Guitarist Eric Clapton, sometimes known as “Slowhand,” is 66 today.
One of my all-time favorite Clapton songs:
Another one of my favorite Clapton songs, whilst with Cream:
Born on March 30th of 1945 — a British war baby — he is the only three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Clapton ranked fourth in Rolling Stone’s Greatest 100 Guitarists Of All Time.
He began his professional life as a guitarist with the Yardbirds in 1963 (which later featured Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page). Clapton, a blues purist of sorts, left the Yardbirds to join John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers in 1965.
He left Mayall to form Cream in 1966 with bass player Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker.
At that time, Clapton was 21, Jack Bruce was 23 (b. 1943) and Ginger Baker was 27 (b. 1939).
From there Clapton went on to the groups Blind Faith, then Derek and the Dominos (1970). That album featured “Layla,” a song inspired by the unrequited love of Clapton to George Harrison’s wife, Pattie Boyd Harrison.
Following, his career was only solo.
God bless, Slowhand.
You’ve given millions of people a diversion from their own personal trials and tribulations.
BZ
Thanks. Now Layla and Crossroads are taking turns playing in my head. Thank you very much.
Crossroads. Layla. Thanks for the post.
As well they should.
Classic is as it is.
You wouldn’t want to hear or see what’s in MY head.
BZ
Sorry for the double comment. I blame Steve Jobs.
I blame Kevin Wise, myself. Perhaps Aron Ralston for getting his arm cut off.
BZ
What a great day: I spoke to the man whose dog was named “Macho” and learned a fact new to me that was indeed 31 years old and then Kevin’s name bobs to the surface of my abyss.
Go sort that one, Deep Blue!
Thanks again. I had to Dogpile Aron, though. I admit it.
Tears in Heaven……written for his little son who fell to his death from his apartment window…
dmurray’s right, now I have Tears in Heaven running through my head! I need to move my needle (yes, I’m that old 🙂 to Layla OR Crossroads, they’re not as sad!
Eric Clapton, what an amazing talent and how great you blogged on this! Thanks, BZ.
A super talent indeed. I must say, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker aren’t pikers themselves. . .
BZ
Two of my most favorite songs. That man is so very talented.
Happy Birthday!!
White Room is probably one of my all time favorite songs of all time. Layla is right up there as well. Another good one is Bell Bottom Blues. Lot of good stuff. I think Wonderful Tonight might have been written for Patti Harrison as well, but I’m not sure.