Clarence Clemons

Clarence Clemons (sunweb.com)

The legendary Clarence Clemons is one of the most inspiring saxophonists in history. He was born in Chesapeake, Virginia. Clemons used to listen to a lot of gospel music, but everything took a turn when he received an alto saxophone as a Christmas present in 1951 at 9 years old. Clemons loved the saxophone. He started to get lessons from a private teacher. Clemons joined many bands and had many albums while playing sax. Clarence Clemons is my hero because he inspires me to persevere, love, and be faithful while playing saxophone.

The first notable virtue Clarence Clemons possesses is perseverance. When Clemons was going into the NFL as a professional football player, he suffered a very bad car crash. He persevered for a successful and famous career, and reverted to his favorite passion, playing the sax. Clemons realized that he wouldn't be making the same amount of money as a football player, but he wanted to pursue a professional career as a saxophonist. By doing so, he inspires many young children playing the woodwind instrument to do what they love.

Another virtue that Clemons has is a strong faith. Clemons is faithful in Catholicism, just like me. This is quite necessary to me because I am very religious. He went to church every week, just like me. His uncle was a Southern Baptist minister, and my mom's closest friend is a priest. Having faith is a very important virtue because it showed he did not care if someone judged him based on his beliefs. Clemons was dedicated to his religion.

Equally important is that Clemons is very loving and compassionate. Clemons loved his long-time band partner, Bruce Springsteen, like a brother. The band collaboration never left each other's side until death. Although Springsteen and Clemons were best friends, nothing could beat the friendship of Clemons and a saxophone. To be loving is a necessary virtue because it makes me want to be successful with my friends in my middle school band in the next couple years. The way Clemons and Springsteen's friendship tied together inspires my friends and I to be in band and become successful musicians without leaving each other's side.

Clarence Clemons is an inspiration to many. Clarence Clemons is my hero because he inspires me to be successful with playing the saxophone. Whether it's his phenomenal football playing, or his talent with the saxophone, many children strive to be like him. He made many smart and good choices. Clemons is being a role model. That is the what it takes to be a hero, which is the greatest quality of all.