Jan 1, 1963 CE
Clapton joins The Yardbirds
Eric Clapton joins The Yardbirds, replacing guitarist Top Topham. He gains fame as a blues guitarist, earning the nickname 'Slowhand'. #contemporary #culture
Chronological Storyline (30 Milestones)
Mar 1, 1965 CE
Clapton joins Bluesbreakers
Clapton leaves The Yardbirds due to their pop direction and joins John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, further honing his blues style. #contemporary #culture
Jul 1, 1966 CE
Cream formed
Clapton forms the power trio Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Their debut album 'Fresh Cream' is released later that year. #contemporary #culture
Dec 1, 1967 CE
Disraeli Gears released
Cream releases 'Disraeli Gears', featuring hits like 'Sunshine of Your Love', solidifying Clapton's status as a guitar hero. #contemporary #culture
Oct 1, 1968 CE
Cream disbands
Cream's final album 'Wheels of Fire' is released. The band disbands in November after a farewell tour. #contemporary #culture
Jan 1, 1969 CE
Blind Faith formed
Clapton forms the short-lived supergroup Blind Faith with Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker, and Ric Grech. Their only album is released in August. #contemporary #culture
Apr 1, 1970 CE
Debut solo album released
Clapton releases his debut solo album 'Eric Clapton', featuring the hit 'After Midnight'. #contemporary #culture
Aug 1, 1970 CE
Derek and the Dominos formed
Clapton forms Derek and the Dominos with Duane Allman. They record the classic album 'Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs'. #contemporary #culture
Mar 1, 1971 CE
Layla released
The single 'Layla' is released, becoming one of Clapton's most iconic songs. The band disbands later that year. #contemporary #culture
Jan 1, 1973 CE
Heroin addiction struggle
Clapton struggles with heroin addiction, leading to a period of inactivity. He undergoes treatment and begins recovery. #contemporary #culture
Jul 1, 1974 CE
Comeback album 461 Ocean Boulevard
Clapton releases '461 Ocean Boulevard', his comeback album featuring the hit 'I Shot the Sheriff' (Bob Marley cover). #contemporary #culture
Nov 1, 1977 CE
Slowhand released
Clapton releases 'Slowhand', which includes the classic 'Wonderful Tonight' and 'Lay Down Sally'. #contemporary #culture
May 1, 1979 CE
Just One Night live album
Clapton releases 'Just One Night', a live album recorded at the Budokan in Tokyo, showcasing his guitar prowess. #contemporary #culture
Mar 1, 1985 CE
Behind the Sun released
Clapton releases 'Behind the Sun', his first album with Phil Collins as producer, featuring the hit 'Forever Man'. #contemporary #culture
Nov 1, 1986 CE
August released
Clapton releases 'August', produced by Phil Collins, including the song 'It's in the Way That You Use It'. #contemporary #culture
Oct 1, 1988 CE
Crossroads box set released
Clapton releases 'Crossroads', a box set retrospective of his career, which wins a Grammy for Best Historical Album. #contemporary #culture
Mar 20, 1991 CE
Son Conor dies
Clapton's 4-year-old son Conor dies in a fall from a New York apartment window. This tragedy deeply affects him. #contemporary #culture
Aug 1, 1992 CE
Unplugged album released
Clapton releases 'Unplugged', an acoustic live album featuring 'Tears in Heaven', written about his son. It wins multiple Grammys. #contemporary #culture
Sep 1, 1996 CE
Pilgrim released
Clapton releases 'Pilgrim', an album dealing with loss and recovery, including the song 'Change the World'. #contemporary #culture
Jan 1, 1999 CE
Third Hall of Fame induction
Clapton is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the third time (as a solo artist, with Cream, and with The Yardbirds). #contemporary #culture
Jun 1, 2000 CE
Riding with the King released
Clapton releases 'Riding with the King', a collaborative album with B.B. King, celebrating blues legends. #contemporary #culture
Sep 1, 2004 CE
Me and Mr. Johnson released
Clapton releases 'Me and Mr. Johnson', a tribute album to bluesman Robert Johnson, followed by 'Sessions for Robert J'. #contemporary #culture
May 1, 2006 CE
The Road to Escondido released
Clapton releases 'The Road to Escondido', a collaboration with J.J. Cale, which wins a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. #contemporary #culture
Sep 1, 2010 CE
Clapton studio album released
Clapton releases 'Clapton', his 20th studio album, featuring a mix of blues, rock, and standards. #contemporary #culture
Mar 1, 2013 CE
Old Sock released
Clapton releases 'Old Sock', an album of covers and originals, showcasing his continued versatility. #contemporary #culture
May 1, 2014 CE
JJ Cale tribute album released
Clapton releases 'The Breeze: An Appreciation of JJ Cale', a tribute album featuring many guest artists. #contemporary #culture
May 1, 2016 CE
I Still Do released
Clapton releases 'I Still Do', his 23rd studio album, produced by Glyn Johns, featuring original songs and covers. #contemporary #culture
Sep 1, 2018 CE
Happy Xmas and neuropathy announcement
Clapton releases 'Happy Xmas', a holiday album, and announces he is dealing with peripheral neuropathy, affecting his guitar playing. #contemporary #culture
Oct 1, 2021 CE
Lockdown Sessions live album
Clapton releases 'The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions', a live album recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. #contemporary #culture
Mar 1, 2023 CE
Continued touring and recording
Clapton continues to tour and record, releasing the single 'This Has Gotta Stop' and remaining active despite health challenges. #contemporary #culture