British guitarist and singer-songwriter Eric Clapton was born into a modest Surrey family in 1945, and discovered the American blues in his teens. Despite a rocky start, his exceptional guitar skills and distinctive voice made him a rock legend. Clapton is known for his virtuoso guitar playing, which fuses blues, rock and pop into a unique style. He played in several influential bands, including the Yardbirds, Cream and Derek and the Dominos, before pursuing a successful solo career. Clapton has written many rock classics such as ‘Layla’, ‘Wonderful Tonight’ and ‘Tears in Heaven’. His musical style has evolved over the years, moving from pure blues-rock to softer, acoustic sounds. He has collaborated with countless renowned artists and influenced generations of guitarists. Although best known for his rock and blues music, Clapton has also explored other genres, including reggae and pop. One of his most significant works, the 1992 album Unplugged, marked a turning point in his career, illustrating his ability to reinvent himself musically while remaining true to his blues roots. Clapton's influence on rock, blues and guitar in general is immense, his nickname of ‘Slowhand’ and his status as ‘guitar god’ testifying to his universal influence.
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