Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is an acclaimed musical artist, nicknamed “Slowhand” and known for his superb guitar playing ability. Originally from Ripley, Surrey, England, Clapton was born on March 30, 1945. His musical genres include blues, rock, psychedelic rock, and blues rock. Clapton is regarded by many as on e of the greatest and most influential guitarists. Aside from winning Grammy Awards, Eric Clapton has three inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Clapton started off by joining the rock and roll band The Yardbirds in 1963, but left in 1965 as the band had more of a pop orientation than he would have liked, remaining dedicated to the blues. Eric then joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, who would help Clapton establish himself as one of the worlds best blues guitarists. Clapton left however quickly left Bluesbreakers as well, forming the band Cream in 1966. During his time with Cream was when he began to develop as a singer and songwriter along with is already notable guitar skills. Cream would break up two years later however in 1968.

Reaching Potential
Cream was one of the most recognizable and loved bands in the world, and every one of their albums was a huge hit. Cream was mentioned in the same breath as the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, and the trio recorded three albums before deciding to put together a farewell cut entitled Goodbye in 1969. There were many reasons for the band's break up, but drug abuse and clashing egos were seen as the primary reasons.

Later that year, Clapton became a member of rock's first “super group” when he teamed with Steve Winwood, Ric Grech and Ginger Baker. Although the band released only one album which was named after the band, Blind Faith climbed to number one on the North American Billboard album charts, and the work is still selling well to this day.

Going Solo
After all of his experience in highly successful bands, Clapton decided to strike out on his own, and this would prove to be an extremely wise decision. However, Clapton first had to get past his drug addiction, which was no small task. Once he had, however, he got right back into what he loved most, and released an album entitled 461 Ocean Boulevard in 1974. The album included a cover of Bob Marley's I Shot the Sheriff, which not only experienced chart success, but brought exposure to the world of reggae that was seen as “the” boost to the genre in general.
In the past 30 years, Clapton has released 15 studio albums which have contained songs that are considered by many to be anthems more than singles, including such mega-hits as "Knockin' on Heaven's Door," "Lay Down Sally," "Cocaine" and "Wonderful Tonight."

Bringing It All Together
The result of Clapton's work goes beyond millions of records sold and tens of millions of loyal fans. He is the only artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times, has won several Grammy Awards and is known for his guitar skill in every country in the world. He has never lost his love for the blues, and continues to thrill crowds with his heart-felt renditions of his and other songs that were written over the decades, and everyone who has a chance to see him live considers it a privilege and an honor.