Eric Clapton is a highly skilled guitar player who is renowned as an icon, legend, and guitar god due to his incredible talent on the six strings. He has had an illustrious 60-year career, during which he has played in many rock bands like Cream, Blind Faith, and Derek & the Dominos, and has had an even more successful solo career. Although Clapton recently featured on Ozzy Osbourne’s Grammy-nominated album, Patient Number 9, he has worked on many other great albums. This article lists ten legendary albums that Eric Clapton has been a part of.
The Beatles’ White Album
Eric Clapton was asked by George Harrison to play lead guitar on the Beatles’ classic song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” which was included on their well-known White Album. Clapton also collaborated with the Beatles on other songs during their time together, such as their album Magical Mystery Tour. He continued to work with individual members of the band after they disbanded. Clapton contributed to George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, John Lennon’s project The Plastic Ono Band’s album Shaved Fish, and Ringo Starr’s Rotogravure.
Lady Soul – Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin’s album Lady Soul featured the outstanding guitar skills of Clapton, who played lead guitar on the track “Good to Me as I Am to You.” This song, written by Franklin and Don Covay, is a perfect example of Clapton’s versatility as a musician, as he effortlessly melds his bluesy style with Franklin’s soulful sound. Lady Soul, released in 1968, was a critical and commercial success for Franklin, and Clapton’s contribution was a memorable addition to an already iconic album.
Stephen Stills – Stephen Stills
Eric Clapton contributed his guitar skills to Stephen Stills’ self-titled first solo album, particularly on the track “Go Back Home.” Clapton also played on Stills’ second solo album, titled “Stephen Stills 2.”
Desire – Bob Dylan
The legendary guitarist Eric Clapton played guitar on Bob Dylan’s iconic album Desire, particularly on the song “Romance In Durango,” which has a Spanish-tinged lullaby sound. The album was released in 1976 and was produced by Don DeVito. The record features a range of musicians and is known for its unique sound and storytelling lyrics, which have made it one of Dylan’s most celebrated works. Clapton’s contribution to the album is just one example of his extensive collaborations with other great artists throughout his career.
The Sun, Moon & Herbs – Dr. John
The slide guitar expertise of Clapton was showcased on the album The Sun, Moon & Herbs by Dr. John, where he contributed to several tracks. The album also features a guest appearance by Mick Jagger, the famous frontman of the Rolling Stones.
Christine McVie – Christine McVie
Christine McVie’s second solo album features Clapton’s lead guitar work on the track called “The Challenge”. The British guitarist has had a long history of collaboration with McVie and Fleetwood Mac, he played on the band’s 1971 hit single “Need Your Love So Bad” and has contributed to a number of their albums including “Rumours” and “Tusk”. Clapton and McVie were also romantically involved for a brief period in the late 1970s.
An Anthology – Duane Allman
Derek & the Dominos, a rock supergroup that Clapton formed, featured Duane Allman as a frequent collaborator. Allman played on most of the songs on the band’s renowned album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs,” and his slide guitar work is especially notable on the title track. After Allman’s death, a collaborative album between him and Clapton was released posthumously, titled “Mean Old World,” featuring both guitarists’ talents.
The Red Shoes – Kate Bush
Kate Bush’s album “The Red Shoes” features Eric Clapton’s guitar playing, with his skills displayed on the track “And So Is Love.” Alongside him on the track is Gary Brooker from Procol Harum, with the two collaborating to bring their distinct musical styles to the song.
One of the Boys – Roger Daltrey
Roger Daltrey, the lead singer of The Who, enlisted the help of Eric Clapton for his third solo album. Clapton was not the only big name to feature on the album, as Paul McCartney and Mick Ronson also contributed their musical talents. This collaboration between renowned artists from different bands was highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, and it marked a significant moment in the music industry.
Face Value – Phil Collins
Eric Clapton played guitar on two tracks, “The Roof Is Leaking” and “If Leaving Me Is Easy”, featured in Phil Collins’ first solo album, Face Value. Clapton also appeared on Collins’ fourth solo album, called “…But Seriously”.