Biography
Who is Eric Clapton?
Early life and education
Eric Clapton was born on March 30, 1945, in Ripley, United Kingdom. He grew up in Surrey with his grandmother and her second husband, believing they were his parents. He attended Kingston University and The Hollyfield School and Sixth Form Centre before focusing entirely on his music.
For his thirteenth birthday, he received an acoustic guitar from Germany. The steel-stringed instrument proved difficult to play at first, leading him to briefly set it aside. Two years later, he picked it up again and began practicing consistently by playing along to blues records.
Rise to fame and bands
Eric joined the Yardbirds from 1963 to 1965, establishing a reputation as a talented blues guitarist. He later played with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers before forming the power trio Cream with drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Jack Bruce. Cream released four successful albums before breaking up in November 1968.
Following Cream, Eric formed Blind Faith and later Derek and the Dominos. With Derek and the Dominos, he recorded the album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, which featured his signature song "Layla". He also toured with Delaney and Bonnie during this busy period of his career.
Solo career and achievements
Eric launched his solo career with his first album in 1970 and continued recording successful albums over the next several decades. His 1974 cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" helped bring reggae to a mass market. He also released the country-infused album Slowhand in 1977 and the pop rock album August in 1986.
He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist and as a member of the Yardbirds and Cream. In 2004, he received a CBE for his services to music.
Personal life and recovery
Following the death of his son Conor in 1991, Eric expressed his grief through the song "Tears in Heaven", which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song appeared on his Unplugged album and earned widespread recognition.
Having recovered from substance addiction himself, Eric founded the Crossroads Centre on Antigua in 1998. The medical facility was established to help individuals recovering from substance abuse. He also hosts the periodic Crossroads Guitar Festival to support these efforts.
Birthday and age
Eric Clapton was born on March 30, 1945, which makes Eric 81 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Eric shares the date with 68 other famous people.
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