- The Guitar God and His Journey Through Music
Eric Clapton, a legendary British guitarist, singer, and songwriter, is a triple inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His career spans influential bands like The Yardbirds and Cream, plus a prolific solo career with hits like "Layla" and "Tears in Heaven." Despite personal struggles, Clapton's renowned for his virtuosic blues-based guitar style and remains a powerful force in music and philanthropy.
Eric Clapton (Full-name: Eric Patrick Clapton ) a British guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is widely considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times. He first gained fame as a member of the band The Yardbirds, and later as a member of Cream, one of the first supergroups. Clapton has also had a successful solo career and has released numerous hit songs, including "Layla," "Wonderful Tonight," and "Tears in Heaven." He has won 18 Grammy Awards and has been awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music.
Clapton was born in Ripley, Surrey, England, in 1945. He showed an early interest in the guitar and began playing in local bands in his teens. He rose to prominence in the mid-1960s as a member of The Yardbirds, and later as a member of Cream, where he showcased his virtuosic guitar playing and blues-influenced style.
In the 1970s, Clapton launched a successful solo career, releasing several critically acclaimed albums and hit songs. He collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and B.B. King, and became known for his emotional and soulful playing.
Throughout his career, Clapton has struggled with personal issues, including addiction, and has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and substance abuse. Despite this, he has continued to tour and perform, and has remained a popular and influential figure in the music world.
In addition to his musical achievements, Clapton is also known for his philanthropy and activism. He founded the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a treatment and rehabilitation facility for individuals struggling with substance abuse, and has been involved in numerous charitable causes throughout his career.
Eric Patrick Clapton was born in Ripley, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom on 30/3/1945. He is the first child of Edward Walter Fryer 21/03/1920 and Patricia Molly 07/01/1929.
When he was 40 years old, his father Edward Walter Fryer died (15/05/1985). When he was 54 years old, his mother Patricia Molly died (Mar 1999).
His partner is Lory Del Santo. His partner is Alice Ormsby-Gore. His partner is Yvonne Kelly. On 27/3/1979, he married Pattie Boyd in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, United States. On 1/1/2002, he married Melia McEnery. He was 33 years old when he married Pattie Boyd. He was 56 years old when he married Melia McEnery. He got divorced from Pattie Boyd in 1989. He has three children with Melia McEnery: Julie Rose Clapton 13/6/2001, Ella May Clapton 14/3/2003, Sophie Belle Clapton 1/2/2005. He has one son with Lory Del Santo: Conor Clapton 21/08/1986. He has one daughter with Yvonne Kelly: Ruth Kelly Clapton 1985.
Eric Clapton is renowned not only for his guitar prowess but also for his iconic nickname: "Slowhand". The origins of this moniker are steeped in blues history and a touch of irony.
The Slow Handclap
The widely accepted explanation for the nickname lies in Clapton's early days playing with The Yardbirds. If he broke a guitar string mid-performance, he'd replace it onstage. While he worked, the audience would give him a "slow handclap," a sarcastic expression of impatience.
Ironic Twist
Giorgio Gomelsky, The Yardbirds' manager, is credited with turning this into the nickname "Slowhand." The irony is clear; Clapton was known for his fast, intricate playing. Gomelsky's nickname playfully highlighted this contrast.
A Name That Stuck
Clapton himself confirmed this origin story, embracing the humorous contradiction. The name stuck with him throughout his career, becoming synonymous with his musical mastery.
Legacy of "Slowhand"
Far more than a nickname, "Slowhand" became part of Clapton's mystique. It represented a blues-rock legend who could slow down and savor a note with as much power as he could unleash a flurry of riffs. His 1977 album of the same name further solidified the association.
 Polydor 184 298 , 1969 , Germany
The 1969 German release of "Best of Cream" on a 12" vinyl LP encapsulates the brilliance of the iconic British rock band. This compilation album features the best tracks from Cream's influential caree
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 Polydor 2383 119 , 1971 , Germany
In 1971, Polydor released "Live Cream II", a 12" vinyl LP album by CREAM, featuring Eric Clapton. The album captured the exhilarating live performances of the legendary rock band.
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RSO 2479 153 , 1972 , Germany
In 1972, RSO and German record label RSO released "Live Cream Volume II," a 12" vinyl LP album by CREAM, featuring Eric Clapton. This electrifying album captured the band's live performances
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Polydor Priviege 658 099 , France
The first record, recorded in the studio, presents a display of the band's songwriting prowess and studio expertise. The second record, recorded live at the Fillmore, captures the raw energy and improvisational genius of Cream
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A legendary guitarist known for his innovative playing style and use of effects pedals. While not strictly a band, Hendrix's influence on rock guitar is undeniable, and his music shares some elements of blues and psychedelia with Led Zeppelin. >Jimi Hendrix
Pioneered hard rock and heavy metal, with influences from blues and psychedelia. Known for their powerful vocals, driving riffs, and complex instrumentals Led Zeppelin
Pioneered power pop and mod rock, known for their energetic live performances and Pete Townshend's distinctive guitar work. The Who's music is often heavier and more aggressive than Led Zeppelin's, but both bands share a love for extended jams and powerful vocals. The Who
This album "Behind the Sun" is the 1985 album by the English guitarist Eric Clapton. The title of the album comes from a line from Albert King's "Louisiana Blues". It is also Clapton's first collaborative project with Phil Collins.
Behind the Sun 12" Vinyl LP
Tom Dowd, renowned for his work with numerous legendary artists, lent his expertise to the production of "E.C. was Here." His collaboration with Clapton resulted in a sonically rich and engaging album.
EC Was Here 12" Vinyl LP
Released in 1980, "Just One Night" is a testament to Eric Clapton's prowess as a live performer. The album was recorded during his electrifying series of concerts at the Budokan Theatre in Tokyo, Japan, in December 1979.
Just One Night Live at the Budokan 12" Vinyl LP
The early 1980s saw a resurgence of mainstream interest in blues-influenced rock. Clapton, already a legend for his work with Cream and Derek and the Dominos, found himself in a musical landscape where his signature style
Money and Cigarettes 12" Vinyl LP
"No Reason to Cry" is 1976 solo album released by Eric Clapton. It was recorded with the help of many international musicians including Bob Dylan and The Band, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones and many others.
No Reason to Cry 12" Vinyl LP
The mid-1970s found Clapton emerging from a period of personal struggle and creative uncertainty. "Slowhand" marked a triumphant return, with Clapton's bluesy roots infused with newfound warmth and vulnerability.
Slowhand 12" Vinyl LP
Produced by the seasoned Glyn Johns, the album's every note is a reflection of Clapton's evolution as a musician. The album cover, featuring a snapshot by Gererd Maknowitz, captures Clapton's essence, hinting at the melodious journey
Timepieces, The Best of Eric Clapton 12" Vinyl LP
The 1970s were a decade of both triumph and turbulence for Clapton. After the breakup of Cream and Derek and the Dominos, he grappled with addiction and reemerged as a solo artist, finding renewed success and a more diverse sound.
Timepieces Vol II Live in the Seventies 12" Vinyl LP