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Eric Clapton was born on March 30th, 1945 in Surrey, England. He grew up in a musical family and started playing the guitar at a young age. His first guitar was a German Hoyer acoustic, which he received as a gift from his grandparents.
As a teenager, Clapton was influenced by blues artists such as Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. He would often skip school to play guitar and listen to records. In the early 1960s, he joined several bands, including The Roosters and The Yardbirds.
The Bluesbreakers and Cream
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In 1965, Clapton joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and became known as "God" among blues fans. He played on the band's influential album "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton," which helped establish him as one of the greatest guitarists of his time.
In 1966, Clapton left the Bluesbreakers to form the supergroup Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. The band's blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic music was a huge success, and they released several hit albums before disbanding in 1968.
Solo Career and Personal Struggles
After Cream's breakup, Clapton embarked on a successful solo career. He released several albums, including "Eric Clapton" and "461 Ocean Boulevard," which featured hits like "I Shot the Sheriff" and "Layla."
However, Clapton also struggled with personal issues during this time. He became addicted to drugs and alcohol, and his music often reflected his struggles with addiction and relationships.
Recovery and Philanthropy
In the 1980s, Clapton began his recovery from addiction and turned to philanthropy. He founded the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a treatment center for people with substance abuse issues, and organized several benefit concerts for the center.
Clapton also continued to collaborate with other musicians, including B.B. King, with whom he released the album "Riding with the King" in 2000.
Legacy and Honors
Throughout his career, Clapton has been recognized as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He has won numerous awards, including 18 Grammy Awards, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times for his work with The Yardbirds, Cream, and as a solo artist.
Clapton's legacy continues to influence generations of musicians, and his music remains popular around the world. He is a true icon of rock and roll.