Eric Clapton is perhaps one of the most respected and influential guitarists ever. His musical tenure in the 1960s and 1970s was one of the blossom periods when western music exploded and was appreciated worldwide. With his illumination career of five decades in this industry, Eric Clapton became the ‘God’ of blues music. Clapton released many albums and singles throughout his musical career and performed at various iconic stages and concerts.
Eric Clapton, one of the most influential guitarists of all time, started his musical journey at an early age. He joined his first-ever band British R&B group, the Roosters, when he was just 17 years old. The peak time of his career was when he joined the Yardbirds and Bluebreakers, where he got worldwide recognition.
Later in the 1960s and early 1970s, Clapton launched many successful bands like Cream, Blind Faith, and Derek & The Dominos. It was the mid-1970s when Clapton embarked on his solo musical journey.
His solo works were also absolute hits, including Slowhands, 461 Ocean, No Reason To Cry, Boulevard, and There’s One In Every Crowd. These kinds of music have distinctive blends of blues, rock, and pop domination in them.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he was actively collaborating with diverse music artists and experimenting with various genres of music. He was involved in various personal issues like addictions during this phase of life.
One of the most tragic events of his life was when his four-year-old son died after falling from the 53rd-floor building. He expressed his grief through the song “Tears in Heaven,” dedicated to his late son.
Though these setbacks were huge, they didn’t stop Clapton from creating the hits. Tears in Heaven and Layla were hits among his fans from all around the world. He is one of the most influential musicians in the rock and blues genre. This also sets his legacy, which continues to inspire generations of musicians.
Eric Clapton and His Journey with the Yardbirds:
Eric Clapton’s time with The Yardbirds was a pivotal period in his early career as a guitarist. He joined the band in 1963 and remained with them for about two years before leaving. Clapton’s guitar-playing style became the band’s signature during his time with The Yardbirds.
He brought blues influence to their music, playing with intensity and style. This also made him very popular and one of the most stylish guitarists in the United Kingdom.
Clapton’s contribution to The Yardbirds’ first two compendiums, Five Live Yardbirds and For Your Love, helped establish the band as a major force in the British music scene. The conflict between the band and Clapton started to surface after the hit “For Your Love,”, particularly over their shift towards a more marketable sound. After he departed from the band, Jeff Beck replaced him as the lead guitarist.
Why did Eric Clapton leave the Yardbirds?
Eric Clapton gave many hits during his short tenure of two years with the band, including “For Your Love.” He left the band in 1965, leaving the band without a lead guitarist—musical differences from the other band members.
Clapton was a blues extremist who wanted to play a more traditional blues style. At the same time, the Yardbirds were moving towards a more experimental and psychedelic sound.
Clapton was also getting increasingly frustrated with the band’s commercial success. He felt their new direction was sacrificing their authenticity as a blues band. He ultimately decided to leave the Yardbirds and join John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, where he felt he could play the kind of blues he wanted.
Clapton’s departure from the Yardbirds was a significant loss for the band as he was the songwriter and only guitarist. However, the Yardbirds also helped him to establish himself as one of the most influential guitarists in music history.
