NEW YORK — “The Big Man” has died.

Clarence Clemons’ booming saxophone was a signature sound for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.

Springsteen describes Clemons as a friend and partner whose talent allowed the band to “tell a story far deeper than those simply contained” in its music. Calling the loss “immeasurable,” Springsteen says on his website that he’s “honored and thankful” to have had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly 40 years.

Clemons was known as the Big Man for his imposing 6-foot-5-inch, 270-plus-pound frame. But the nickname also seemed to fit his powerful sax solos on songs such as “Jungleland” and “Born to Run.”