Eric Patrick Clapton CBE, born on March 30, 1945, is a highly influential English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. With his immense talent, he has solidified his position as one of the most successful guitarists in the history of rock music. Rolling Stone recognized him as the second greatest guitarist of all time, while Gibson ranked him fourth in their esteemed list of the top 50 guitarists ever. Furthermore, Time magazine acknowledged him as the fifth-best electric guitar player in 2009.
Clapton’s journey began by performing in various local bands before joining the Yardbirds in 1963, where he replaced founding guitarist Top Topham. However, due to the Yardbirds’ shift in musical style from blues rock to a more mainstream pop-rock sound, he decided to part ways with them in 1965. He then became a member of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, but his time with them was short-lived, consisting of just one album. In 1966, Clapton formed the iconic power trio Cream, alongside drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Jack Bruce. Cream showcased Clapton’s exceptional skills through blues improvisations and a fusion of artistic, blues-based psychedelic pop. Despite their breakup in November 1968, Clapton continued to forge his path as a solo artist.
In addition to his solo endeavors, Clapton collaborated with Delaney & Bonnie and Derek and the Dominos. It was with the latter that he recorded “Layla,” a timeless masterpiece that has become one of his signature songs. Throughout the following decades, he released numerous successful solo albums and singles. Notable mentions include his cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” in 1974, which played a pivotal role in introducing reggae to a wider audience, the country-infused album “Slowhand” in 1977, and the pop rock sounds of “August” in 1986. Tragically, the loss of his son Conor in 1991 deeply impacted Clapton, and his grieving found expression in the poignant song “Tears in Heaven,” featured on his acclaimed “Unplugged” album. In 1996, he achieved another chart success with the R&B crossover hit “Change the World.” Furthermore, his Grammy award-winning track “My Father’s Eyes” was released in 1998. Since 1999, Clapton has explored traditional blues and blues rock, in addition to hosting the periodic Crossroads Guitar Festival. His most recent studio album, “Happy Xmas,” was released in 2018.
Clapton’s incredible talent and contributions to music have been widely recognized, with 18 Grammy Awards, a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, and four Ivor Novello Awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. He holds the distinction of being a three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, once as a solo artist and separately as a member of the Yardbirds and Cream. Furthermore, Clapton’s remarkable success is evident in his worldwide record sales, exceeding 280 million, making him one of the best-selling musicians in history. Overcoming personal struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, Clapton established the Crossroads Centre on Antigua in 1998, a medical facility dedicated to aiding individuals in their recovery from substance abuse.