Eric Clapton, born on March 30, 1945, is an English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is considered one of the most influential guitarists of all time and has had a significant impact on the development of various music genres, including rock, blues, and jazz.
Clapton first gained prominence as a member of several influential bands in the 1960s, including The Yardbirds, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, and Cream. With Cream, Clapton achieved international fame and critical acclaim, showcasing his exceptional guitar skills and contributing to classic rock standards such as “Sunshine of Your Love” and “Crossroads.”
Following his tenure with Cream, Clapton pursued a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums that spanned various musical styles, including blues, rock, and pop. Some of his most famous songs as a solo artist include “Layla,” “Tears in Heaven,” “Wonderful Tonight,” and “Cocaine.”
In addition to his solo work, Clapton has collaborated with numerous other artists over the years and has been part of several supergroups, including Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominos, and the Yardbirds.
Throughout his career, Clapton has received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist and as a member of Cream. He continues to be active in the music industry, touring and recording new music, and remains revered as one of the greatest guitarists and musicians of all time.
1. Layla
“Layla” is one of Eric Clapton’s most famous and enduring songs. It was originally released by Derek and the Dominos, a band formed by Clapton in 1970, on their album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.”
The song was written by Clapton and Jim Gordon and was inspired by Clapton’s unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, who was married to his friend George Harrison at the time. The lyrics of “Layla” express Clapton’s intense longing and desire for Boyd.
Musically, “Layla” is notable for its iconic guitar riff, played by Clapton, and its dynamic structure, which combines elements of rock, blues, and classical music. The song features a memorable piano coda composed by Gordon.
“Layla” initially received modest commercial success upon its release but later became one of Clapton’s signature songs and a classic rock staple. It reached greater popularity after its re-release as a single in 1972, following Clapton’s departure from Derek and the Dominos. The song’s popularity was further boosted by its inclusion in the soundtrack of the 1990 film “Goodfellas.”
“Layla” remains one of Eric Clapton’s most beloved and acclaimed songs, celebrated for its passionate performance, iconic guitar work, and enduring emotional resonance.
2. Tears in Heaven
“Tears in Heaven” is a poignant and heartfelt song by Eric Clapton, released in 1992. Clapton co-wrote the song with Will Jennings, and it was featured on the soundtrack for the film “Rush.”
The song was inspired by the tragic death of Clapton’s four-year-old son, Conor, who fell from the window of a high-rise apartment in New York City in 1991. “Tears in Heaven” reflects Clapton’s grief and longing for his son, exploring themes of loss, sorrow, and the hope for eventual reunion in the afterlife.
Musically, “Tears in Heaven” is a gentle acoustic ballad, with Clapton’s emotive vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar and orchestration. The song’s tender melody and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with audiences worldwide, and it became one of Clapton’s most iconic and beloved songs.
“Tears in Heaven” won three Grammy Awards in 1993, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. It remains a timeless and touching tribute to Clapton’s son and continues to resonate with listeners as a symbol of love, loss, and healing.
3. Wonderful Tonight
“Wonderful Tonight” is a classic love song by Eric Clapton, released in 1977 on his album “Slowhand.” The song was written by Clapton and has become one of his most beloved and enduring hits.
“Wonderful Tonight” is a gentle ballad with a simple yet beautiful melody. Lyrically, the song describes a man admiring his partner as they prepare for an evening out together. Clapton’s heartfelt vocals express love, admiration, and appreciation for his partner’s beauty and presence.
The song’s timeless appeal lies in its universal themes of love and romance, as well as its relatable lyrics and memorable melody. “Wonderful Tonight” has been covered by various artists and remains a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, and romantic occasions.
Over the years, “Wonderful Tonight” has become one of Eric Clapton’s signature songs, earning a permanent place in the hearts of fans around the world. Its enduring popularity and emotional resonance have solidified its status as a classic in the realm of love songs.
4. Cocaine
“Cocaine” is a song written and recorded by J.J. Cale, an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. It was first released on his 1976 album “Troubadour.” However, the most famous version of “Cocaine” is the cover by Eric Clapton, which appeared on his 1977 album “Slowhand.”
Clapton’s rendition of “Cocaine” is a blues-rock track with a driving rhythm and catchy guitar riff. The lyrics of the song, written by J.J. Cale, explore the allure and dangers of cocaine use. Despite the serious subject matter, the song has an upbeat and energetic feel, characteristic of Clapton’s blues-rock style.
“Cocaine” became one of Eric Clapton’s most popular and enduring songs, receiving significant airplay on rock radio stations and reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s memorable guitar riff and infectious groove have made it a classic rock staple and a favorite among Clapton’s fans.
Despite its popularity, “Cocaine” has also generated controversy due to its subject matter. Some radio stations have censored or banned the song from airplay, while others have edited the lyrics to remove references to drug use. However, “Cocaine” remains a quintessential example of Clapton’s blues-rock sound and continues to be celebrated as one of his signature songs.
5. I Shot the Sheriff
“I Shot the Sheriff” is a reggae song written and originally recorded by Jamaican musician Bob Marley. It was released in 1973 on his album “Burnin’.” The song became one of Marley’s most famous and commercially successful tracks.
“I Shot the Sheriff” is a narrative song with a catchy reggae beat, featuring Marley’s distinctive vocals and guitar playing. Lyrically, the song tells the story of a man who claims to have shot the sheriff but denies shooting the deputy. The lyrics are often interpreted as a metaphor for resistance against oppression and injustice.
The song gained widespread popularity when it was covered by Eric Clapton in 1974. Clapton’s version became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Clapton’s rendition introduced the song to a broader audience and solidified its status as a classic in the realms of reggae and rock music.
“I Shot the Sheriff” remains one of Bob Marley’s most iconic songs, with its powerful message and infectious rhythm continuing to resonate with audiences around the world.
6. Change the World
“Change the World” is a song co-written by Tommy Sims, Gordon Kennedy, and Wayne Kirkpatrick. It was performed by Eric Clapton for the soundtrack of the 1996 film “Phenomenon,” starring John Travolta.
Released as a single in 1996, “Change the World” became a major hit for Clapton, reaching the top of the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also won three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
“Change the World” is a soft rock ballad with a soulful groove. The lyrics express the desire for positive change and the hope of making a difference in the world through love and kindness. Clapton’s heartfelt vocals and the song’s uplifting melody contributed to its widespread popularity and enduring appeal.
“Change the World” remains one of Eric Clapton’s most successful and beloved songs. It continues to be featured in various media and has been covered by numerous artists since its release. The song’s message of hope and unity resonates with audiences around the world, making it a timeless classic in Clapton’s repertoire.
7. Before You Accuse Me
“Before You Accuse Me” is a blues song written and originally recorded by Bo Diddley, released as a single in 1957. The song has since become a blues standard and has been covered by numerous artists.
Eric Clapton recorded a popular version of “Before You Accuse Me” for his 1989 album “Journeyman.” Clapton’s rendition is a blues-rock interpretation of the original, featuring his signature guitar work and soulful vocals. The song’s lyrics warn against making false accusations and betraying trust in a relationship.
Clapton’s version of “Before You Accuse Me” received significant airplay on rock and blues radio stations and became a concert favorite. The song showcases Clapton’s mastery of the blues genre and his ability to breathe new life into classic songs.
“Before You Accuse Me” remains one of Eric Clapton’s most celebrated blues recordings and is a testament to his enduring influence on the genre. It continues to be performed by Clapton in his live shows and remains a favorite among blues music enthusiasts.
8. Crossroads
“Crossroads” is a blues song originally recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. It’s one of Johnson’s most famous songs and has become a classic in the blues genre.
Eric Clapton recorded a well-known version of “Crossroads” with the band Cream for their live album “Wheels of Fire,” released in 1968. Cream’s rendition of “Crossroads” is a high-energy, blues-rock interpretation that showcases Clapton’s exceptional guitar skills. The song features blistering guitar solos and driving rhythms, capturing the essence of the original while adding a rock edge.
Cream’s version of “Crossroads” gained widespread popularity and became a concert staple for Clapton throughout his career. The song is often regarded as one of the greatest rock guitar performances of all time and has influenced generations of musicians.
“Crossroads” remains a beloved classic in the blues-rock genre and a standout track in Eric Clapton’s discography. It continues to be celebrated for its electrifying energy and Clapton’s virtuosic guitar playing.
9. Lay Down Sally
“Lay Down Sally” is a song by Eric Clapton, released in 1977 on his album “Slowhand.” Clapton co-wrote the song with Marcy Levy (who also provided backing vocals on the track) and George Terry.
“Lay Down Sally” is a laid-back and catchy country blues song, featuring Clapton’s smooth vocals and distinctive guitar playing. The lyrics tell the story of a man trying to convince a restless woman to relax and enjoy life with him. The song’s upbeat rhythm and infectious groove make it a favorite among fans of Clapton’s music.
“Lay Down Sally” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in the United States and Canada. It has since become one of Clapton’s signature songs and remains a staple of his live performances. The song’s timeless appeal and catchy melody have contributed to its enduring popularity over the years.
10. Bell Bottom Blues
“Bell Bottom Blues” is a song by Derek and the Dominos, a band formed by Eric Clapton in the early 1970s. The song was written by Clapton and appears on the band’s only studio album, “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs,” released in 1970.
“Bell Bottom Blues” is a soulful ballad that features Clapton’s emotive vocals and poignant lyrics. The song is believed to be inspired by Clapton’s unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, who was married to his friend George Harrison at the time. The lyrics express longing and heartache, with Clapton singing about the pain of being apart from the one he loves.
Musically, “Bell Bottom Blues” is characterized by its soulful melody and bluesy guitar work. The song’s emotional depth and Clapton’s heartfelt delivery have made it a fan favorite and one of the standout tracks on the album.
“Bell Bottom Blues” has since become one of Eric Clapton’s signature songs and continues to be a beloved classic in his repertoire. It has been covered by various artists and remains a staple of Clapton’s live performances.