a children's charity providing care and treatment for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. This was to be his final year hosting the Clarence Clemons Classic Gala and Auction, and his friends and members of the E Street Band came out to support him at Hard Rock Live in Fort Lauderdale. Along with his friend Don Reo, he also published his autobiography, Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales, which became a bestseller.

PGM: How have you been this year?

Clarence Clemons: This has been a huge year. I had a couple of major surgeries and I wrote a book — a bestselling book. I am very excited about the way things turned out this year.

PGM: There is a very strong turnout tonight. Your friends have come out to support you.

Clarence Clemons: I am so appreciative, as they are all here to give support for the kids. Even though we are having difficult times, the children still need us and we have to continue to support them.

PGM: After this year, you will no longer be the spokesperson for Home Safe. Will you continue to support them?

Clarence Clemons: This is my last year as a spokesperson. I have had a couple of surgeries, so I will take the time to recover, so we could do more.

PGM: You should actually be home relaxing and recovering now...

Clarence Clemons: This is for the kids. I am doing it for the kids. The more you do, the more comes back to you. I try to encourage people to get up off that brick, you know. Help us out here — I'm out here. I am doing, so I want to give everyone the opportunity to do something also.

PGM: What is your relationship with Home Safe?

Clarence Clemons: Because of what they are doing for the children, I like what they do and I like their approach. They are doing really great work. I have had the opportunity to go to a couple of safe houses, and I have witnessed what's happening. I have held babies in my arms and I have seen these kids and their potential. These kids have so much potential — all they need is an opportunity. It is a great opportunity for us to put back into the world.

PGM: You recently had a bestseller, Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales. Tell us about it.

Clarence Clemons: The book came out a bestseller. That really blew my mind. I have started on a new book and we will spend some time on it in the Keys. Don and I will hang there for a month or so to work on the book, then he goes back to LA and I will stay here.

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