Eric Patrick Clapton was born on March 30, 1945, in Ripley, Surrey, England. Raised by his grandparents, Clapton grew up believing his mother was his sister. This unconventional upbringing instilled a sense of emotional complexity that would later resonate through his music. Clapton's initial foray into music was influenced by Robert Johnson, B.B. King, and Muddy Waters, whose bluesy tones inspired him to pick up the guitar at the age of 13.
The Yardbirds and Bluesbreakers
Clapton's first significant musical endeavor was with The Yardbirds in 1963, a band he left in 1965 due to their shift towards a more commercial sound. He then joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, where his guitar work on the 1966 album "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton" earned him the nickname "Slowhand". His tenure with the Bluesbreakers cemented his reputation as a premier blues guitarist.
Cream and Financial Success
In 1966, Clapton formed Cream with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce. The power trio's innovative fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelia led to commercial success with albums like "Disraeli Gears" (1967) and "Wheels of Fire" (1968). Cream's commercial success was astronomical; their farewell tour in 1968 grossed over $2.3 million (equivalent to around $17 million today). Despite their success, internal tensions led to their breakup in 1968.
Blind Faith and Solo Career
After Cream, Clapton co-founded Blind Faith with Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker, and Ric Grech. However, the supergroup was short-lived, releasing only one album in 1969 before disbanding. Clapton's solo career began in earnest with his self-titled debut album in 1970. His 1974 album "461 Ocean Boulevard" marked a significant turning point, featuring the hit single "I Shot the Sheriff". The album's success, selling over two million copies in the U.S. alone, solidified Clapton's status as a solo artist.
Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Clapton's life has been marred by personal struggles, including a well-documented battle with addiction. His heroin addiction in the early 1970s led to a period of inactivity. After overcoming his addiction, Clapton faced alcoholism in the 1980s. His sobriety began in 1987, a journey he detailed in his autobiography, "Clapton: The Autobiography" (2007).
The Tragic Loss of Conor
One of the most heartbreaking events in Clapton's life was the tragic death of his four-year-old son, Conor, who fell from a 53rd-floor window in New York City in 1991. Clapton channeled his grief into the song "Tears in Heaven", which won three Grammy Awards and became one of his most commercially successful singles, selling over three million copies worldwide.
Reunion and Legacy
In 2005, Clapton reunited with Cream for a series of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London and Madison Square Garden in New York City. These performances were both a nostalgic homage to their past and a testament to their enduring legacy. The reunion concerts grossed over $10 million.
Crossroads Guitar Festival
Clapton's contributions to music extend beyond his performances. He founded the Crossroads Centre in Antigua in 1998, a treatment center for addiction, and has hosted the Crossroads Guitar Festival since 2004. The festival, which features performances by some of the world's greatest guitarists, raises funds for the center. The 2013 festival alone raised over $2 million.
Art Collection and Financial Acumen
Clapton is also an avid art collector. His collection includes works by Gerhard Richter, whose painting "Abstraktes Bild" Clapton sold for $34.2 million at Sotheby's in 2012, setting a record for a living artist. This sale highlights Clapton's financial acumen and his ability to diversify his investments.
Recognition and Awards
Clapton's illustrious career has earned him numerous accolades, including 18 Grammy Awards and the distinction of being the only triple inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a solo artist, and as a member of both the Yardbirds and Cream). In 2004, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to music.
Continued Influence and Recent Projects
In recent years, Clapton has continued to release music and tour. His 2016 album "I Still Do" debuted at number six on the Billboard 200, demonstrating his enduring appeal. Clapton's influence on generations of guitarists remains profound, with artists like John Mayer, Derek Trucks, and Gary Clark Jr. citing him as a significant influence.
Conclusion
Eric Clapton's journey from a shy boy in Surrey to a global music icon is a testament to his talent, resilience, and enduring impact on rock and blues music. His financial success, personal triumphs, and contributions to music and society make him not just a legendary guitarist, but a multifaceted individual whose legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.