2 days Ago By Rhian Morgan
Eric Clapton , often hailed as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of music . From his early days with bands like Cream and The Yardbirds to his successful solo career, he has produced heartfelt, timeless classics. Born Eric Patrick Clapton in Ripley, Surrey, he was inspired by American blues artists and began fusing the music with psychedelia when he co-founded Cream, one of the world’s first supergroups, with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce.
Clapton's solo career took off in the 1970s, as he produced timeless hits. Known for his soulful guitar, he has won 18 Grammy awards and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times. However, it has not always been plain sailing for the music icon.
Clapton has been beset by personal struggles, including battles with addiction and the tragic loss of his son, as well as recent illness. However, his life has informed his career, enabling him to create music that resonates deeply with fans. Today, he remains a global icon, celebrated for his artistry and resilience.
As he turns 80 on Sunday (March 30), we take a look at Clapton’s life and the highlights of his career. Eric Clapton’s personal life is just as intriguing as his career. His father was a Canadian soldier, Edward Fryer, but he returned to Canada before Eric was born.
So he took his mother Patricia’s maiden name, Clapton, who was just 16 when he was born. However, Clapton was raised by his grandparents, Rose and Jack Clapp, believing they were his parents and that his mother was his older sister – a revelation that profoundly impacted him later in life . The guitarist’s first high-profile relationship was with Pattie Boyd , whom he married in 1979.
Clapton's songs Layla and Wonderful Tonight were inspired by her. However, the couple divorced in 1989. In 2002, Clapton married Melia McEnery.
The couple met in 1999 at a party in Los Angeles and have been together ever since. Clapton has had five children. His oldest daughter is Ruth Kelly Clapton (born 1985), from his relationship with Yvonne Kelly.
With Melia McEnery, he has three daughters: Julie Rose (born 2001), Ella May (born 2003), and Sophie Belle (born 2005). However, he has also lost a child, his only son. Conor Clapton was born in 1986 and his mother was Italian model Lory Del Santo.
Conor tragically died at the age of four, after falling from an open window, inspiring Clapton's heartfelt song Tears in Heaven. The music icon has faced significant health challenges in recent years. He suffers from peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes nerve damage and results in pain, tingling, and weakness, particularly in the limbs and back.
This has made playing the guitar increasingly difficult. Additionally, Clapton has tinnitus, a hearing condition that causes a persistent ringing in the ears, as well as some hearing loss. Despite these struggles, Clapton continues inspire fans worldwide, though he is unsure how long he will be able to continue performing.
Clapton resides in a picturesque Italian-style villa known as Hurtwood Edge Estate , in Ewhurst, Surrey. The property, built in 1910, is surrounded by stunning countryside and reflects Clapton's love for tranquillity. He also owns homes in California and Antigua, showcasing his affinity for beautiful and serene locations.
For many fans, it is hard to choose. However, five of Clapton's most iconic tracks, based on their popularity on streaming platforms, are: Clapton's music continues to resonate with audiences, proving that his artistry transcends time. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to his work, his songs offer a glimpse into the soul of a musical legend.
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