Eric Clapton is an English rock and blues musician widely recognized for his influential guitar playing and successful career as a singer-songwriter. His contributions to music have earned him multiple Grammys and a unique triple induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Martin Guitar has celebrated 30 years of collaboration with Eric Clapton, releasing special anniversary guitars. Clapton has inspired more Martin signature models than any other artist.
Eric Clapton and Hard Rock International launched the limited-edition Eric Clapton Artist Spotlight merchandise program to benefit Crossroads Centre Antigua.
Guitar Center has co-sponsored each of Eric Clapton’s four Crossroads Guitar Festivals and has been a strong supporter of the Crossroads Centre, showcasing The Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Collection.
Chase is listed as one of the well-known brands that Eric Clapton has had endorsement deals with.
Fender has created signature Eric Clapton Stratocaster guitars in his honor, introduced in 1988. His endorsed gear has also included Fender guitars like the Stratocaster and Telecaster in earlier stages of his career.
Clapton remade "After Midnight" as a single and promotional track for the Michelob beer brand.
In 2010, Clapton appeared as a spokesman for T-Mobile, advertising their MyTouch Fender cell phone.
In March 2007, Clapton appeared in an advertisement for RealNetworks' Rhapsody online music service.
Clapton appeared in an advertisement for the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.
Opel and Vauxhall used the guitar riff from "Layla" in their advertising campaigns throughout 1987-1995.
Eric Patrick Clapton was born on March 30, 1945, in Ripley, Surrey, England. Raised by his grandparents, he developed an early interest in blues music and began learning guitar in his teenage years. His advanced guitar skills led him to the Kingston College of Art, though his focus remained on music, resulting in his expulsion. By the age of 16, Clapton was already performing and busking. In 1962, he formed a duo with Dave Brock, playing in pubs across Surrey, and in 1963, he joined his first band, the Roosters. He continued to gain experience with Casey Jones and the Engineers before joining The Yardbirds in October 1963, marking a significant step in his musical journey.
Clapton’s time with The Yardbirds from 1963 to 1965 established him as a prominent guitarist in the British music scene, noted for his distinctive style influenced by Chicago blues. He joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in April 1965, where he solidified his reputation as a leading blues guitarist, contributing to the influential album “Blues Breakers – John Mayall – With Eric Clapton.” In July 1966, Clapton co-founded the power trio Cream with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce. Cream achieved international success, releasing four albums and touring extensively in the US and Europe. Their innovative sound blended high-volume blues jamming with psychedelic rock, featuring Clapton’s sustained blues improvisations and unique “woman tone.” The band’s hit singles, “Sunshine of Your Love” (1968) and “White Room” (1968), contributed to their commercial success. Despite their popularity, Cream disbanded in November 1968, leading Clapton to pursue new musical collaborations.
Following Cream, Clapton formed the blues rock band Blind Faith in 1969, releasing one album and conducting a major tour before disbanding within seven months. He then toured with Delaney & Bonnie and the Plastic Ono Band, recording his first solo album, “Eric Clapton,” in 1970, which featured the hit single “After Midnight.” That same year, he formed Derek and the Dominos, releasing the acclaimed album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” (1970), which included his signature song “Layla.” After a period of personal challenges, Clapton made a significant comeback with the album “461 Ocean Boulevard” (1974), featuring a successful cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.” Throughout the subsequent decades, he continued to release successful albums and singles, such as “Slowhand” (1977), which included hits like “Wonderful Tonight” and “Cocaine,” and his Grammy-winning song “Tears in Heaven” (1992), written after the tragic death of his son. His dedication to philanthropic efforts led him to establish the Crossroads Centre in Antigua in 1998, a rehabilitation facility for substance abuse, supported by fundraising events like the Crossroads Guitar Festival. Clapton’s career has been recognized with 18 Grammy Awards, a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, and his unparalleled three inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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