Eric Clapton
Published 2007
328 pages
I'm not sure what made me pick up this book. I hadn't read any reviews of it, no one had recommended it to me and I only had a commercial knowledge of Eric Clapton's music. Nonetheless, I bought it. And it was fabulous.
Clapton has led an incredible life. For an autobiography of a music legend and g
uitar god, it is relatively short. Yet, it is most fulfilling. It of course starts out with the basic childhood highlights and then moves fairly quickly into his adult career. It is really quite fascinating to read his stories and tales as he was there was "it" was all happening. The Beatles, Hendrix, the drugs, rock n roll, the whole evolution of modern music. It's the little stories and tidbits that are often times most intriguing. For instance, the song 'Here Comes the Sun' was written by Harrison at Clapton's home in England, Hurtwood during a particularly beautiful sunrise. And for a nice chuckle, Clapton reveals what Paul McCartney's original lyrics were to 'Yesterday.'It is at times comical and light-hearted, but make no mistake. Clapton, by no means, glorifies himself. In fact, he becomes more and more human as it progresses. He speaks with ease and candor about his many, many mistakes and trials. And while there is a degree of the technical music & guitar jargon, it doesn't detract from the larger story. In the end, it is really just a breathe-taking tale of a man trying to find his place in the universe.
