Legendary rock singer and guitarist Eric Clapton is one of the most influential contributors to the genre of rock music. We celebrate his birthday today humming along with some of his most memorable classics. Enjoy this tribute jukebox!
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
Bob Dylan’s hugely popular number Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door was got its unique reggae twist thanks to Clapton’s strumming. That’s what still makes it the perfect number to sway to sitting on your couch on a Saturday evening, chilling with some beers.
Cocaine
Cocaine has always been such a delight to our ears. While the original song was written and recorded by JJ Cale in ’76, it shot to fame only after Clapton sang its cover version. In fact, he made it so famous that it was featured in three Hollywood flicks Starsky & Hutch, Lord of War and Bad News Bears.
Shot the Sheriff
Interestingly, the iconic guitarist who plays rather fast is lovingly nicknamed ‘Slowhand’. That’s Clapton had such crazy bends that he would often end up breaking the guitar strings. He used to then rush backstage to change them and the audience would keep the atmosphere charged up with a slow hand clap, waiting in anticipation for his dramatic return. When touring with The Yardbirds in 1964, his manager coined this moniker for him.
Can’t Find My Way Home
Like several other rockstars, Clapton’s heroine addiction had taught him a personal lesson. Realising the need to show people the way to get out of the drug induced downward spiral, he started a rehab centre in Antigua, and called it ‘Crossroads’. Clapton chose this place because island’s serene landscape made him feel very peaceful, and he knew that it’ll bring a calming effect to those seeking help.
Promises
Eric Clapton fans now have a reason to rejoice as the iconic artist has reunited with producer Glyn Johns for his 23rd studio album titled I Still Do. The duo has done fabulous work in their albums together for The Eagles, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. Their global hit and Clapton’s supremely revered album Slowhand remains unforgettable.
(This story is from The Quint’s archives and was first published on March 30, 2016. It is now being republished to mark Eric Clapton’s birthday.)
Join The Quint on WhatsApp. Type “JOIN” and send to 9910181818.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)