Introduction
Eric Clapton has secured his place as one of the greatest and most influential guitarists of all time. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has made monumental contributions to blues and rock music through his work with several iconic bands as well as a successful solo career. Clapton is renowned for his fiery guitar skills, improvisational brilliance, and unmistakable tone. He is a three-time inductee of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and widely considered a living legend. This article will explore the key bands and collaborations that have shaped Clapton’s legendary musical journey. From his early days with The Yardbirds and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers to the trailblazing supergroups Cream and Blind Faith, Clapton constantly evolved as an artist while cementing his status as one of the greatest guitar heroes of any generation. His later work as a solo artist and sideman further showcased both his versatility and mastery of the blues guitar. By looking back on Clapton’s prolific career band by band, one gains deep insight into the experiences that influenced his sound and creative evolution.
The Yardbirds (1963-1965)
The Yardbirds formed in 1963 in London, pioneering a blues rock sound that incorporated influences like Chicago blues, R&B, and rockabilly. Though the band had already released a few singles, their lineup solidified in 1963 when Eric Clapton joined as their lead guitarist, replacing Top Topham.
With Clapton’s fiery blues guitar licks, The Yardbirds began evolving their sound on tracks like "For Your Love" and "Heart Full of Soul". Clapton’s guitar skills added a new dimension to their music. However, tensions began mounting as the band started moving in a more pop-friendly, commercial direction under producer Giorgio Gomelsky. Clapton, a blues purist at heart, was increasingly frustrated with the band’s pursuit of chart success over musical authenticity. By 1965, these creative differences reached a boiling point, and Clapton left The Yardbirds to pursue other opportunities closer to his blues roots. Though his time in The Yardbirds was relatively short, it marked Clapton’s first forays into recording and touring with a high-profile rock group, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers (1965-1966)
Clapton’s celebrated stint with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers in 1965-1966 was pivotal in establishing him as a guitar legend. Mayall had built a reputation as one of the most influential blues musicians in Britain, leading his band the Bluesbreakers. When Clapton joined the group, it marked the beginning of an explosive musical partnership.
Clapton’s guitar playing reached new heights during his time with the Bluesbreakers. His fiery, emotive solos and improvisational skills shone on classics like "Hideaway" and "All Your Love". The band’s seminal 1966 album, Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton, showcased Clapton’s blossoming talent. His unique tone and phrasing elicited comparisons to blues heroes like Buddy Guy and Freddie King. Clapton’s fans began referring to him as "God", cementing his status as guitar royalty.
The Blues Breakers period saw Clapton master his craft and develop his signature sound. Under Mayall’s mentorship, he expanded his knowledge of the blues while forging his own style. Clapton implemented influences like Albert King into his intense, sustain-heavy technique. His time with the Bluesbreakers was relatively brief, but those 12 months left an indelible mark on Clapton’s career. The band served as his breakout and a platform for the even greater success to come.
Cream (1966-1968)
Cream was the first true rock supergroup, formed in 1966 by Eric Clapton along with bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker. The three musicians were all considered virtuosos on their instruments and their collaboration marked a pioneering new sound that blended blues rock, psychedelic rock, and incredible musicianship.
Clapton’s explosive guitar playing was at the forefront of Cream’s innovative style. Songs like "Sunshine of Your Love", "White Room", and "Crossroads" became classics that showcased Clapton’s fiery riffs and solos. Alongside Bruce’s powerful vocals and basslines and Baker’s intricate drumming, the trio achieved a full-bodied psychedelic blues sound that was heavier than anything before it.
Cream quickly became massively popular as they toured extensively in the late 1960s. Their reputation for intense and improvisational live performances cemented them as one of the top bands in the world at the time. However, tensions grew within Cream due to their grueling schedule and escalating drug use. The volatile relationship between Bruce and Baker also came to a head. After just two years together, Cream broke up in 1968 at the peak of their popularity. Their brief but highly influential career inspired countless artists and helped pioneer what would become heavy metal.
Blind Faith (1969)
Blind Faith represented another short-lived supergroup for Eric Clapton, formed in 1969 after Cream’s breakup. The band consisted of Clapton on guitar, Ginger Baker on drums, Steve Winwood on keyboards and vocals, and Ric Grech on bass. Despite having only one album and brief existence, Blind Faith generated massive hype and expectations given the star power of its members.
Their self-titled debut album Blind Faith was released in 1969 to much anticipation. It featured the hit single "Can’t Find My Way Home" along with other songs fusing blues, pop, and psychedelic rock. While well-received critically, the album could not meet the astronomical expectations. Blind Faith embarked on their first and only tour in the summer of 1969, playing to large crowds but also facing controversy over a risque album cover.
The hype and sudden fame proved overwhelming for the musicians. After just six months and one album, Blind Faith dissolved later in 1969 amid creative differences and personal issues. While short-lived, the band represented an important transitional phase in Clapton’s career as he moved from Cream’s intense psychedelic rock toward a more song-focused and collaborative approach.
Delaney & Bonnie and Friends (1969-1970)
After the breakup of Blind Faith, Clapton was eager to take on a sideman role and find joy in collaborating with other musicians. He joined Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, the American husband-wife duo of Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. Though they were lesser known at the time, their touring band was filled with talented musicians like Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, Jim Gordon, and Dave Mason.
Clapton toured extensively with Delaney & Bonnie and Friends in 1969 and 1970. This allowed him to take a backseat and simply focus on performing, rather than the pressures of leading a band. The atmosphere was laidback and collaborative. Clapton later said this was one of the happiest times of his career.
Delaney & Bonnie and Friends recorded a live album in December 1969 called On Tour with Eric Clapton, featuring guest appearances by George Harrison, Dave Mason, and others. The album showcases the incredible musical chemistry of the band, with Clapton’s guitar meshing seamlessly with the other players. Though his time with Delaney & Bonnie was short, it represented an important transitional period for Clapton as he embraced the joy of collaboration and sideman work.
Derek and the Dominos (1970-1971)
In 1970, Clapton formed a new band called Derek and the Dominos with keyboardist and singer Bobby Whitlock, bassist Carl Radle, and drummer Jim Gordon. Together, they recorded the classic double album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, which is considered one of Clapton’s greatest musical achievements.
A major part of the album’s magic stemmed from Clapton’s collaboration with slide guitarist Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band. The two guitarists developed an instant musical chemistry and inspired each other to new creative heights. Allman’s expressive slide guitar parts perfectly complemented Clapton’s bluesy leads and heartfelt vocals.
The album was named after Clapton’s unrequited love for his friend George Harrison’s wife, Pattie Boyd. Many of the songs express the agony and ecstasy of his forbidden infatuation, most notably the epic title track "Layla" which featured an unforgettable piano coda composed by Jim Gordon.
Despite the artistic triumph of Layla, Derek and the Dominos dissolved after releasing just one studio album and touring briefly. Clapton’s escalating heroin addiction and personal problems contributed to the band’s quick demise. However, the legacy of their brilliant album has endured over the decades as a testament to Clapton’s songwriting and the magical musical synergy of the group.
Solo Career and Guest Appearances (1970s-present)
Clapton’s transition to a successful solo artist began in earnest in the 1970s. His 1974 album "461 Ocean Boulevard" marked a shift to a more laidback sound and yielded his first solo number 1 single "I Shot the Sheriff". This was followed by 1975’s "There’s One in Every Crowd" and the major hit "Wonderful Tonight". During this period, Clapton’s prodigious guitar skills took a back seat to his songwriting and singing abilities.
The late 1970s saw the release of Slowhand in 1977, featuring classics like "Lay Down Sally" and "Cocaine". This album cemented Clapton as a bonafide solo superstar. He continued to evolve his sound throughout the 80s and 90s, blending rock, pop, and blues influences across albums like "Journeyman" and the MTV Unplugged live album. Major hits like "Tears in Heaven" connected with wider audiences.
Clapton has maintained a steady output of new music and extensive touring well into the 2000s and 2010s. Albums like "Old Sock" and "I Still Do" showcase his lifelong dedication to his craft. After over 50 years in music, Clapton remains creatively restless and engaged as a solo artist. His continued evolution across decades as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist underscores his enduring artistic vitality and versatility.
Legacy and Influence
Eric Clapton’s impact on rock music over the past six decades has cemented his status as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His phenomenal skills and prolific output with a variety of iconic bands has influenced generations of musicians. Clapton has earned numerous accolades for his contributions, including being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame three times – as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream, and as a solo artist.
Clapton pioneered blues rock and psychedelic rock with his fiery guitar licks and improvisational genius. His playing elevated bands like The Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream, and Derek and the Dominos to legendary status in the 1960s and 70s. Hits like "Sunshine of Your Love", "Layla", and "Cocaine" feature some of the most memorable guitar riffs and solos ever recorded. His singular style and technical brilliance on the guitar are often cited as a key inspiration for budding rock guitarists through the decades.
Beyond his musical innovations, Clapton has also become a symbol of survival and redemption. He has been remarkably open about his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, as well as the personal tragedies he endured like the loss of his young son. Clapton channeled these experiences into his songwriting and performances, touching fans with his raw emotion. His road to recovery and sobriety has inspired many. Clapton also established the Crossroads treatment center to help provide rehabilitation services to others battling addiction.
After over 50 years in the spotlight, Eric Clapton remains a beloved figure and active touring musician. His lifelong devotion to his craft and the blues genre he helped popularize have earned him a lasting position among the most influential guitarists in rock history. Clapton’s musical legacy continues to be felt through the countless guitarists who emulate his playing style and the fans old and new who are moved by his songs.
Conclusion
Eric Clapton’s musical journey over the past 60+ years is nothing short of legendary. He pioneered new sounds across multiple iconic bands, pushing the boundaries of blues rock and forever cementing his status as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Clapton first made a name for himself in the 1960s with The Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, and the groundbreaking supergroup Cream. His fiery guitar licks and improvisational genius on songs like "Sunshine of Your Love" broke new ground and inspired generations of musicians.
Later, Clapton continued to explore different musical directions and collaborations with Blind Faith, Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, and Derek and the Dominos. The classic album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs with the latter band stands as one of his crowning artistic achievements.
As a solo artist from the 1970s onwards, Clapton adapted his sound across decades while scoring major hits like "I Shot the Sheriff" and "Tears in Heaven." Even in his 70s today, he remains a formidable live performer and living blues rock icon.
When looking back across his enduring career, it’s clear that Eric Clapton is a true pioneer. His vision and talent have shaped the evolution of rock music over the past several decades. Clapton’s legacy and influence remain unmatched, as he continues to perform and create new music as a veritable living legend.