Guitar guru Eric Clapton is one prolific player. Think of all the bands he’s been in, not to mention his long and storied solo career. On top of that, he’s been a much-requested guest musician on an amazing amount of songs by a who’s who of talent.
So much so that, for his birthday on March 30, I came up with 9 times you were listening to Eric Clapton but possibly didn’t know.
The Career of Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is a rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is one of the most successful and influential guitarists in rock music. He ranked second in Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” He was also named number five in Time magazine’s list of “The 10 Best Electric Guitar Players” in 2009.
After playing in several different local bands, Clapton joined the Yardbirds from 1963 to 1965, and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers from 1965 to 1966.
After leaving Mayall, he formed the power trio Cream with drummer Ginger Baker and bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce. Clapton played blues improvisations and blues-based psychedelic pop. After four successful albums, Cream broke up in November 1968.
After that, Clapton formed the blues rock band Blind Faith with Baker, Steve Winwood, and Ric Grech, recording one album and performing on one tour before they broke up.
Clapton then toured with Delaney & Bonnie and recorded his first solo album in 1970, before forming Derek and the Dominos with Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, and Jim Gordon. Like Blind Faith, the band only lasted one album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, which includes “Layla”, one of Clapton’s signature songs.
Clapton as a Guest Musician
Obviously, I didn’t include his most famous guest appearance, on The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” but, once you hear these songs, that unmistakable style shines through. In just about every case, it adds to the song.
