Groove Volt is reporting that Carl Gardner, lead singer for the Coasters, has passed away from unknown causes. The singer’s powerful tenor drove legendary hits like “Yakety Yak,” “Charlie Brown,” “Young Blood,” “Poison Ivy” and “Searchin’.” He founded the doo-wop group in 1955. ”Carl Gardner was one of the great lead voices of the rock and roll era,” soul legend Sam Moore said in a statement. Gardner was 83.
In other music news, E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons is on the mend after suffering a stroke. The 69-year-old Clemons, who had been recovering from double knee surgery, underwent two brain surgeries Sunday and was reportedly paralyzed on his left side after the surgeries. Groove Volt reports that sources close to Clemons — who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about his condition — said that this morning, Clemons was squeezing with his left hand.
A close friend told Bruce Springsteen's news site backstreets.com, “Yesterday [Sunday] it did not look good at all. Today … miracles are happening.” Clemons played the saxophone on several songs on Lady Gaga‘s new album, Born This Way, and played the sax during her recent performance on American Idol. We're wishing Clemons a speedy recovery.
Read more at Groovevolt.com. Check out performances by Clemons and Gardner below:
In other news: Michele Bachmann Announces GOP Bid, Steals GOP Spotlight.