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🇬🇧 United Kingdom · 1962–present

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is a name that resonates strongly in the history of the electric guitar. His playing style, rooted in the blues but always exploring new paths, has led him to be recognized as one of the most influential guitarists in rock music. What is interesting is how his sound has remained relevant over decades, moving through different lineups and styles.His musical journey began in local bands before joining The Yardbirds between 1963 and 1965. He then moved on to John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers until 1966. It was after this stage that he formed the trio Cream with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce. There, Clapton explored extended blues improvisations and what is described as "arty psychedelic pop based on the blues." After four albums with Cream, the band disbanded in November 1968.

Shortly after, Clapton joined Blind Faith with Baker, Steve Winwood, and Ric Grech, recording one album and touring before it also dissolved.The 1970s were a period of great activity. After touring with Delaney & Bonnie, he recorded his first solo album in 1970. That same year, he formed Derek and the Dominos with Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, and Jim Gordon. From this period came the album *Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs*, which includes the track "Layla", one of his most iconic compositions. Over the following years, Clapton continued releasing successful solo albums. An example is his version of "I Shot the Sheriff" by Bob Marley in 1974, which helped popularize reggae.

1 Albums
10 Songs
3,5M Listeners/mo

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Essential songs

1 album|s · 1974

Full discography

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More about Eric Clapton

Biography

He also explored country rock in the 1977 album *Slowhand* and pop rock with *August* in 1986. After the loss of his son Conor in 1991, his grief was reflected in the song "Tears in Heaven", included in his *Unplugged* album. In 1996, he had another hit with "Change the World", and in 1998 he released "My Father's Eyes". Since 1999, he has continued exploring traditional blues and blues rock, as well as organizing the Crossroads Guitar Festival. His most recent studio album, *Meanwhile*, was released in 2024.Eric Clapton's career has been recognized with numerous awards, including 18 Grammy Awards and a Brit Award for his contribution to music.

In 2004, he received a CBE for his musical services. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times, both as a solo artist and as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. In his solo career, he has sold millions of records worldwide. In 1998, he founded the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, an institution dedicated to addiction recovery.

Details

Born
30 Mar 1945
Country
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Instrument
Guitar
Genre
Blues

Awards and honors

  • Grammy · 1993 Album of the Year
  • Grammy
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame · 2000 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Brit Awards · 1992 Best British Male Artist
  • Brit Awards
  • Brit Awards

Record labels

Reprise * Surfdog