November 11, 2002 — Saxophone player Clarence Clemons was released last week from Houston’s Memorial Hermann Hospital following eye surgery Tuesday to repair a detached retina. Clemons, 60, underwent emergency surgery following a performance with the E-Street Band at the Compaq Center. "I want to thank all my fans for your love, your prayers and your good wishes which speeded my recovery," said Clemons. "A special thanks to Dr. Ruiz and the team at Memorial Hermann Hospital who came through big time for the Big Man."

Clemons' emergency surgery took place the same day as the release of his new album, Clarence Clemons Temple of Soul – Live in Asbury Park, featuring Clarence Clemons and his band. The album was recorded live at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ.

Jazz, latin, soul and rock 'n' roll all give flavor to the disc of primarily Clemons' originals. Three tracks were penned by Bruce Springsteen. A well-respected musician in the pop/rock realm, Clemons boasts a career that has spanned over three decades. Famed saxophone player from the E Street Band, he played for nearly 30 years alongside Bruce Springsteen, lending his signature saxophone riffs to such classic hits as "Born to Run," "Jungleland" and "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out." Clarence Clemons and the Red Bank Rockers had their first release in 1983 with Rescue and the Chief followed two years later. His most popular and best selling album, Hero, featured the hit single "You're a Friend of Mine" where he shared the lead vocals with Jackson Browne. Subsequent releases include, A Night with Mr. C, and Peacemaker, released in 1989 and 1993 respectively.