Clapton got
kicked out of school for focusing too much on his guitar. He joined his first
band at 17 and left in 1963. He joined The Yardbirds that October.
For Your Love w/The
Yardbirds (1965):
He left the
Yardbirds and joined John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers for a few months.
I’m Your
Witchdoctor w/John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers (1965):
In July
1966, he joined one of the first supergroups with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce.
Cream emerged as one of the great bands of the period. They split in 1968.
Crossroads w/Cream
(1969):
Baker and
Clapton teamed with Steve Winwood for Blind Faith in 1969.
Presence of the
Lord w/Blind Faith (1969):
Clapton
also joined John Lennon for a performance on Lennon’s Shaved Fish:
Cold Turkey by John
Lennon (1969):
E.C. hoped
to deflect attention from himself by forming a new band without needing to be
the star. This led to Derek and the
Dominos.
Tell the Truth
(1970):
Bell Bottom Blues
(1971):
His passion
for George Harrison’s wife made him lose his mind leading to the Dominos hit…
Layla (1971):
Clapton’s
professional success proved a contrast to his private life. He was racked with
addictions and longings. In fact, Pete Townshend held a benefit to help
Clapton’s addiction.
The Rainbow
Concert (1973):
Despite the problems, he had an amazing solo
career.
After Midnight
(1970):
I Shot The Sheriff
(1974):
He made a
guest appearance in The Who’s Tommy
as the Preacher in 1975:
Lay Down Sally
(1977):
Clapton
appeared on The Last Waltz as well:
Wonderful Tonight
(1978):
Promises (1978):
