Eric clapton biography full length

1. Biography of Eric Clapton
2. Childhood and Youth
3. Music

Biography of Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton, an English guitarist, singer, composer, and fantasy writer, is a British musician who gained fame after releasing the singles "Autumn Leaves," "Tears in Heaven," and a cover version of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff." Throughout his career, Clapton has released 22 solo albums and is the only musician to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times, once as a solo artist and twice as a member of the bands Cream and The Yardbirds.

Childhood and Youth

Eric Patrick Clapton was born on March 30, 1945, in the English village of Ripley, located in Surrey County. His father, Edward Walter Fryer, was a serviceman who went to war before Eric's birth. His mother, Patricia Molly, remarried and left Eric in the care of his grandparents. He was raised by his grandmother, Rosa, and her second husband, Jack.

At the age of 14, Eric attended a performance by singer Jerry Lee Lewis. Inspired by Lewis's energetic and charismatic stage presence, Eric knew he wanted to become a musician. His growing interest in the illusionary world of sound led to his expulsion from Kingston College of Arts at the age of 17. After being expelled, Eric dedicated his free time to playing the electric guitar, which his grandparents had bought for him, and listening to records by American blues musicians. He particularly loved the work of Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Bill Broonzy, and Skip James. In March 1962, the "Ealing Club," a rhythm and blues enthusiast club, opened in London. Eric became a regular and often filled in for Mick Jagger in the band "Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated."

Music

In 1963, Eric Clapton joined the young band "The Yardbirds," where he experienced his first taste of success. The band played blues compositions and even released a couple of live albums. Their performances were a success throughout England, and after releasing the single "For Your Love," the band considered changing their genre. "For Your Love" had a more pop sound, which quickly gained popularity among listeners across Europe. While the song was being played on the radio, the Yardbirds' concerts continued to be successful. In 1965, the band released an album also titled "For Your Love." However, conflicts arose within the band due to Eric's strong opposition to the shift from blues rock to pop music. The other members held a different opinion, believing that pop music was what brought them success. As a result, Eric left the band and joined "The Bluesbreakers" a few months later. After leaving "The Bluesbreakers," Eric became a member of the band "The Glands" for a short period.

Eric Clapton's creative journey took several months, but eventually, he found his place. A fateful moment in the renowned guitarist's life was his encounter with other prominent musicians, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce, with whom he formed the band "Cream." From 1966 to 1969, with this band, Clapton recorded four successful albums ("Fresh Cream," "Disraeli Gears," "Wheels of Fire," "Goodbye") that later became classics in rock music. Few people know that within this band, Eric earned the nickname "Slowhand" for his habit of changing broken guitar strings on stage to slow applause from the audience.

The band became very popular and reunited in 2005 for a short period. During this time, they performed a few concerts and released two official compilation albums of their previous hits ("Cream Gold," "Icon").

After the band's breakup in 1969, the guitarist briefly played with "Blind Faith" before embarking on a solo career. His debut solo album, "Eric Clapton," was released in August 1970. The album was recorded while he was also involved in the project "Derek and the Dominos" after completing a concert tour with the American duo "Delaney and Bonnie."

During his time with "Derek and the Dominos," Clapton wrote the double album "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs." Few people know, but the title track "Layla" is based on the true story of a love triangle between Clapton, his close friend George Harrison, and Harrison's wife, Pattie.

Unfortunately, personal struggles and career ups and downs led to Clapton's increasing heroin addiction during the recording of the album. Clapton eventually sought treatment for his addiction and successfully recovered. Some critics and fans were disappointed with Clapton's post-rehabilitation works, as he moved away from his heavier guitar sound and transitioned to a smoother style of performing tracks.

Currently, Eric Clapton is married to Melia McEnery, whom he married in 2002. They have three daughters together - Julie Rose (born in 2001), Ella May (born in 2003), and Sophie Bell (born in 2005). Clapton also has a daughter named Ruth from a previous relationship, although there is limited information available about her.

In recent years, Clapton has faced health issues, including peripheral neuropathy, which causes him to experience severe pain during performances. He has had to cancel concerts due to his condition but continues to perform when he is able.