Eric Clapton Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Wikipedia, Net Worth, Movies, Songs, Awards

---

Eric Clapton is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in rock music history.

He gained prominence in the 1960s as a member of the Yardbirds and later as a founding member of Cream, where his exceptional guitar skills and emotive performances garnered critical acclaim.

Clapton’s solo career further solidified his status, with hits like “Layla,” “Tears in Heaven,” and “Wonderful Tonight” showcasing his versatility and depth as an artist.

His contributions to music have earned him numerous awards, including 18 Grammy Awards, and he remains a prominent figure in the music industry.

Profile

• Full name: Eric Patrick Clapton
• Date of birth: March 30, 1945
• Age: 79 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Ripley, Surrey, England
• Nationality: British
• Profession: Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Patricia Molly Clapton (mother), Edward Walter Fryer (father)
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Melia McEnery (married in 2002)
• Children: Julie Rose Clapton, Ella May Clapton, Sophie Belle Clapton
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: English
• Net worth: $450 million

Early Life and Education

Eric Clapton is now at the age of 79. He was born on March 30, 1945, in Ripley, Surrey, England, to 16-year-old Patricia Molly Clapton and 24-year-old Canadian soldier Edward Walter Fryer.

Fryer returned to Canada before Clapton’s birth, leaving Patricia to raise him with the support of her parents, whom Clapton believed to be his parents until he was eight years old.

Clapton’s early exposure to music came from his grandmother, a skilled pianist, and his mother and uncle, who enjoyed listening to big-band music.

At 13, he received an acoustic Hoyer guitar for his birthday and began practising blues music, influenced by artists like Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson.

Clapton attended Hollyfield School in Surbiton and later studied at the Kingston College of Art but was expelled at the end of the academic year due to his focus on music rather than art. He began performing in local pubs and joined his first band, the Roosters, in 1963.

Personal Life

Clapton married Pattie Boyd, a model and photographer, in 1979, but they divorced in 1988.

During their marriage, Clapton had an affair with Italian model Lory Del Santo, resulting in the birth of their son, Conor, in 1986.

Tragically, Conor died in 1991 after falling from a window in New York City, an event that deeply affected Clapton and inspired the song “Tears in Heaven.”

In 2002, Clapton married Melia McEnery, an administrative assistant, and they have three daughters: Julie Rose, Ella May, and Sophie Belle.

Career

Clapton’s career began in the early 1960s with the Yardbirds, where he earned the nickname “Slowhand” for his guitar prowess.

He left the Yardbirds in 1965 and joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, further honing his blues skills.

In 1966, he formed Cream with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce, achieving success with hits like “Sunshine of Your Love” and “White Room.”

After Cream disbanded in 1968, Clapton formed Blind Faith and later Derek and the Dominos, releasing the iconic “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” in 1970.

His solo career includes successful albums such as “461 Ocean Boulevard” (1974), “Slowhand” (1977), and “August” (1986).

Clapton has also collaborated with artists like B.B. King, releasing “Riding with the King” in 2000, and J.J. Cale with “The Road to Escondido” in 2006. He continues to perform and record, with his latest studio album, “Meanwhile,” released in 2024.

Awards

Clapton has received numerous awards throughout his career, including:

• 18 Grammy Awards
• The Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music
• Four Ivor Novello Awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors.
• Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to music.
• Three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist and separately as a member of the Yardbirds and Cream.

Net Worth

Clapton’s net worth is estimated to be $450 million.

His successful music career, including album sales, tours, and royalties, accumulated this wealth. Clapton has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians ever.

Controversy

In 1976, during a concert in Birmingham, England, Clapton made derogatory remarks against immigrants and supporters of Enoch Powell, leading to public backlash.

He later expressed regret for these comments. In 2021, Clapton voiced opposition to COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccine mandates, stating he would not perform in venues requiring proof of vaccination.

These statements sparked debate and criticism within the music community.

Additionally, Clapton has been criticized for his support of the Countryside Alliance, an organization that promotes field sports and opposes the ban on fox hunting in the UK.

He has performed in concerts to raise funds for the organization and publicly opposed the Labour Party’s ban on fox hunting with the 2004 Hunting Act. A spokesperson for Clapton stated, “Eric supports the Countryside Alliance.

He does not hunt himself but enjoys rural pursuits such as fishing and shooting. He supports the Alliance’s effort to scrap the ban because he disagrees with the state’s interference with people’s private pursuits.” These positions have led to debates about Clapton’s views on environmental and animal rights issues.

In 2023, during the Israel–Hamas war, Clapton released a song titled “Voice of a Child,” accompanied by a video featuring images of destruction in the Gaza Strip.

In December 2023, he organized a charity concert to raise funds for children in the Gaza Strip. During the event, he played a guitar painted with the colours of the Palestinian flag. These actions sparked discussions about his political and humanitarian views.

Social Media

• Instagram: @ericclapton
• Twitter: @EricClapton

Filmography

• iCarly: iGo to Japan (2008)
• Step Up 3D (2010)
• The Big Bang Theory (2010)
• The Family Tree (2011)
• Geography Club (2013)
• Wrecked (2016–2018)
• Cloak & Dagger (2018–2019)

Discography

• Eric Clapton (1970)
• 461 Ocean Boulevard (1974)
• There’s One in Every Crowd (1975)
• No Reason to Cry (1976)
• Slowhand (1977)
• Backless (1978)
• Another Ticket (1981)
• Money and Cigarettes (1983)
• Behind the Sun (1985)
• August (1986)
• Journeyman (1989)
• From the Cradle (1994)
• Pilgrim (1998)
• Reptile (2001)
• Me and Mr. Johnson (2004)
• Sessions for Robert J (2004)
• Back Home (2005)
• Clapton (2010)
• Old Sock (2013)
• I Still Do (2016)
• Happy Xmas (2018)
• Meanwhile (2024)

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---