More Eric Clapton Information

Clapton spent some time with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, one of Britain's top blues bands and was then elevated to superstar status with the formation of Cream in 1966, creating one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Eric was also asked to play the beautiful lead solo on George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" on The Beatles' White Album. Cream lasted just over two years, and Clapton soon found himself with Blind Faith. The line-up was completed by Steve Winwood and Ric Grech, creating a "super group" that was unable to stay together for more than one self-titled album.

Clapton eventually ended up with Jim Gordon, Bobby Whitlock and Carl Radle forming the band Derek And The Dominoes. This memorable unit, together with Duane Allman recorded one of his most famous songs, "Layla." After battling with a heroin addiction for some time, Clapton began to record again and released 461 Ocean Boulevard in August 1974. The record was an incredible success, a Number 1 hit in the U.S. and Number 3 in the U.K., featuring Bob Marley's "I Shot The Sheriff." Clapton had further hits with There's One In Every Crowd and the live E.C. Was Here. During 1977 and 1978 he released two more major albums, Slowhand and Backless. Further single success came with the songs "Lay Down Sally," "Promises," "Wonderful Tonight," J.J. Cale's "Cocaine" and John Martyn's "May You Never." Clapton had become an assured vocalist and songwriter who, by the way, played guitar.