Eric Clapton is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock music.
He rose to fame in the 1960s as a member of the Yardbirds and later as a founding member of Cream, winning critical acclaim for his exceptional guitar skills and emotionally charged performances.
Clapton’s solo career further cemented his standing, with hits such as “Layla,” “Tears in Heaven” and “Wonderful Tonight” showcasing his versatility and depth as an artist.
His contributions to music have earned him numerous awards, including 18 Grammy Awards, and he remains a prominent figure in the music industry.
contour
- Full name: Eric Patrick Clapton
- Date of birth: March 30, 1945
- Age: 79 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Ripley, Surrey, England
- Nationality: British
- Occupation: Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Patricia Molly Clapton (mother), Edward Walter Fryer (father)
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Melia McEnery (m. 2002)
- Children: Julie Rose Clapton, Ella Mae Clapton, Sophie Bell Clapton
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: English
- Net worth: $450 million
early life and education
Eric Clapton is 79 years old. He was born on March 30, 1945, in Ripley, Surrey, England, to 16-year-old Patricia Molly Clapton and 24-year-old Canadian soldier Edward Walter Edward Walter Fryer.
Flair returned to Canada before Clapton was born, leaving Patricia to raise him with the support of his parents, whom Clapton did not believe were his parents until he was eight years old.
Clapton’s early exposure to music came from his grandmother, a skilled pianist, and his mother and uncle, who enjoyed listening to big band music.
At age 13, he received a Hoyer acoustic guitar as a birthday present and began practicing blues music, influenced by artists such as Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson.
Clapton attended Holyfield School in Surbiton and later Kingston College of Art, but was expelled at the end of the school year because he concentrated on music rather than art. He began performing in local bars and in 1963 joined his first band, the Roosters.
personal life
In 1979, Clapton married model and photographer Pattie Boyd, but they divorced in 1988.
During his marriage, Clapton had an affair with Italian model Lory Del Santo, with whom he gave birth to son Conor in 1986.
Tragically, Conor died after falling from a window in New York City in 1991, an incident that deeply affected Clapton and inspired the song “Tears in Heaven.”
In 2002, Clapton married administrative assistant Melia McKenney, with whom he has three daughters: Julie Rose, Ella May and Sophie Bell.
Profession
Clapton’s career began in the early 1960s with the Yardbirds, where he earned the nickname “The Slow Hand” for his prowess on guitar.
In 1965, he left the Yardbirds and joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, further honing his blues skills.
In 1966, he formed Cream with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce and achieved success with hits such as “Sunshine of Your Love” and “White Room.”
After Cream broke up in 1968, Clapton formed Blind Faith and later Derek and the Dominos, releasing the iconic Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs in 1970.
His solo career included successful albums such as “461 Ocean Boulevard” (1974), “Slowhand” (1977) and “August” (1986).
Clapton has also collaborated with artists such as BB King, who released “Riding with the King” in 2000, and JJ Cale, who released “The Road to Escondido” in 2006. He continues to perform and record, with his latest studio album Mean While released in 2024.
Awards
Clapton received numerous awards throughout his career, including:
- 18 Grammy Awards
- BRIT Outstanding Contribution Award
- Winner of four Ivor Novello Awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.
- He was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to music.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times: once as a solo artist and as a member of the Yardbirds and Cream.
net worth
Clapton’s net worth is estimated at $450 million.
His successful music career, which includes album sales, tours and royalties, amassed this wealth. Clapton has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time.
dispute
In 1976, during a concert in Birmingham, England, Clapton made derogatory remarks about immigrants and supporters of Enoch Powell, sparking public backlash.
He later expressed regret for the remarks. In 2021, Clapton expressed his opposition to COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccine mandates, saying he would not perform at venues that require proof of vaccination.
The comments sparked debate and criticism in the music industry.
Clapton has also been criticized for supporting the Countryside Alliance, a group that promotes athletics and opposes a ban on fox hunting in the UK.
He has raised funds for the organization through concerts and has spoken out against Labor’s ban on fox hunting through the 2004 Hunting Act. A spokesman for Clapton said: “Eric supports the Countryside Alliance.
He doesn’t hunt himself, but enjoys country activities like fishing and shooting. He supported the Union’s efforts to repeal prohibition because he disagreed with the state’s interference in people’s private pursuits. ” These positions have sparked debate about Clapton’s views on environmental and animal rights issues.
In 2023, during Israel’s war with Hamas, Clapton released a song called “Children’s Voice” accompanied by a video showing images of destruction in the Gaza Strip.
In December 2023, he organized a benefit concert to raise funds for children in the Gaza Strip. During the event, he played a guitar painted in the colors of the Palestinian flag. These actions sparked discussions about his political and humanitarian views.
social media
- Instagram: @ericclapton
- Twitter: @EricClapton
film chronology
- iCarly: iGo to Japan (2008)
- Better and Better 3D (2010)
- The Big Bang Theory (2010)
- Family Tree(2011)
- Geography Club(2013)
- Wrecked (2016–2018)
- Cloak & Dagger(2018–2019)
discography
- Eric Clapton(1970)
- 461 Ocean Avenue (1974)
- There’s One in the Crowd (1975)
- Crying for No Reason(1976)
- Slow Hands(1977)
- Backless(1978)
- Another Ticket(1981)
- Money and Cigarettes(1983)
- Behind the Sun(1985)
- August(1986)
- Journeyman(1989)
- From the Cradle (1994)
- Pilgrim(1998)
- Reptile(2001)
- Mr. Johnson and I (2004)
- Sessions with Robert J. (2004)
- Go Home(2005)
- Clapton(2010)
- Old Socks(2013)
- I still do (2016)
- Merry Christmas(2018)
- Meanwhile(2024)
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