Eric Clapton

Guide Note

Eric Clapton's success since the 1960s firmly planted him among the most influential musicians of all time. Several bands he played with in his early years, including Cream and Derek and the Dominos, have since reached legendary status among classic rock enthusiasts. His solo career spanned many decades and produced a number of hit singles such as "Wonderful Tonight," "I Shot the Sheriff" (originally a Bob Marley song), and "Tears in Heaven." Clapton tends to be a mainstay in the top five of every guitar magazine's list of "Greatest Guitarists of All Time."

Clapton's career started with The Yardbirds, a band that would have the distinction of launching the careers of two other world famous guitarists, Jimmy Page (of Led Zeppelin) and Jeff Beck. He made his way through several blues and psychedelic bands in the '60s, including John Mayall and the Blues Breakers, Blind Faith, and the massively successful Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Shortly after scoring a hit with "Layla" as the frontman for Derek and the Dominos, Clapton embarked on a solo career for good. While much of his music began skewing more towards pop than blues, he still often made a point of revisiting his roots, particularly on albums like From the Cradle and Me and Mr. Johnson.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Eric Patrick Clapton
2. Born: March 30 1945
3. Birthplace: Ripley, Surrey, England
4. Nickname: "Slowhand"
5. Raised by his grandparents under the impression they were his parents
6. "Clapton is God" famously spray-painted on a wall in England
7. March 20, 1991: Son Conor dies at age 4 after he falls out of a window
8. Played a Gibson SG in early years, but now known for his Fender Stratocasters

1. The Yardbirds: 1963-1965
2. John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers: 1965-1966
3. Cream: 1967-1968
4. Blind Faith: 1969
5. Derek and the Dominos: 1970-1971