Eric Clapton – Goin’ Down Slow [Live Video Version]

Eric Clapton and The Blues: An Interplay of Influence and Innovation

The landscape of modern blues music wouldn’t be the same without the immense contribution of British rock and blues legend Eric Clapton. His guitar work and songwriting have indelibly reshaped the genre, threading together elements of blues, rock, and pop into a unique and expressive tapestry of sound. One of the most fascinating aspects of Clapton’s music, however, is how profoundly it’s been shaped by the blues – and in turn, how it has influenced the evolution of the genre.

From the outset of his career, Clapton was deeply enamored with the American blues. Growing up in post-war Britain, he was taken by the emotive, raw power of artists like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, and B.B. King. His reverence for these pioneers was evident in his earliest work with The Yardbirds and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, where he began to infuse traditional blues with elements of British rock.

By the late ’60s, Clapton’s blues-rock prowess was already turning heads, both with Cream and Blind Faith. Albums like “Disraeli Gears” and “Blind Faith” showcased Clapton’s ability to take the blues in a new direction, blending blues-based improvisation with psychedelic rock influences. However, it was his later solo career and work with Derek and the Dominos where his love for the blues truly blossomed.

“From the Cradle” (1994), one of Clapton’s most emblematic blues albums, was his tribute to some of the greatest blues musicians. The album, a collection of covers, featured his take on tracks from blues masters such as Willie Dixon’s ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’, Muddy Waters’ ‘Forty-Four’, and Leroy Carr’s ‘Blues Before Sunrise’.

Another remarkable example is Clapton’s 2004 album “Me and Mr. Johnson”, dedicated entirely to Robert Johnson’s work. This album was a clear homage to the King of the Delta Blues, who has been cited by Clapton as “the most important blues musician who ever lived.”

Eric Clapton also had the honor of recording and performing with some of the greats. In 2000, he released “Riding with the King” with B.B. King. The album is a testament to their mutual respect and influence, showcasing a perfect blend of King’s powerful voice and Clapton’s intricate guitar work.

Beyond covering and collaborating with blues legends, Clapton’s music has also left a distinct mark on the blues genre. His guitar playing, characterized by its emotive bends, rapid fingerpicking, and signature “woman tone”, has influenced countless aspiring guitarists. Through his blend of traditional and psychedelic blues, Clapton helped shape the British Blues Boom of the ’60s and has continued to inspire modern blues musicians today.

Clapton’s impact is particularly notable in his infusion of blues into rock and pop music. His hits like ‘Layla’ and ‘Wonderful Tonight’ took the essence of the blues – raw emotion and simple yet profound storytelling – and introduced it to a broader audience. This not only revitalized the blues, but it also changed the direction of rock and pop music, underscoring the blues’ enduring influence.

In essence, Clapton’s journey with the blues is a captivating tale of homage, evolution, and influence. He has not only internalized the language of the blues but reshaped it in his image, creating a lasting legacy in the annals of blues and popular music history. The beauty of this relationship lies in its reciprocity – as much as the blues has influenced Clapton, so too has Clapton influenced the blues.