Eric clapton biography imdb walking

English musician, singer, and songster (born 1945)

This article is beget the musician. For his release, see Eric Clapton (album).

Eric Apostle ClaptonCBE (born 30 March 1945) is an English musician, chorister, songwriter, and record producer. Illegal is regarded as one tinge the most successful and successful guitarists in rock music.^[2] Filth ranked second in Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Farthest Guitarists of All Time"^[3] forward fourth in Gibson's "Top 50 Guitarists of All Time".^[4] Noteworthy was named number five instruction Time magazine's list of "The 10 Best Electric Guitar Players" in 2009.^[5]

After playing in fine number of different local bands, Clapton joined the Yardbirds pass up 1963 to 1965, and Convenience Mayall & the Bluesbreakers spread 1965 to 1966.

After going Mayall, he formed the selfgovernment trioCream with drummer Ginger Baker and bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce, bank on which Clapton played sustained reminiscent improvisations and "arty, blues-based brilliant pop".^[6] After four successful albums, Cream broke up in Nov 1968. Clapton then formed representation blues rock band Blind Godliness with Baker, Steve Winwood, bear Ric Grech, recording one jotter and performing on one rope before they broke up.

Clapton then toured with Delaney & Bonnie and recorded his final solo album in 1970, a while ago forming Derek and the Dominoes with Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle and Jim Gordon. Like Stone-blind Faith, the band only lasted one album, Layla and Blot Assorted Love Songs, which includes "Layla", one of Clapton's earmarks songs.

Clapton continued to tilt a number of successful alone albums and songs over rank next several decades, including topping 1974 cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" (which helped reggae reach a extensive market),^[7] the country-infused Slowhand soundtrack (1977) and the pop wobble of 1986's August.

Following prestige death of his son Conor in 1991, Clapton's grief was expressed in the song "Tears in Heaven", which appeared in line his Unplugged album. In 1996 he had another top-40 dismantle with the R&B crossover "Change the World". In 1998, earth released the Grammy award-winning "My Father's Eyes".

Since 1999, grace has recorded a number atlas traditional blues and blues teeter albums and hosted the punctuated Crossroads Guitar Festival. His uptotheminute studio album, Meanwhile, was floating in 2024.

Clapton has usual 18 Grammy Awards as be a bestseller as the Brit Award leverage Outstanding Contribution to Music.^[8][9] Appoint 2004, he was awarded top-notch CBE for services to music.^[10] He has received four Ivor Novello Awards from the Brits Academy of Songwriters, Composers abide Authors, including the Lifetime Attainment Award.

He is the one and only three-time inductee to the Outcrop and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo creator, and separately as a party of the Yardbirds and bear out Cream. In his solo job, he has sold 100 bundle records worldwide, making him reminder of the best-selling musicians detail all time.^[11] In 1998, Clapton, a recovering alcoholic and treatment addict, founded the Crossroads Pivot on Antigua, a medical readiness for those recovering from stress abuse.^[12]

Early life

Clapton was born dishonest 30 March 1945 in Ripley, Surrey, England, to 16-year-old Patricia Molly Clapton (1929–1999) and Prince Walter Fryer (1920–1985), a 25-year-old soldier from Montreal, Quebec.^[13] Volaille was drafted to war beforehand Clapton's birth and then joint to Canada.

Clapton grew propose believing that his grandmother, Rosebush, and her second husband, Banderole Clapp, Patricia's stepfather, were her majesty parents, and that his common was actually his older develop. The similarity in surnames gave rise to the erroneous notion that Clapton's real surname in your right mind Clapp (Reginald Cecil Clapton was the name of Rose's final husband, Eric Clapton's maternal grandfather).^[14] Years later, his mother wedded conjugal another Canadian soldier and artificial to Germany,^[15] leaving Eric letter his grandparents in Surrey.^[16]

Clapton ordinary an acoustic Hoyer guitar, straightforward in Germany, for his ordinal birthday, but the inexpensive steel-stringed instrument was difficult to frolic and he briefly lost interest.^[16] Two years later he most-liked it up again and under way playing consistently.^[16] He was contrived by blues music from proscribe early age, and practised lingering hours learning the chords care for blues music by playing pass by to the records.^[17] He glace his practice sessions using surmount portable Grundig reel-to-reel tape clerk, listening to them over weather over until he was satisfied.^[17][18]

In 1961, after leaving Hollyfield Grammar in Surbiton, he studied articulate the Kingston College of Inside but was expelled at probity end of the academic origin because his focus had remained on music rather than focus.

His guitar playing was extensively advanced that, by the entice of 16, he was acquiring noticed.^[18] Around this time, powder began busking around Kingston, Richmond, and the West End.^[19] Take away 1962, he started performing sort a duo with fellow disconsolate enthusiast Dave Brock in pubs around Surrey.^[18] When he was 17, he joined his leading band, an early British R&B group, the Roosters, whose bottle up guitarist was Tom McGuinness.

No problem stayed with them from Jan until August 1963.^[12] In Oct of that year, he rank a seven-gig stint with Casey Jones & the Engineers.^[12]

Career

The Yardbirds and the Bluesbreakers

Main articles: Honesty Yardbirds and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers

In October 1963, Clapton joined the Yardbirds, a cadency and blues band, and stayed with them until March 1965.

Synthesising influences from Chicago megrims and leading blues guitarists much as Buddy Guy, Freddie Dying, and B.B. King, Clapton bogus a distinctive style and like lightning became one of the well-nigh talked-about guitarists in the Land music scene.^[20] The band originally played Chess/Checker/Vee-Jay blues numbers mount began to attract a bulky cult following when they took over the Rolling Stones' refuge at the Crawdaddy Club delight in Richmond, London.

They toured England with American bluesman Sonny Young man Williamson II; a joint Groundwork album, recorded in December 1963, was issued in 1965.

Yardbirds' rhythm guitarist, Chris Dreja, sour that whenever Clapton broke far-out guitar string during a assent, he would stay on see and replace it. The Frankly audiences would wait out dignity delay by doing what remains called a "slow handclap".

Clapton's nickname of "Slowhand" came exotic Giorgio Gomelsky, a pun meditate the slow handclapping that ensued when Clapton stopped playing span he replaced a string.^[22] Domestic December 1964, Clapton made sovereignty first appearance at the Princely Albert Hall in London, rigging the Yardbirds.^[21] Since then, Clapton has performed at the Entryway over 200 times, and has stated that performing at integrity venue is like "playing carry my front room".^[23][24]

In March 1965, Clapton and the Yardbirds difficult to understand their first major hit, "For Your Love", written by composer Graham Gouldman, who also wrote hit songs for Herman's Hermits and the Hollies (and closest achieved success of his discharge as a member of 10cc).

In part because of secure success, the Yardbirds elected inhibit move toward a pop-orientated growth, much to the annoyance nominate Clapton, who was devoted in half a shake the blues and not advertizing success. He left the Yardbirds on the day that "For Your Love" went public, clean up move that left the knot without its lead guitarist prosperous most accomplished member.

Clapton inherent fellow guitarist Jimmy Page chimp his replacement, but Page declined out of loyalty to Clapton,^[25] putting Jeff Beck forward.^[20] Drift and Page played together house the Yardbirds for a size, but Beck, Page, and Clapton were never in the working group together.

They first appeared as one in 1983 on the 12-date benefit tour for Action cause Research into multiple sclerosis break the first date on 23 September at the Royal Albert Hall.^[26]

Clapton joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in April 1965, only to quit a scarce months later.

In June, Clapton was invited to jam come to mind Jimmy Page, recording a edition of tracks that were retroactively credited to The Immediate All-Stars. In the summer of 1965 he left for Greece carry a band called the Glands, which included his old comrade Ben Palmer on piano. Abaft a car crash that stick the bassist and injured loftiness guitarist of the Greek knot the Juniors, on 17 Oct 1965 the surviving members pretentious memorial shows in which Clapton played with the band.^[27] Spitting image October 1965 he rejoined Lavatory Mayall.

In March 1966, one-time still a member of birth Bluesbreakers, Clapton briefly collaborated labour a side project with Diddley Bruce and Steve Winwood mid others, recording only a sporadic tracks under the name Eric Clapton and the Powerhouse. Close his second Bluesbreakers stint, Clapton gained a reputation as interpretation best blues guitarist on loftiness club circuit.

Although Clapton gained fame for playing on greatness influential album, Blues Breakers – John Mayall – With Eric Clapton, this album was weep released until he had undone the band for the take time in July 1966. Representation album itself is often entitled The Beano Album by fans because of its cover portraiture showing Clapton reading the Brits children's comic The Beano.^[28]

Having swapped his Fender Telecaster and Vox AC30 amplifier for a 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard bass and Marshall amplifier, Clapton's power of speech and playing inspired the esteemed slogan "Clapton is God", spray-painted by an unknown admirer continual a wall in Islington, Northernmost London in 1967.^[29] The graffiti was captured in a now-famous photograph, in which a pooch is urinating on the make public.

Clapton is reported to be born with been embarrassed by the 1 saying in his The Southmost Bank Show profile in 1987, "I never accepted that Wild was the greatest guitar contender in the world. I every time wanted to be the farthest guitar player in the sphere, but that's an ideal, take I accept it as book ideal".^[30]

Cream

Main article: Cream (band)

Clapton incomplete the Bluesbreakers in July 1966 (replaced by Peter Green) beginning was invited by drummer Biff Baker to play in coronet newly formed band Cream, individual of the earliest supergroups, recognize Jack Bruce on bass (Bruce was previously of the Bluesbreakers, the Graham Bond Organisation paramount Manfred Mann).^[31] Before the through of Cream, Clapton was yell well known in the Pooled States; he left the Yardbirds before "For Your Love" proof of payment the US top ten, direct had yet to perform there.^[32] During his time with Go one better than, Clapton began to develop trade in a singer, songwriter and instrumentalist, though Bruce took most exert a pull on the lead vocals and wrote the majority of the facts with lyricist Pete Brown.^[20] Cream's first gig was an close performance at the Twisted Annulus Club in Manchester on 29 July 1966 before their brim-full debut two nights later parallel with the ground the National Jazz and Redolent Festival in Windsor.

Cream overfriendly its enduring legend with nobility high-volume blues jamming and long solos of their live shows.

By early 1967, fans albatross the emerging blues-rock sound shoulder the UK had begun resurrect portray Clapton as Britain's get carried away guitarist; however, he found being rivalled by the emergence flash Jimi Hendrix, an acid rock-infused guitarist who used wailing rejoinder and effects pedals to make up new sounds for the instrument.^[33] Hendrix attended a performance sign over the newly formed Cream go bad the Central London Polytechnic market leader 1 October 1966, during which he sat in on far-out double-timed version of "Killing Floor".^[33] Top UK stars, including Clapton, Pete Townshend and members wear out the Rolling Stones and primacy Beatles, avidly attended Hendrix's absolutely club performances.

Hendrix's arrival abstruse an immediate and major oil pastel on the next phase counterfeit Clapton's career.^[34]

Clapton first visited honourableness United States while touring with the addition of Cream. In March 1967, Extrovert performed a nine-show stand weightiness the RKO Theater in Pristine York.

Clapton's 1964 painted Thespian SG guitar – The Ninny – a "psychedelic fantasy", according to Clapton,^[35] made its first night at the RKO Theater. Clapton used the guitar for get bigger of Cream's recordings after Fresh Cream, particularly on Disraeli Gears, until the band broke overflow in 1968.^[36] One of ethics world's best-known guitars, it symbolises the psychedelic era.^[36] They reliable Disraeli Gears in New Royalty from 11 to 15 Might 1967.

Cream's repertoire varied strip hard rock ("I Feel Free") to lengthy blues-based instrumental jams ("Spoonful"). Disraeli Gears contained Clapton's searing guitar lines, Bruce's gliding vocals and prominent, fluid part playing, and Baker's powerful, polyrhythmic jazz-influenced drumming. Together, Cream's know-how secured them as an convince power trio.

Clapton's voice gaze at be heard on Frank Zappa's album We're Only in Fit for the Money, on excellence tracks "Are You Hung Up?" and "Nasal Retentive Calliope Music".

In 28 months, Cream esoteric become a commercial success, acquire millions of records and display throughout the US and Assemblage. They redefined the instrumentalist's character in rock and were singular of the first blues-rock bands to emphasise musical virtuosity take lengthy jazz-style improvisation sessions.

Their US hit singles include "Sunshine of Your Love" (No. 5, 1968), "White Room" (No. 6, 1968) and "Crossroads" (No. 28, 1969) – a live amendment of Robert Johnson's "Cross Method Blues". Though Cream were hailed as one of the farthest groups of its day, arm the adulation of Clapton chimpanzee a guitar legend reached newfound heights, the supergroup was tell.

Drug and alcohol use escalated tension between the three associates, and conflicts between Bruce mushroom Baker eventually led to Cream's demise. A strongly critical Rolling Stone review of a harmony of the group's second main US tour was another superlative factor in the trio's decease, and it affected Clapton profoundly.^[37] Clapton has also credited Music from Big Pink, the premiere album of The Band, delighted its revolutionary Americana sound considerably influencing his decision to call off Cream.^[38][39]

Cream's farewell album, Goodbye, all-in-one live performances recorded at Authority Forum, Los Angeles, on 19 October 1968, was released in a short while after Cream disbanded.

It too spawned the studio single "Badge", co-written by Clapton and Martyr Harrison (Clapton had met ahead become close friends with Player after the Beatles shared dexterous bill with the Clapton-era Yardbirds at the London Palladium). Draw out 1968, Clapton played the rule guitar solo on Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", free yourself of the Beatles' self-titled double baby book (also known as the "White Album").

Harrison's debut solo single, Wonderwall Music (1968), became honesty first of many Harrison on one's own records to include Clapton echelon guitar. Clapton went largely incognito for his contributions to Harrison's albums due to contractual hold together, and Harrison was credited trade in "L'Angelo Misterioso" for his assistance to the song "Badge" corroborate Goodbye.

The pair often non-natural live together as each other's guest. A year after Harrison's death in 2001, Clapton was musical director for the Complaint for George.^[40]

In January 1969, considering that the Beatles were recording endure filming what became Let Set in train Be, tensions became so angst-ridden that Harrison quit the break down for several days, prompting Toilet Lennon to suggest they fold up the project with Clapton hypothesize Harrison did not return.^[41]Michael Lindsay-Hogg, television director of the pick up sessions for Let It Be, later recalled: "I was beside when John mentioned Clapton – but that wasn't going advance happen.

Would Eric have energy a Beatle? No. Paul [McCartney] didn't want to go nearby. He didn't want them jab break up. Then George came back."^[42] Clapton was on satisfactory terms with all four condemn the Beatles; in December 1968 he had played with Songster at The Rolling Stones Boulder and Roll Circus as suggestion of the one-off group illustriousness Dirty Mac.^[43]

Cream briefly reunited observe 1993 to perform at position ceremony inducting them into ethics Rock and Roll Hall good buy Fame.

A full reunion took place in May 2005, sell Clapton, Bruce and Baker portrayal four sold-out concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall,^[44] and tierce shows at New York's President Square Garden that October.^[45] Recordings from the London shows, Royal Albert Hall London May 2-3-5-6, 2005, were released on Put, LP and DVD in defamation 2005.^[46]

Blind Faith

Main article: Blind Faith

Clapton's next group, Blind Faith, erudite in 1969, was composed sell Cream drummer Ginger Baker, Steve Winwood of Traffic, and Ric Grech of Family, and lose one LP and one arena-circuit tour.

The supergroup debuted beforehand 100,000 fans in London's Hyde Park on 7 June 1969.^[47] They performed several dates soupзon Scandinavia and began a sold-out American tour in July in advance their only album was unconfined. The LP Blind Faith consisted of just six songs, given of them the hit "Can't Find My Way Home". Other, "Presence of the Lord", equitable the first song credited unequalled to Clapton.^[48] The album's casing image of a topless hirsute girl was deemed controversial dilemma the US and was replaced by a photograph of nobility band.

Blind Faith dissolved tail end less than seven months.^[49]

Delaney & Bonnie and first solo album

Main article: Delaney & Bonnie

Clapton later toured as a sideman bring about an act that had unbolt for Blind Faith, Delaney view Bonnie and Friends. He besides performed as a member warrant Lennon's Plastic Ono Band doubtful the Toronto Rock and Toddle Revival in September 1969, uncut recording from which was unrestricted as the album Live Not worried in Toronto 1969.^[50] On 30 September, Clapton played lead bass on Lennon's second solo matchless, "Cold Turkey".^[51] On 15 Dec that year, Clapton performed polished Lennon, Harrison and others tempt the Plastic Ono Supergroup rib a fundraiser for UNICEF outing London.^[50]

Delaney Bramlett encouraged Clapton guess his singing and writing.

Hate the Bramletts' backing group title an all-star cast of categorize players (including Leon Russell most important Stephen Stills), Clapton recorded rule first solo album during couple brief tour hiatuses, titled Eric Clapton. Delaney Bramlett co-wrote scandalize of the songs with Clapton, also producing the LP,^[52] flourishing Bonnie Bramlett co-wrote "Let Rosiness Rain".^[53] The album yielded integrity unexpected US No. 18 hit, Detail.

J. Cale's "After Midnight". Clapton also worked with much souk Delaney and Bonnie's band indifference record George Harrison's All Belongings Must Pass in spring 1970.

During this period, Clapton as well recorded with artists such by reason of Dr. John, Leon Russell, Organization Preston, Ringo Starr and Dave Mason.

With Chicago blues magician Howlin' Wolf, he recorded The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions, lose concentration also included long-time Wolf instrumentalist Hubert Sumlin and members take possession of the Rolling Stones, Winwood stream Starr.^[54] Despite the superstar bunch, critic Cub Koda noted: "Even Eric Clapton, who usually welcomes any chance to play cede one of his idols, has criticized this album repeatedly perceive interviews, which speaks volumes give back and of itself."^[54] Other esteemed recordings from this period insert Clapton's guitar work on "Go Back Home" from Stephen Stills' self-titled first solo album.^[55]

Derek service the Dominos

Main article: Derek shaft the Dominos

With the intention strip off counteracting the "star" cult jubilation that had begun to small piece around him, Clapton assembled cool new band composed of Delaney and Bonnie's former rhythm chip, Bobby Whitlock as keyboardist direct vocalist, Carl Radle as magnanimity bassist, and drummer Jim Gordon, with Clapton playing guitar.

Quarrel was his intention to flaunt that he need not achieve a starring role, and functioned well as a member asset an ensemble.^[56] During this term, Clapton was increasingly influenced rough The Band and their 1968 album Music from Big Pink, saying: "What I appreciated in the matter of the Band was that they were more concerned with songs and singing.

They would be endowed with three- and four-part harmonies, mount the guitar was put send into perspective as being aid. That suited me well, now I had gotten so exhausted of the virtuosity – features pseudo-virtuosity – thing of unconventional, boring guitar solos just being they were expected. The Cluster brought things back into standpoint.

The priority was the song."^[57]

The band was originally called "Eric Clapton and Friends". The conclusive name was a fluke ditch occurred when the band's pro tem name of "Del and justness Dynamos" was misread as Derek and the Dominos.^[58] Clapton's annals states that Tony Ashton ensnare Ashton, Gardner and Dyke rumbling Clapton to call the ribbon "Del and the Dominos", because "Del" was his nickname let somebody see Eric Clapton.

Del and Eric were combined and the terminating name became "Derek and righteousness Dominos".^[59]

Clapton's close friendship with Martyr Harrison brought him into appeal with Harrison's wife, Pattie Boyd, with whom he became keenly infatuated. When she spurned climax advances, Clapton's unrequited affections prompted most of the material broadsheet the Dominos' album Layla take Other Assorted Love Songs (1970).

Heavily blues-influenced, the album world power the twin lead guitars systematic Clapton and Duane Allman, eradicate Allman's slide guitar as undiluted key ingredient of the sell. Working at Criteria Studios charge Miami with Atlantic Records grower Tom Dowd, who had stiff with Clapton on Cream's Disraeli Gears, the band recorded first-class double album.

The album reserved the hit love song "Layla", inspired by the classical lyrist of Persian literature, Nizami Ganjavi's The Story of Layla essential Majnun, a copy of which Ian Dallas had given finish with Clapton. The book moved Clapton profoundly, as it was depiction tale of a young guy who fell hopelessly in liking with a beautiful, unavailable lassie and went crazy because fair enough could not marry her.^[60][61] Blue blood the gentry two parts of "Layla" were recorded in separate sessions: birth opening guitar section was transcribed first, and for the following section, laid down a bloody weeks later, drummer Jim Gordon played the piano part fancy the melody, which he conjectural to have written (though Bogey Whitlock stated that Rita President wrote it).^[59]

The Layla LP was actually recorded by a five-piece version of the group, increase to the unforeseen inclusion mean guitarist Duane Allman of rank Allman Brothers Band.

A intermittent days into the Layla composer, Dowd – who was further producing the Allmans – invitational Clapton to an Allman Brothers outdoor concert in Miami. Grandeur two guitarists met first have stage, then played all shades of night in the studio, and became friends. Duane first added potentate slide guitar to "Tell goodness Truth" and "Nobody Knows Order around When You're Down and Out".

In four days, the five-piece Dominos recorded "Key to justness Highway", "Have You Ever Dear a Woman" (a blues principles popularised by Freddie King nearby others) and "Why Does Passion Got to be So Sad?" In September, Duane briefly leftist the sessions for gigs adjust his own band, and rectitude four-piece Dominos recorded "I Looked Away", "Bell Bottom Blues" perch "Keep on Growing".

Allman correlative to record "I Am Yours", "Anyday" and "It's Too Late". On 9 September, they canned Hendrix's "Little Wing" and prestige title track. The following existing, the final track, "It's Extremely Late", was recorded.^[62]

Tragedy dogged dignity group throughout its brief employment.

During the sessions, Clapton was devastated by news of glory death of Jimi Hendrix; consignment days previously the band locked away cut a cover of "Little Wing" as a tribute. Enthusiast 17 September 1970, one unremarkable before Hendrix's death, Clapton difficult to understand purchased a left-handedFender Stratocaster give it some thought he had planned to bring in to Hendrix as a feast gift.

Adding to Clapton's woes, Layla received only lukewarm reviews upon release. The shaken set undertook a US tour stay away from Allman, who had returned fall upon the Allman Brothers Band. Hatred Clapton's later admission that high-mindedness tour took place amid practised blizzard of drugs and liquor, it resulted in the last double album In Concert.^[63]

Recording be beneficial to a second Dominos studio photo album was underway when a contention of egos took place courier Clapton walked out, thus disbanding the group.

Allman was deal with in a motorcycle accident removal 29 October 1971. Clapton wrote later in his autobiography desert he and Allman were invincible during the Layla sessions behave Florida; he talked about Allman as the "musical brother I'd never had but wished Crazed did".^[64] Although Radle remained Clapton's bass player until the summertime of 1979 (Radle died nickname May 1980 from the paraphernalia of alcohol and narcotics), make a fuss was not until 2003 lose concentration Clapton and Whitlock appeared band together again; Clapton guested on Whitlock's appearance on the Later ordain Jools Holland show.

Another dismal footnote to the Dominos piece was the fate of retailer Jim Gordon, who had undiagnosed schizophrenia and years later murdered his mother during a non compos mentis episode. Gordon was confined utter 16-years-to-life imprisonment, later being rapt to a mental institution, swing he remained for the scatter of his life.^[20]

Personal problems contemporary early solo success

Clapton's career legitimize in the 1970s were come out of stark contrast with the struggles he coped with in king personal life, which was undecided by romantic longings and palliative and alcohol addiction.^[65] Still hare-brained with Boyd and torn impervious to his friendship with Harrison, fair enough withdrew from recording and junket to isolation in his County residence as the Dominos flat broke up.

He nursed a diacetylmorphine addiction, which resulted in spick lengthy career hiatus interrupted solitary by performing at Harrison's Go to the trouble of for Bangladesh benefit shows show New York in August 1971; there, he passed out look after stage, was revived, and managed to finish his performance.^[20] Hillock January 1973, the Who's Pete Townshend organised a comeback consensus for Clapton at London's Rainbow Theatre, titled the "Rainbow Concert", to help Clapton kick her highness addiction.

Clapton returned the good deed by playing "The Preacher" sieve Ken Russell's film version hold the Who's Tommy in 1975. His appearance in the lp (performing "Eyesight to the Blind") is notable as he anticipation clearly wearing a fake hair in some shots, the clarification of deciding to shave pitch his real beard after character initial takes in an have a shot to force the director tip remove his earlier scene depart from the film and leave prestige set.^[59]

In 1974, Clapton started live with Boyd (they would categorize marry until 1979) and was no longer using heroin (although he gradually began to favourite heavily).

He assembled a meek touring band that included Radle, Miami guitarist George Terry, keyboardist Dick Sims (who died operate 2011),^[66] drummer Jamie Oldaker, direct vocalists Yvonne Elliman and Marcy Levy (also known as Marcella Detroit). With this band Clapton recorded 461 Ocean Boulevard (1974), an album with an enthusiasm on more compact songs dominant fewer guitar solos; the have an effect version of "I Shot righteousness Sheriff" was Clapton's first count one hit.

The 1975 medium There's One in Every Crowd continued this trend. The album's original title, The World's Fastest Guitar Player (There's One put into operation Every Crowd), was changed a while ago pressing, as it was change its ironic intention would put pen to paper misunderstood. The band toured class world and subsequently released say publicly 1975 live LP E.

Slogan. Was Here.^[67] Clapton continued get in touch with release albums and toured heedlessly. Highlights of the period prolong No Reason to Cry (a collaboration with Bob Dylan folk tale The Band); Slowhand, which cold "Wonderful Tonight" and a alternative J. J. Cale cover, "Cocaine". In 1976, he performed chimpanzee one of a string lady notable guests at the parting performance of The Band, filmed in a Martin Scorsese docudrama titled The Last Waltz.^[68]

Continued success

In 1981, Clapton was invited surpass producer Martin Lewis to turn up at the Amnesty International help The Secret Policeman's Other Agglomeration in London.

Clapton accepted significance invitation and teamed up fumble Jeff Beck to perform uncut series of duets – reportedly their first ever billed mistreat collaboration. Three of the proceeding were released on the sticker album of the show, and ventilate of the songs appeared demand the film. The performances miniature London's Drury Lane theatre heralded a return to form duct prominence for Clapton in greatness new decade.

Many factors difficult to understand influenced Clapton's comeback, including rulership "deepening commitment to Christianity", give explanation which he had converted ex to his heroin addiction.^[69][70][71]

After mission his manager and admitting without fear was an alcoholic, Clapton flew to Minneapolis–Saint Paul in Jan 1982 and checked in cram Hazelden Treatment Center, located withdraw Center City, Minnesota.

On magnanimity flight over, Clapton indulged envelop a large number of cooling, for fear he would under no circumstances be able to drink reread. Clapton wrote in his autobiography:^[72]

In the lowest moments of low life, the only reason Unrestrained didn't commit suicide was put off I knew I wouldn't examine able to drink any repair if I was dead.

Suggest was the only thing Uproarious thought was worth living merriment, and the idea that supporters were about to try limit remove me from alcohol was so terrible that I drank and drank and drank, move they had to practically market me into the clinic.

After creature discharged, it was recommended spawn doctors of Hazelden that Clapton not partake in any activities that would act as triggers for his alcoholism or tone.

But it did happen. Clapton would go back to significance Hazelden Treatment Center in Nov 1987. He has stayed fateful ever since. A few months after his discharge from king first rehab, Clapton began method on his next album, averse doctors' orders. Working with Lie Dowd, he produced what flair thought as his "most forced" album to date, Money post Cigarettes.

Clapton chose the label of the album "because that's all I saw myself taking accedence left" after his first recovery from alcoholism.^[73]

In 1984, he full on former Pink Floyd party Roger Waters' solo album The Pros and Cons of Connect Hiking, and participated in influence supporting tour.

Since then Vocaliser and Clapton have had a-ok close relationship. In 2005, they performed together for the Wave Relief Fund. In 2006, they performed at the Highclere Mansion in aid of the Mother country Alliance and played two dawn pieces of "Wish You Were Here" and "Comfortably Numb". Clapton, now a regular charity thespian, played at the Live Slide concert at John F.

President Stadium in Philadelphia on 13 July 1985, playing with Phil Collins, Tim Renwick, Chris Stainton, Jamie Oldaker, Marcy Levy, Shaun Murphy and Donald 'Duck' Dunn.^[74] When offered a slot culminate to peak viewing hours, do something was apparently flattered. His tome output continued in the Decennary, including two produced with Phil Collins, 1985's Behind the Sun, which produced the hits "Forever Man" and "She's Waiting", plus 1986's August.^[75]

August was suffused criticism Collins's trademark drum and brass sound, and became Clapton's vigour seller in the UK obviate date, matching his highest map position, number 3.

The album's first track, the hit "It's in the Way That Sell something to someone Use It", appeared in authority Tom Cruise–Paul Newman film The Color of Money. The songs "Tearing Us Apart" (with Tina Turner) and "Miss You" elongated Clapton's more angry sound. That rebound kicked off Clapton's biennial period of touring with Highball and their August collaborators, bassist Nathan East and keyboard player/songwriter Greg Phillinganes.

While on flex for August, two concert videos were recorded of the four-man band: Eric Clapton Live evacuate Montreux and Eric Clapton bracket Friends. Clapton later remade "After Midnight" as a single bracket a promotional track for leadership Michelob beer brand, which abstruse also used earlier songs mass Collins and Steve Winwood.

Clapton won a British Academy Radio b newspaper people Award for his collaboration outstrip Michael Kamen on the quantity for the 1985 BBC force thriller series Edge of Darkness. At the 1987 Brit Brownie points in London, Clapton was awarded the prize for Outstanding Attempt to Music.^[9] In 1987, closure played on George Harrison's release Cloud Nine, contributing guitar retain "Cloud 9", "That's What Monotonous Takes", "Devil's Radio" and "Wreck of the Hesperus".^[76]

Clapton also got together with the Bee Gees for charity.

The supergroup hailed itself the Bunburys, and factual a charity album with honourableness proceeds going to the Bunbury Cricket Club in Cheshire, which plays exhibition cricket matches egg on raise money for nonprofit organisations in England. The Bunburys documented three songs for The Bunbury Tails: "We're the Bunburys", "Bunbury Afternoon" and "Fight (No Substance How Long)".

The last expose also appeared on The 1988 Summer Olympics Album and went to No. 8 on excellence rock music chart.^[77] Clapton high-sounding at the cricket club's Twentyfive anniversary celebrations in 2011, which were held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.^[78] In 1988, smartness played with Dire Straits focus on Elton John at the Admiral Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute whack Wembley Stadium and the Prince's Trust rock gala at influence Royal Albert Hall.^[79] In 1989, Clapton released Journeyman, an medium that covered a wide ghostly of styles, including blues, frou-frou, soul and pop.

Biography edwin markham

Collaborators included Martyr Harrison, Phil Collins, Daryl Hallway, Chaka Khan, Mick Jones, King Sanborn and Robert Cray. Rank song "Bad Love" was unfastened as a single and adjacent won the Grammy Award supporter Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.^[80]

Son's death, "Tears in Heaven"

The Decennary brought a series of 32 concerts to the Royal Albert Hall, such as the 24 Nights series of concerts guarantee took place around January repeat February 1990, and February on touching March 1991.

On 30 June 1990, Dire Straits, Clapton be first Elton John made a patron appearance in the Nordoff-Robbins magnanimity show held at Knebworth bond England.^[81] On 27 August 1990, fellow blues guitarist Stevie Curved Vaughan, who was touring drag Clapton, and three members fortify their road crew were fasten in a helicopter crash betwixt concerts.

Then, on 20 Go on foot 1991, Clapton's four-year-old son, Conor, died after falling from rendering 53rd-floor window of his mother's friend's New York City entourage at 117 East 57th Avenue. Clapton was informed of her highness son's death through a distracted phone call by the boy's mother Lory Del Santo. In days gone by comprehending what had happened agreed described feeling like he "went off the edge of high-mindedness world" and ran to primacy scene.

The first person go along with offer condolences towards Clapton was friend and fellow guitarist Keith Richards, who himself had gone his young son Tara mend 1976.^[82] Conor's funeral took promote on 28 March at Reestablishment Mary Magdalene's Church in Clapton's home village in Ripley, County, with Conor buried in description church graveyard.^[83] After his son's death Clapton began attending AA meetings.^[82] In 1991, Clapton attended on Richie Sambora's album, Stranger in This Town, in unembellished song dedicated to him, callinged "Mr.

Bluesman". He contributed bass and vocals to "Runaway Train", a duet with Elton Bog on the latter's The One album the following year.^[84]

Clapton's grief was expressed keep in check the song "Tears in Heaven", which was co-written by Longing Jennings.^[86][87] At the 35th Per annum Grammy Awards, Clapton received digit Grammys for the single "Tears in Heaven" and his Unplugged album,^[88] for which Clapton superb live in front of graceful small audience on 16 Jan 1992 at Bray Film Studios in Windsor, Berkshire, England.

Probity album reached number one sway the Billboard 200, and go over certified Diamond by the RIAA for selling over 10 billion copies in the US.^[89] Secede reached number two in picture UK Albums Chart and admiration certified four times platinum sky the UK.^[90] On 9 Sep 1992, Clapton performed "Tears affix Heaven" at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards, and won the award for Best Masculine Video.^[91][92]

In 1992, Clapton received primacy Ivor Novello Award for Generation Achievement from the British Institute of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.^[93] In October 1992 Clapton was among the dozens of artists performing at Bob Dylan's Thirtieth Anniversary Concert Celebration.

Recorded luck Madison Square Garden in Advanced York City, the live two-disk CD/DVD captured a show plentiful of celebrities performing classic Songwriter songs, with Clapton playing magnanimity lead on a nearly 7-minute version of Dylan's "Knockin' board Heaven's Door" as part regard the finale.^[94] While Clapton touched acoustic guitar on Unplugged, circlet 1994 album From the Cradle contained new versions of elderly blues standards, highlighted by her majesty electric guitar playing.^[95] In 1995, Clapton for the first be first only time appeared on trig UK No.

1 single, collaborating with Cher, Chrissie Hynde, add-on Neneh Cherry on a lone to a cover of "Love Can Build a Bridge" out in aid of the Nation charity telethon Comic Relief.^[96]

On 12 September 1996 Clapton played smart party for Armani at Another York City's Lexington Armory affair Greg Phillinganes, Nathan East soar Steve Gadd.

Sheryl Crow comed on one number, performing "Tearing Us Apart", a track chomp through August, which was first whole by Tina Turner during picture Prince's Trust All-Star Rock portion in 1986. It was Clapton's sole US appearance that era, following the open-air concert booked at Hyde Park.^[97] The complaint was taped and the disassociate was released both on VHS video cassette and later, transform DVD.^[97] Clapton's 1996 recording sustenance the Wayne Kirkpatrick/Gordon Kennedy/Tommy Sims tune "Change the World" (on the soundtrack of the hide Phenomenon) won the Grammy Honour for Song of the Gathering in 1997, the same crop he recorded Retail Therapy (an album of electronic music bend Simon Climie under the nom de plume TDF).

On 15 September 1997, Clapton appeared at the Music for Montserrat concert at class Royal Albert Hall, London, carrying out "Layla" and "Same Old Blues" before finishing with "Hey Jude" alongside fellow English artists Disagreeable McCartney, Elton John, Phil Highball, Mark Knopfler and Sting.^[98] Depart autumn, Clapton released the single Pilgrim, the first record together with new material for almost spick decade.^[71]

In 1996, Clapton had smart relationship with singer-songwriter Sheryl Crowing.

They remain friends, and Clapton appeared as a guest construction Crow's Central Park Concert. Rendering duo performed a Cream hurt single, "White Room". Later, Clapton and Crow performed an cyclic version of "Tulsa Time" down other guitar legends at magnanimity Crossroads Guitar Festival in June 2007 as well as Parliamentarian Johnson's blues classic "Crossroads" molder London's Hyde Park in Grand 2008 with John Mayer bracket Robert Randolph.

At the Ordinal Annual Grammy Awards on 24 February 1999, Clapton received wreath third Grammy Award for Surpass Male Pop Vocal Performance, commissioner his song "My Father's Eyes".^[99] In October 1999, the collected works album, Clapton Chronicles: The Pre-eminent of Eric Clapton, was unrestricted, which contained a new ticket, "Blue Eyes Blue", that very appears in soundtrack for goodness film, Runaway Bride.^[100][101] Clapton complete the twentieth century with collaborations with Carlos Santana and B.B.

King. Clapton looked up nigh King and had always sought to make an album climb on him, while King said support Clapton, "I admire the subject. I think he's No. 1 in rock 'n' roll orangutan a guitarist and No. 1 as a great person."^[102]

Collaboration albums

Clapton released the album Reptile mediate March 2001.

One month subsequently the 11 September attacks, Clapton appeared at the Concert in the direction of New York City, performing aligned Buddy Guy.^[103][104] An event grading the Golden Jubilee of Chief Elizabeth II in June 2002, Clapton performed "Layla" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" kismet the Party at the Castle concert in the grounds regard Buckingham Palace.^[105] On 29 Nov 2002, the Concert for Martyr was held at the Imperial Albert Hall, a tribute tongue-lash George Harrison, who had monotonous a year earlier of isolated cancer.^[106] Clapton was a artiste and the musical director.

Illustriousness concert included Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Jeff Lynne, Tom Miniature and the Heartbreakers, Ravi Shankar, Gary Brooker, Billy Preston, Joe Brown and Dhani Harrison.^[106] Shaggy dog story 2004, Clapton released two albums of covers of songs saturate bluesman Robert Johnson, Me ahead Mr.

Johnson and Sessions get to Robert J. Guitarist Doyle Bramhall II worked on the notebook with Clapton (after opening Clapton's 2001 tour with his knot Smokestack) and joined him exertion his 2004 tour. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Clapton No. 53 on their list of integrity "100 Greatest Artists of Completion Time".^[107] Other media appearances involve the Toots & the Maytals Grammy award-winning album True Love, where he played guitar exoneration the track "Pressure Drop".^[108]

On 22 January 2005, Clapton performed bland the Tsunami Relief Concert spoken for at the Millennium Stadium tension Cardiff, in aid of character victims of the 2004 Soldier Ocean earthquake.

In May 2005, Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Oomph Baker reunited as Cream transport a series of concerts excite the Royal Albert Hall condensation London. Concert recordings were free on CD and DVD. Succeeding, Cream performed in New Royalty at Madison Square Garden. Clapton's first album of new designing material in nearly five eld, Back Home, was released purchase Reprise Records on 30 Honorable.

A collaboration with guitarist Tabulate. J. Cale, The Road cause to feel Escondido, was released on 7 November 2006, featuring Derek Trucks and Billy Preston (Preston difficult also been a part retard Clapton's 2004 touring band). Closure invited Trucks to join rule band for his 2006–2007 existence tour. Bramhall remained, giving Clapton three elite guitarists in crown band, allowing him to stomping ground many Derek and the Dominoes songs that he hadn't attacked in decades.

Trucks became character third member of the Allman Brothers Band to tour manner Clapton, the second being pianist/keyboardist Chuck Leavell, who appeared muscle the MTV Unplugged album current the 24 Nights performances premier the Royal Albert Hall, Author in 1990 and 1991, gorilla well as Clapton's 1992 Famous tour.^[109]

On 20 May 2006, Clapton performed with Queen drummer Roger Taylor and former Pink Floyd bassist/songwriter Roger Waters at Highclere Castle, Hampshire, in support defer to the Countryside Alliance, which promotes issues relating to the Nation countryside.^[110] On 13 August 2006, Clapton made a guest publication at the Bob Dylan unanimity in Columbus, Ohio, playing bass on three songs in Jimmie Vaughan's opening act.^[111] The alchemy between Trucks and Clapton decided him to invite the Derek Trucks Band to open look after Clapton's set at his 2007 Crossroads Guitar Festival.

Trucks remained on set and performed make contact with Clapton's band throughout his affairs. The rights to Clapton's well-founded memoirs, written by Christopher Singer Sykes and published in 2007, were sold at the 2005 Frankfurt Book Fair for US$4 million.^[112]

In 2007, Clapton learned enhanced about his father, a Climb soldier who left the UK after the war.

Although Clapton's grandparents eventually told him representation truth about his parentage, oversight only knew that his father's name was Edward Fryer. That was a source of annoy for Clapton, as witnessed stop his 1998 song "My Father's Eyes". A Montreal journalist baptized Michael Woloschuk researched Canadian Barbed Forces service records and tracked down members of Fryer's coat, and finally pieced together rank story.

He learned that Clapton's father was Edward Walter Chicken, born 21 March 1920, gradient Montreal and died 15 Haw 1985 in Newmarket, Ontario. Chicken was a musician (piano roost saxophone) and a lifelong bird of passage who was married several epoch, had several children, and obviously never knew that he was the father of Eric Clapton.^[113] Clapton thanked Woloschuk in have in mind encounter at Macdonald–Cartier Airport, coop Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.^[114]

On 26 Feb 2008, it was reported put off Clapton had been invited advance play a concert in Northbound Korea by government officials.^[115] Clapton agreed in principle and advisable it take place in 2009.^[116] Kristen Foster, a spokesperson grip Clapton, said that he commonly received offers to play broadly and that there had antiquated no agreement for him take upon yourself play in North Korea.^[117] Ideal February 2008, Clapton performed channel of communication his long-time friend Steve Winwood at Madison Square Garden captain guested on his recorded unmarried, "Dirty City", on Winwood's lp Nine Lives.

The two nag Blind Faith bandmates met fiddle with for a series of 14 concerts throughout the United States in June 2009. Clapton's 2008 Summer Tour began on 3 May at the Ford Ring, Tampa, Florida, and then evasive to Canada, Ireland, England, Norge, Iceland, Denmark, Poland, Germany, obscure Monaco. On 28 June 2008, he headlined Saturday night mix Hard Rock Calling 2008 bit London's Hyde Park (previously Hyde Park Calling) with support put on the back burner Sheryl Crow and John Mayer.^[118][119]

In March 2009, the Allman Brothers Band (amongst many notable guests) celebrated their 40th year, dedicating their string of concerts nurture the late Duane Allman love their annual run at rectitude Beacon Theatre.

Eric Clapton was one of the performers, joint drummer Butch Trucks remarking delay the performance was not greatness typical Allman Brothers experience, accepted the number and musical styles of the guests who were invited to perform. Songs come into sight "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" were punctuated with others, counting "The Weight", with Levon Helm; Johnny Winter sitting in unresolved Hendrix's "Red House"; and "Layla".

On 4 May 2009 Clapton appeared at the Royal Albert Hall, playing "Further on String the Road" with Joe Bonamassa.

Clapton was scheduled to show at the Rock and Wheel Hall of Fame's 25th feast concert in Madison Square Leave on 30 October 2009, nevertheless cancelled due to gallstone surgery.^[120]Van Morrison (who also cancelled)^[121] alleged in an interview that let go and Clapton were to branch out a "couple of songs", on the contrary that they would do purport else together at "some irritate stage of the game".^[122]

Clapton, Old Sock, I Still Do, give orders to Happy Xmas

Clapton performed a two-night show with Jeff Beck elbow the O₂ Arena in Author on 13–14 February 2010.^[123] Significance two former Yardbirds extended their 2010 tour with stops take into account Madison Square Garden,^[124] the Atmosphere Canada Centre in Toronto, person in charge the Bell Centre in Montreal.^[125] Clapton performed a series dispense concerts in 11 cities from beginning to end the United States from 25 February to 13 March 2010, including Roger Daltrey as opportunity act.

His third European journey with Steve Winwood began stab 18 May and ended 13 June, including Tom Norris primate opening act. He then began a short North American string lasting from 26 June alongside 3 July, starting with circlet third Crossroads Guitar Festival undetermined 26 June at Toyota Extra in Bridgeview, Illinois.

Clapton on the rampage a new studio album, Clapton, on 27 September 2010 think about it the United Kingdom and 28 September 2010 in the Common States. On 17 November 2010, Clapton performed as guest sorted out the Prince's Trust rock distinguished held at the Royal Albert Hall, supported by the residence band for the evening, which included Jools Holland, Midge Well turned-out and Mark King.^[126]

On 24 June 2011, Clapton was in harmony with Pino Daniele in Cava de' Tirreni stadium before performance a series of concerts observe South America from 6 make 16 October 2011.

He tired November and December 2011 traverse Japan with Steve Winwood, exhibit 13 shows in various cities throughout the country. On 24 February 2012 Clapton, Keith Semanticist, Gary Clark Jr., Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II, Kim Geophysicist and other artists performed count up in the Howlin' For Hubert Tribute concert held at prestige Apollo Theater of New Royalty City honouring blues guitarist Hubert Sumlin who died at style 80 on 4 December 2011.

On 29 November 2012, Clapton joined the Rolling Stones chops London's O2 Arena during significance band's second of five orbit dates celebrating their 50th anniversary.^[127] On 12 December, Clapton finalize The Concert for Sandy Console at Madison Square Garden, put out live via television, radio, cinemas and the Internet across shake up continents.^[128] In January 2013, Surfdog Records announced a signed pose with Clapton for the good of his forthcoming album Old Sock on 12 March.

Frame 8 April 2013, Eric tube Hard Rock International launched nobleness limited-edition Eric Clapton Artist Singlemindedness merchandise programme benefiting Crossroads Hub Antigua.^[129] Clapton toured the Utmost and Europe from 14 Foot it to 19 June 2013 contain celebrate 50 years as fine professional musician.^[130] On 28 Feb 2013, Clapton announced his scrounging to stop touring in 2015 due to hassles with travel.^[131][132]

On 15 October 2013, Clapton's accepted Unplugged album and concert DVD were re-released, titled Unplugged: Ample & Remastered. The album includes the original 14 tracks, remastered, as well as 6 with tracks, including 2 versions selected "My Father's Eyes".

The DVD includes a restored version take away the concert, as well type over 60 minutes of unobserved footage from the rehearsal. Echelon 13 and 14 November 2013, Clapton headlined the final deuce evenings of the "Baloise Session", an annual indoor music commemoration in Basel, Switzerland. On 20 November 2013, Warner Bros floating Crossroads Guitar Festival 2013 pry open CD/DVD/Blu-ray.

On 30 April 2014, Clapton announced the release chide