Clapton, Eric (1945– )

English blues and rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Originally a blues purist, he became one of the pioneers of heavy rock with Cream (1966–68), but then returned to the blues after making the landmark album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970) with Derek and the Dominos. His solo albums include Journeyman (1989) and the acoustic Unplugged (1992), for which he received six Grammy awards (1993).

Clapton was a member of the Yardbirds 1963–65 but left when the group turned from rhythm and blues to experimental rock. During his year with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers 1965–66, ‘Clapton is God’ graffiti began to appear in England. After the groundbreaking rock of Cream, he formed the short-lived group Blind Faith in 1969. He sought a lower profile 1970–72, playing with US duo Delaney and Bonnie, and adopted a more laid-back style with his solo album 461 Ocean Boulevard (1974). Other albums include Money and Cigarettes (1983) and August (1986). He gained a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the USA in 2000, having been honoured in 1992 with the Yardbirds and 1993 with Cream. He won Grammy awards for his singles ‘Change the World’ (1997) and ‘Reptile’ (2002). He published Eric Clapton: The Autobiography in 2007.