Eric Clapton is a legendary guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for his immense talent and contributions to the world of blues and rock music. With a career spanning several decades, Clapton has left an indelible mark on the music industry with hits like “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven.” His distinctive guitar playing style and soulful voice have earned him numerous awards and a devoted global fanbase.
Biography
| Name | Eric Patrick Clapton |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 30 March 1945 |
| Occupation | Rock and Blues Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter |
| Rankings |
– Second in Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” – Fourth in Gibson’s “Top 50 Guitarists of All Time” – 35th best guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone in 2023 |
| Band Memberships |
– The Yardbirds (1963-1965) – John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers (1965-1966) – Cream (1966-1968) – Blind Faith (1969) – Delaney & Bonnie (1969) – Derek and the Dominos (1970) |
| Awards |
– 18 Grammy Awards – Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music – Four Ivor Novello Awards – Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times – Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors |
| Albums |
– Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970) – Slowhand (1977) – August (1986) – Unplugged (1992) – My Father’s Eyes (1998) – Happy Xmas (2018) |
| Record Sales | More than 280 million records worldwide |
| Charitable Contribution | Founded the Crossroads Centre on Antigua, a medical facility for those recovering from substance abuse |
Early Life
Eric Clapton, one of the greatest guitarists of all time, was born on March 30, 1945 in Ripley, Surrey, England. He was raised by his grandmother and believed she was his mother until he was nine years old. Eric discovered his passion for music at a young age and was gifted his first guitar when he turned 13. He quickly excelled and started playing in various bands during his teenage years. In 1963, Clapton moved to London to pursue his musical career and joined several influential bands such as The Yardbirds and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers.
Family
| Parents | Siblings |
|---|---|
| Patricia Molly Clapton | David Clapton |
Eric Clapton’s mother, Patricia Molly Clapton, was a 16-year-old English girl from a musical family. She raised Eric alone after his father, Edward Walter Fryer, a Canadian soldier, left the family before Eric was born. Eric’s brother, David Clapton, was born in 1945 and is six years older than him. Despite their age difference, Eric and David developed a close bond and shared a love for music.
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5′ 10″ (178 cm) |
| Weight | Around 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Other Body Measurements | Not Available |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Eric Clapton, the iconic musician, has had several high-profile relationships throughout his life.
As of now, Eric Clapton is married to his wife Melia McEnery. They got married in 2002. Melia McEnery is a talented artist and photographer who has been a supportive partner to Eric throughout their marriage.
Eric Clapton has had several relationships in the past. Here is a table containing some of his previous wives and girlfriends:
| Name | Relationship Period | Marriage Date |
|---|---|---|
| Patricia Clapton | 1979 – 1988 | 1979 |
| Lory Del Santo | 1989 – 1990 | Not married |
| Sharon Bennett | 1987 – 1988 | Not married |
| Charlotte Martin | 1996 – 1999 | 1996 |
| Melia McEnery | 2002 – Present | 2002 |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Eric Clapton, born on March 30, 1945, in Surrey, England, is a renowned guitarist, singer, and songwriter who became famous as a member of several influential bands and through his successful solo career. He gained recognition and acclaim for his virtuosic guitar skills and soulful blues playing style. Clapton’s rise to fame began in the 1960s when he joined the Yardbirds and later became a member of Cream.
Clapton’s career started in the mid-1960s with the Yardbirds, where he showcased his exceptional guitar talents and contributed to hits like “For Your Love” and “Shapes of Things.” He then formed the power trio Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, producing classics such as “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room,” and “Crossroads.”
As a solo artist, Clapton released iconic albums like “Slowhand” (1977), which featured his signature song “Layla,” and “Unplugged” (1992), which included the Grammy-winning acoustic rendition of “Tears in Heaven.” Other notable works include “Eric Clapton” (1970), “461 Ocean Boulevard” (1974), and “From the Cradle” (1994).
Throughout his career, Eric Clapton has received numerous accolades for his musical contributions. He has won 18 Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognized for his work with the Yardbirds, Cream, and as a solo artist. Additionally, he has been bestowed with the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music.
Eric Clapton has faced several controversies throughout his life. One of the notable incidents occurred in 1976 when he made controversial remarks supporting racist ideologies during a concert in Birmingham. He later publicly apologized, acknowledging his ignorance and denouncing racism.
Clapton’s struggles with substance abuse and addiction have also been a subject of controversy. His heroin addiction in the 1970s and alcoholism in subsequent years caused personal and professional problems. However, he managed to overcome these challenges and has been an advocate for addiction recovery.
Furthermore, in the mid-1970s, Clapton made derogatory and racially insensitive comments about immigrants during a speech at a concert in support of controversial politician Enoch Powell. These remarks led to further backlash and criticism.
Faq
Eric Clapton is a renowned English guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is considered one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Clapton has been influential in the rock and blues genres and has had a successful solo career spanning decades.
Eric Clapton has numerous famous songs. Some of his most well-known songs include “Layla,” “Tears in Heaven,” “Wonderful Tonight,” “Cocaine,” “Crossroads,” “Sunshine of Your Love,” and “Badge,” among many others.
Eric Clapton has played with several notable bands throughout his career. He was a member of The Yardbirds, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, and Derek and the Dominos.
Eric Clapton has won a total of 18 Grammy Awards throughout his career. These awards include both solo work and collaborations.
Yes, Eric Clapton has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on three separate occasions. He was inducted as a member of The Yardbirds in 1992, as a member of Cream in 1993, and as a solo artist in 2000.
Yes, Eric Clapton is still active in the music industry. He continues to perform live concerts, release new music, and collaborate with other artists.
