Eric Clapton | Artist
Eric Clapton CBE is an English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter born 1945 in Ripley, UK. He is regarded as one of the greatest rock guitarist of all time, and driving force behind the bands Cream and Derek and the Dominos. Clapton was influenced by the blues from an early age and throughout his career he remained faithful to his blues roots. When he was seventeen years old, Clapton joined his first band, R&B group the Roosters, whose other guitarist was Tom McGuinness. In October 1963, Clapton joined the Yardbirds and stayed with them until March 1965. In March 1965, Clapton and the Yardbirds had their first major hit, "For Your Love" written by 10cc's Graham Gouldman. The Yardbirds elected to move toward a pop-oriented sound and Clapton, who was devoted to the blues and not commercial success, left the Yardbirds on the day that "For Your Love" went public. Clapton suggested fellow guitarist Jimmy Page as his replacement but Page declined putting forward Jeff Beck instead. Beck and Page played together in the Yardbirds for a while, but Beck, Page, and Clapton were never in the group together. Clapton then joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in April 1965, where he was to record the classic album Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton, which gained him the reputation as the "god" of blues guitarists. Clapton left the Bluesbreakers in July 1966, replaced by Peter Green, and was invited by drummer Ginger Baker to join him and bassist Jack Bruce in his new band Cream. After quickly reaching their dizzying heights, Cream disbanded in 1968 and Clapton dived straight into his next supergroup Blind Faith, who recorded just the one classic album in 1969. The following year 1970 was something of a creative peak for Clapton, when he toured with Delaney & Bonnie and recorded their best album On Tour, recorded the all-time classic album Layla with Derek and the Dominos and Duane Allman, and released his debut solo album Eric Clapton. With his solo career established, Clapton went on to release many more solo albums plus collaborations with Steve Winwood, B.B. King, J.J. Cale, George Harrison, and many others. Standout solo albums include Eric Clapton, 461 Ocean Boulevard, Slowhand and From the Cradle. The 1988 boxed set Crossroads is a superb compilation of Clapton's band and solo work, and highly recommended.
Artist Website: ericclapton.com
Featured Albums: Eric Clapton
Related Artists: Yardbirds, John Mayall, Cream, Blind Faith, Steve Winwood, Derek & The Dominos, Delaney & Bonnie
