Bruce Springsteen has issued a statement on his official website regarding the recent stroke suffered by E Street Band saxophone player Clarence Clemons.

Here is the statement in full: "By now, many of you have heard that our beloved comrade and sax player Clarence Clemons has suffered a serious stroke.

While all initial signs are encouraging, Clarence will need much care and support to achieve his potential once again. He has his wonderfully supportive wife, Victoria, excellent doctors and health care professionals, and is surrounded by friends and family.

I thank you all for your prayers and positive energy and concern. This is a time for us all to share in a hopeful spirit that can ultimately inspire Clarence to greater heights."

Clarence's family added that they appreciate the concern shown by fans, and invited them to show their well-wishes via e-mail to notestoclarence@clarenceclemons.com.

As we reported yesterday, the popular saxophone player is reportedly showing encouraging sings of recovery after suffering a "serious" stroke that required two brain surgery operations. To remind fans why Clemons is so important to Springsteen's music, we put together a list of the Top 10 Clarence Clemons Songs today as well.

Watch Bruce Springsteen (and Clarence Clemons) Perform 'Born to Run' in 1982

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