Interesting Things To Know Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is one of the most influential and respected guitarists of all time. He has been a major player in the world of rock and roll for decades, selling millions of records and influencing artists like Jimmy Page, George Harrison, and Bob Dylan. Eric Clapton’s career spans over 50 years, with his work appearing on every important album released in the 1960s. His compositions have earned him 10 Grammys, three Brit Awards, five US Gold Records, and five Diamond albums. Eric Clapton has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame twice: first as a member of the Yardbirds and again as a solo artist.
Eric Clapton’s Early Life
Eric Clapton was born Eric Patrick Clapton on March 30, 1945. His father was an alcoholic who physically abused his mother and had a volatile temper. Eric’s parents divorced when he was three years old, and he lived with his mother until she died in 1980. Despite this difficult start in life, Eric’s passion for music remained strong and he showed great interest in learning to play the guitar at an early age.
The Beginnings of Eric Clapton
Eric was born on March 30, 1945, in Ripley, Surrey, England to American parents. He spent most of his childhood living with his mother and stepfather in a suburb outside London. His first guitar was a small plastic thing given to him by his mother when he was 12 years old. Clapton began playing an acoustic guitar before switching to an electric one at the age of 15. His first big break came at the age of 18 when he met blues great Freddie King. The two collaborated on the song “Crossroads.”
Eric Clapton’s Musical Development And Influence
Eric Clapton’s career began at an early age, playing with a number of different bands in the 1960s. At 16 years old, Clapton was playing guitar professionally. His first album was released in 1963 and featured “I’m A Man”. This song would eventually become a hit single for John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers. The following year, Eric Clapton joined the Yardbirds where he met Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. During this time, Eric Clapton wrote such songs as “Still I’m Sad” and “Good Morning Little School Girl”. As the 1960s came to a close, Eric Clapton left The Yardbirds to form Cream where he met bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker.
In 1966, Eric Clapton joined John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers for the album “Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton”. This would mark the beginning of one of his most successful periods as an artist. His career continues to be productive into the 1990s when he releases his album Journeyman which features a collaboration with Bob Dylan on “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”.
Eric Clapton’s career spans over 50 years with several notable achievements including 10 Grammys and 3 Brit Awards. He has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame twice: first as a member of The Yardbirds and again as a solo artist.
Eric Clapton’s Personal Life
Eric Clapton’s personal life is quite as interesting as his professional life. He married Patti Boyd in 1974, and the two had four children together. However, their marriage failed in 1991 and they divorced in 1992. Eric Clapton was also married to Yvonne Ryan from 1990-1992, and to Melia McEnery from 1994-2000. Eric Clapton currently has six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Eric Clapton is a true legend of rock music with a career spanning 50 years. His work appeared on every important album released in the 1960s and he remains influential today with his compositions earning him 10 Grammys, three Brit Awards, five US Gold Records, five Diamond albums and being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame twice: first as a member of the Yardbirds and again as a solo artist.
Conclusion
Eric Clapton is an accomplished musician, songwriter, and performer. Eric Clapton will be remembered for his guitar work and for his contributions to blues, rock, and pop music. He was awarded four Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards, the Crossroads Guitar Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, the Polar Music Prize, and the Kennedy Center Honors.
