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.
