Rock Guitarist Eric Clapton

Play 'Benny's Blues Feat. Mark Dorricott'

Eric Clapton, born on March 30, 1945, in Ripley, Surrey, England, is one of the most influential and celebrated guitarists of all time. Known as "Slowhand," Clapton's career has spanned over six decades, marked by his work with iconic bands and a highly successful solo career. His unique guitar style and soulful playing have left an indelible mark on the music world.

Eric Clapton Career Highlights

1963-1965 Clapton joined The Yardbirds, where he began to gain recognition for his guitar playing. He left the band in 1965, seeking a purer blues sound.

1965-1966 Clapton joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, contributing to their influential album "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton," which established him as a guitar virtuoso.

1966-1968 Clapton co-founded Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. The band became one of the most important rock groups of the era, releasing classic albums like "Fresh Cream," "Disraeli Gears," and "Wheels of Fire."

1969 Clapton formed Blind Faith with Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker, and Ric Grech. Despite releasing only one album, "Blind Faith," the band was significant in the evolution of rock music.

1970-1971 Clapton formed Derek and the Dominos, releasing the seminal album "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs," which featured the hit "Layla," inspired by his unrequited love for Pattie Boyd.

1970s Clapton launched his solo career, releasing successful albums such as "461 Ocean Boulevard," which included the hit cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff."

1980s Continued solo success with albums like "Slowhand," featuring hits "Cocaine" and "Wonderful Tonight."

1990s Clapton's career saw a resurgence with the release of "Unplugged," an acoustic album that included a reworked version of "Layla" and won six Grammy Awards.

2000s-Present Clapton has continued to release new music and tour, maintaining his status as a legendary figure in rock and blues music.

Eric Clapton's Bands

The Yardbirds: Early fame as a guitarist.
John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers: Cemented his reputation as a blues guitarist.
Cream: Achieved international stardom.
Blind Faith: Short-lived supergroup.
Derek and the Dominos: Produced some of his most enduring work.

Grammy Awards

Eric Clapton has won 18 Grammy Awards throughout his career, including

1993 Album of the Year for "Unplugged."

1993 Record of the Year for "Tears in Heaven."

1993 Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Tears in Heaven."

Most Famous Songs

"Layla": A rock classic from his time with Derek and the Dominos.
"Tears in Heaven": A poignant ballad written in memory of his son, Conor.
"Wonderful Tonight": A romantic ballad from his solo career, dedicated to Pattie Boyd.

Eric Clapton Quotes

When a music journalist once asked him “what it was like to be the greatest guitarist in the World?” Eric modestly replied…

I don’t know, you’d better ask Prince!

'The blues are what I've turned to, what has given me inspiration and relief in all the trials of my life

Eric Clapton Scandal/Gossip/Trivia

Love Triangle: Clapton's unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, who was married to his friend George Harrison, inspired "Layla." Clapton and Boyd eventually married in 1979 and divorced in 1989.
Drug Addiction: Clapton struggled with heroin addiction in the early 1970s, but eventually overcame it and later battled alcoholism.
Tragic Loss: In 1991, Clapton's four-year-old son, Conor, tragically died after falling from a window in a New York City apartment. This event profoundly affected Clapton and inspired the song "Tears in Heaven."
Philanthropy: Clapton founded the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a treatment and education facility for chemically dependent persons.

Eric Clapton Legacy

Clapton has continued to create and perform music that resonates with audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time.