Eric Clapton

Descriptive Essay # 103087

Music Studies > Contemporary

Eric Clapton

A discussion of Eric Clapton's life and music.

1,800 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explores some of the long musical history of Eric Clapton. First, it briefly discusses his musical associations and influences. Then, it analyzes two of his most famous performances, "Layla" from his 1970 recording and "Cocaine" from his 1977 solo album, "Slowhand". The paper then concludes with a discussion of Clapton's career after the 1970s and his influence on musicians working today.

Outline:
Background and Associations
Analysis
Influences

From the Paper:

"While still in his twenties, British-born Clapton had worked with many of the most significant bands of his era, including the Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream, and Blind Faith. With always a strong blues flavor to his playing, Clapton established himself as one of the world's premiere electric guitarists, and he is still considered a primary innovator for this instrument, along with Jimi Hendrix. Throughout the heights of his early career, drugs plagued him. When he was in Derek and the Dominoes throughout 1970, they recorded "Layla," which is still considered one of his most famous numbers. And though his post-drug achievements and celebrity have been notable and respected throughout the musical world, it was the troubled Clapton of the 1970s whose song writing and playing made the indelible stamp on rock history."

Sample of Sources Used:

Friedlander, Paul. Rock and Roll: A Social History (Boulder: Westview Press, 1996).
Weissman Dick. Blues: The Basics (Oxford: Routledge Press, 2004).
Considine, J.D. "Eric Clapton--Biography," The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (2004), http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/ericclapton/biography (April 05, 2007).