Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton - Royal Albert Hall - Wednesday 24th May 2017 EricClaptonRAH240517-30 (34987232355) (cropped)

Royal Albert Hall.001 - London

Cream Clapton Bruce Baker 1960s

The Fool guitar (replica)

Blind Faith (1969)

Derek and the Dominos

Birth name	Eric Patrick Clapton
Also known as
Born	Birth date -1st March 1966 Ripley, Surrey, England
Origin
Died
Genres	Rock, blues, blues rock, hard rock
Occupation(s)	Musician, singer-songwriter, record producer
Instrument(s)	Guitar, vocals

Eric Patrick Clapton (born 30 March 1945) is an English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is regarded as one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time. Clapton ranked second in Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and fourth in Gibson's "Top 50 Guitarists of All Time".

Early life

Clapton was born in Ripley, Surrey, England. He was raised by his grandparents after his mother, Patricia Molly Clapton, had him at the age of 16. His father, Edward Walter Fryer, was a Canadian soldier stationed in England during World War II. Clapton grew up believing his grandparents were his parents and his mother was his sister.

Career

Early career

Clapton began his career as a guitarist in 1962, joining the Roosters and later Casey Jones & the Engineers. In October 1963, he joined The Yardbirds, a band that played a mix of blues and rock and roll. Clapton left the Yardbirds in 1965 when they began to move towards a more commercial sound.

John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers

After leaving the Yardbirds, Clapton joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. His time with the Bluesbreakers established Clapton's reputation as a guitarist. The album Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton (1966) is considered one of the greatest blues albums of all time.

Cream

In 1966, Clapton formed the band Cream with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce. Cream was one of the first supergroups and became known for their live improvisations and extended solos. They released four albums, including Disraeli Gears and Wheels of Fire, before disbanding in 1968.

Blind Faith

After Cream, Clapton formed Blind Faith with Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker, and Ric Grech. The band released one self-titled album and performed a tour before disbanding in 1969.

Derek and the Dominos

In 1970, Clapton formed Derek and the Dominos. The band's only studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, features the hit single "Layla". The song was inspired by Clapton's unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of his friend George Harrison.

Solo career

Clapton's solo career began in 1970 with the release of his self-titled debut album. He has released numerous successful albums, including 461 Ocean Boulevard, Slowhand, and Unplugged. Clapton's music has spanned various genres, including rock, blues, and reggae.

Personal life

Clapton has struggled with substance abuse and has been open about his battles with alcoholism and drug addiction. He has been married twice, first to Pattie Boyd and later to Melia McEnery. Clapton has five children, including Conor Clapton, who tragically died in 1991.

Legacy

Clapton is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times: as a solo artist, as a member of the Yardbirds, and as a member of Cream. Clapton has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music.

Related pages

• The Yardbirds
• John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers
• Cream
• Blind Faith
• Derek and the Dominos
• Layla
• Pattie Boyd
• George Harrison
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame