Eric Clapton net worth in 2023 Career & Relationship

Estimated value:	€140 million
Age:	77
Born:	03/30/1945
Country of origin:	Great Britain
Source of Wealth:	Singer
Last updated:	2021

Short introduction

Seventeen Grammys, over twenty studio albums and worldwide fame: That’s Eric Clapton. There is probably no one with an interest in music who does not know the rock guitarist – although it has not always been easy for him.

early life

Eric Patrick Clapton was born in Ripley, England in the spring of 1945. His father was a soldier and not married to his mother, who was only sixteen when Clapton was born. The family agreed to let the future music star grow up with his grandparents, where he believed his mother to be his older sister.

At the time of the birth, the father had already left the country and the boy’s childhood was difficult. Clapton began studying art in London as a teenager, but dropped out in favor of his love of music. At seventeen he played in a band that made R&B music.

Various groups followed, such as the Bluesbreakers or the Yardbirds, with whom Clapton recorded the hit “For Your Love” in 1965. During this period, the musician also received the nickname “Slowhand”. This results from the slow clapping of the audience in the breaks, in which Clapton re-tightened his often snapping guitar strings.

Career

In 1966, Eric Clapton became a member of Cream, the first ever rock supergroup. Here he worked with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce. Like the follow-up band Blind Faith, Cream enjoyed great success. Among other things, the songs “Crossroads”, “I Feel Free” and “Badge” achieved high levels of popularity.

After many failed attempts, Clapton left the band and began his career as a solo artist. The first album was released in 1970 and immediately became a success. Important songs in this decade were a re-recording of Bob Marley’s “I Shot The Sheriff” and Clapton’s biggest hit “Layla”.

After a difficult period in the ’70s, Clapton found new success in the ’80s and ’90s. He produced together with Phil Collins, became a member of the British Order of Knights CBE and released one of his greatest successes ever with “Tears In Heaven”.

Even in the new millennium, Eric Clapton just doesn’t want to be quiet: Not only did more albums and countless tours follow, but also a concert film in 2014 and in 2007 a big benefit concert with numerous music greats. In 2018, Clapton revealed he had hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy – but he continues to release new music.

Career highlights

One of Eric Clapton’s greatest successes is certainly the song “Layla”, which was taken from the album of the same name by Clapton’s band Derek & The Dominos. “Layla” won a Grammy and became a 70’s rock hit. Clapton’s second smash hit “Tears In Heaven” from 1992 received three Grammys, which was also nominated for a Golden Globe.

In general, Clapton first became famous in bands, for example with Cream or Blind Faith and their award-winning album of the same name. He later went on to produce major hits solo such as 1986’s August album which peaked at number 3 in the UK Singles Chart. The song “Bad Love” from 1991 even reached number one in the rock charts and was awarded a Grammy.

In the 2000s, Clapton made headlines with the 2007 Crossroads Guitar Festival, an Emmy-winning benefit festival. Together with stars like John Mayer, Steve Winwood and Sonny Landreth, Eric Clapton raised money for a rehabilitation clinic. Another success of this time was the album “Clapton” from 2010, which reached number 3 in the German charts.

Overall, Eric Clapton has received 17 Grammys and a Lifetime Achievement Award, and is the only musician in the world to be inducted three times into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has sold over seventy million albums and in 2011 Rolling Stone magazine ranked Clapton #2 on its list of greatest guitarists of all time.

Famous quotes

– “The blues have inspired me all my life and have always given me strength.”
– “I have found my personal God in music and art. In a form he was always there, but now I’ve learned to talk to him.”
– “If you give me a guitar, I will play the blues. That’s where I go automatically.”

Amazing Facts

– In the seventies, Clapton was addicted to heroin and even suffered a breakdown on stage. Electroshock therapy helped him to wean himself off.
– Eric Clapton worked closely with George Harrison and, among other things, helped the Beatles record his song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”.
– The hit “Tears In Heaven” was inspired by the death of Clapton’s son Conor, who fell out of a skyscraper window at the age of four.
– For about 25 years, the musician has been dressed by his friend Giorgio Armani. He even wrote songs for his fashion shows.

Estimated value:	€140 million