Following a second spell in a supergroup, the far less successful Blind Faith, Clapton first played as one of Delaney and Bonnie and Friends before releasing a disappointingly restrained solo album. The next record, however, was better received. Taking the sidemen from his solo record, and adding slide guitar virtuoso [Duane Allman]? he recorded "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs" as Derek and the Dominos. The title track, a statement of unrequited love for Boyd-Harrison with an immediately recognisable guitar riff, remains one of the most widely played rock songs of the 1970s. The remainder of the album, which was heavily blues influenced, featured a winning combination of the two guitars of Allman and Clapton.
Despite his success, Clapton's personal life was a mess. In addition to the romantic entanglements, he had become addicted to heroin, which resulted in a career hiatus interrupted only by [The Concert for Bangladesh]? and the "Rainbow Concert" in 1973, organised by [The Who]?'s [Pete Townshend]? to help Clapton kick the drug. Relatively clean again, he released "461 Ocean Boulevard"(1974), an album with the emphasis on songs rather than musicianship. Its cover of "I Shot The Sheriff", whilst somewhat anaemic, was important in bringing the music [Bob Marley]? to a wider audience. The 1975 album "Theres One In Every Crowd" continued this trend. (Its original to be title "The World's Greatest Guitar Player (Theres One In Every Crowd)" was altered as it was felt the ironic intention would be missed.)
The late 1970s saw Clapton struggle to come to terms with the changes in popular music, and a relapse into alcholism?, that eventually saw him hospilatised and spend a period of convalescence in Antigua?, where he would later support the creation of a drugs and alcohol rehabilitation centre. His albums continued in the 1980s, with only 1989's "Journeyman" achieving much critical acclaim, featuring a strong return to his blues roots.
Rest of Career (to fill)
death of son, Unplugged, From the Cradle, critical renaissance...
Links: Claptons "Crossroads" Rehab centre, Antigua: http://crossroadsantigua.org/