His Bands
When the Yardbirds disbanded, the rocker went on to form John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, which is still active today. In the following years, Clapton created Cream, a band that specialized in improvised blues and “arty pop,” The band’s debut album, Blind Faith, was released in 1969, and Clapton went on to have a successful solo career that included collaborations with Derek and the Dominoes and other artists. While a member of this last group, Clapton collaborated on the popular song “Layla.” It became a hit for the band.
His Friendship With George Harrison
By the late 1960s, however, Clapton had formed a close acquaintance with George Harrison, the lead vocalist of the Beatles, and the two became good friends. The song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” was featured on the Beatles’ 1968 album “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” and Clapton performed a guitar solo to the song. George Harrison was the author of this song. Harrison’s debut solo album was released shortly after, and Clapton appeared on it, an experience that the guitarist would have multiple times over the next few years.