The ’90s have produced a lot of legends in the music industry, and Eric Clapton is one of those legends.
He was born to a very young mother, faced difficulties in his music career and still fighting for it, and lost his 4-year-old son, but Eric still stands tall and is a legend to date.
Scroll down to read about this great musical legend’s bio, career, and personal life.
Profile summary
| Birthdate | March 30, 1945 |
| Age | 79 years old |
| Birthplace | Ripley, Surrey |
| Mother | Patricia Molly Clapton (died in 1999) |
| Father | Edward Walter Fryer (1920-1985) |
| Music Awards | – 18 Grammy Awards – Brit Award for contributions to the music industry – Ivor Novello Award (Lifetime Achievement) from the British Academy |
| Notable Awards | – Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) – Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as a member of Cream – Named an asteroid, 4305 Clapton, in 2015 – Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France in 2017 |
| – Children: Ruth, Conor (deceased), Julie Rose, Ella May, Sophie Belle | |
| – Wears hearing aids for protection during performances | |
| Net Worth | $450 million as of the latest available information |
Eric Clapton Biography
Eric Clapton was born on March 30, 1945. He is 79 years old. He celebrates his birthday regularly. His birthday pictures are not shared on the internet because he likes to maintain his privacy, but one thing is certain: Eric celebrates his birthday in ways that suit him best.
During his 70th birthday, he dressed in Kermit The Frog costume, as seen in the picture his daughter, Ruth Clapton leaked to the internet. The leaking of the picture led to friction in Eric’s and Ruth’s father-daughter relationship, but they have sorted that out.
Eric Clapton is a native of Ripley, Surrey. His mother (Patricia Molly Clapton) gave birth to him when she was just 16 years old and died in 1999. Edward Walter Fryer’s father was born in 1920 and died in 1985 at 65.
His father was 25 years old when Eric was born. He was a soldier and a native of Montreal, Canada.
Before Eric was born, his father left for war and returned months later to Canada to receive his newborn and wife. During his time away, his mother and his grandmother, Rose, took care of Eric.
Little Eric grew up without his father, which distorted his perception of his mother and grandmother.
He took his biological mother as his older sister because she looked pretty young when Eric was a little boy. Eric and his mother were living with his grandmother, Rose, who’d remarried Jack Clapp after her first husband had died. Eric thought his grandmother was actually his mother.
Related: Melia McEnery Biography, Husband, Children, Wedding
Eric Clapton’s Guitars
Like Hank Marvin, the Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix, Clapton had a big impact on making certain electric guitar models popular.
In his time with the Yardbirds, he played various guitars, including a Fender Telecaster, a Fender Jazzmaster, a double-cutaway Gretsch 6120, and a 1964 Cherry-Red Gibson ES-335.
Starting from around mid-1965, he exclusively played Gibson guitars, particularly a sunburst Gibson Les Paul he bought in London. Clapton switched to the Fender Stratocaster in late 1969, using iconic guitars like “Brownie” and “Blackie.”
He sold “Blackie” in 2004 to raise funds for his Crossroads Centre. Fender and Martin & Company make signature guitars in Clapton’s honor, including a Stratocaster and various acoustic models.
Clapton’s choice of strings is Ernie Ball Slinky and Super Slinky, with a gauge of .10 to .46. For over thirty years, his guitar technician was Lee Dickson.
Music Awards
Eric Clapton has 18 Grammy Awards to his name and a Brit Award for his contributions to the music industry, for which he earned a CBE award In 2004 for his services to music.
The British Academy awarded Eric with an Ivor Novello Award that included a Lifetime Achievement Award.
As a solo artist, he has sold over 280 million songs worldwide, making his name one of the highest-selling record artists ever.
In 1998, he founded Crossroads Centre in Antigua. This is because he was an alcoholic and substance addict and was recovering. Crossroads Centre serves as a medical facility and home for individuals who were once addicts and were on the road to recovery from drug abuse.
Eric Clapton’s Awards and Honours
| Year | Award / Recognition |
| 1983 | Presented the Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors. |
| 1985 | Presented the Silver Clef Award from Princess Michael of Kent for outstanding British music contributions. |
| 1992 | “Tears in Heaven” won three Grammy Awards for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Male Pop Vocal Performance. Clapton also won Album of the Year and Best Rock Vocal Performance for Unplugged, and Best Rock Song for “Layla”. |
| 1993 | Made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to music as part of the 1995 New Year Honours list. |
| 1995 | “Tears in Heaven” won three Grammy Awards for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Male Pop Vocal Performance. Clapton also won Album of the Year Best Rock Vocal Performance for Unplugged, and Best Rock Song for “Layla”. |
| 2000 | Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the third time, this time as a solo artist. He was earlier inducted as a member of the bands Cream and the Yardbirds. |
| 2004 | Promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), receiving the award from the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace as part of the 2004 New Year Honours list. |
| 2006 | Awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as a member of Cream. |
| 2015 | An asteroid, 4305 Clapton, is named after him. |
| 2017 | Made a Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France |
Eric Clapton’s Wife
Melia was born in Columbus, Ohio, and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career. Her dad, Walter, worked in construction and had Scottish-English roots, while her mom, of Korean-Irish descent, was a homemaker.
They had six kids. Melia went to Bishop Watterson High and then studied art at an Ohio university. She also got graphic art training in Los Angeles. At 22, she met Eric Clapton at a party in 1998, and they started dating despite the 31-year age gap. They got married on New Year’s in 2002.
Melia and Eric have three daughters: Julie Rose, born in 2001; Ella May in 2003; and Sophie Belle in 2005. Eric has another daughter, Ruth Kelly, from a previous relationship.
His son Conor passed away in 1991 at age four, inspiring Eric to write the song Tears in Heaven.
Children
Eric Clapton has been married two times. He’s a dad to five kids and has two grandchildren. He married Melia McEnery, his second wife, on January 1, 2002. They have three daughters – Julie Rose (born June 2001), Ella Mae (born January 2003), and Sophie Belle (born February 2005).
His eldest child is Ruth (born January 1985), and her mom is Yvonne Kelly. Ruth and her ex-husband, Dean Bartlett (married in September 2011, divorced in November 2020), have two sons – Isaac Eric Owen (born June 2013) and Theodore Ivan (born March 2016).
Eric’s son, Conor Loren, was born on August 21, 1986, but tragically passed away on March 20, 1991, in a New York City apartment accident. His mom, Lory Del Santo, was not married to Eric.
Here’s an information table summarizing details about Eric Clapton’s children:
| Child’s Name | Birthdate | Mother | Spouse/Ex-Spouse | Grandchildren |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruth | January 1985 | Yvonne Kelly | Dean Bartlett (married in September 2011, divorced in November 2020) | Sons: Isaac Eric Owen (born June 2013), Theodore Ivan (born March 2016) |
| Conor Loren | August 21, 1986 | Lory Del Santo | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Julie Rose | June 2001 | Melia McEnery (second wife) | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Ella Mae | January 2003 | Melia McEnery (second wife) | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Sophie Belle | February 2005 | Melia McEnery (second wife) | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Eric Clapton is Half Deaf
Eric Clapton suffers from deafness (tinnitus) and difficulties in playing his beloved musical instrument, but he doesn’t seem to want to let go and retire any time soon.
Despite being in his 70s, he continues to tour, but this might be contributing to his hearing issues.
His doctor in Los Angeles diagnosed him with tinnitus, a condition where the ears produce noise as a signal of hearing loss. Tinnitus is often associated with age-related hearing loss and careers involving exposure to loud environments, like those of musicians.
Eric’s condition of hearing loss and tinnitus started after he’d been singing and playing the guitar for years. Unfortunately, he spent many hours in recording studios and on stage without thinking to protect his ears.
His hearing is the most important part of his life and career, as he is the only person ever to be inducted 3 times into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
This struggle with hearing loss is not unique to Eric alone; other artists like Neil Diamond, Bono, Sting, and Ozzy Osbourne also face similar challenges, along with younger musicians like Louis Tomlinson and Jessie J.
Eric wears hearing aids now to protect his ear while performing or practicing. His doctor also recommended that he implement other remedies to deal with tinnitus. But with all these medical conditions, he still performs and goes on shows and pulls hundreds of crowds,
Net Worth
Eric Clapton’s net worth is around $450 million, which is 420,457,500 euros as of when this article was updated. His net worth is evidence of a successful singing career. In 2009, Surrey Life Magazine ranked Clapton as the 17th richest person in Surrey, estimating his wealth at £120 million.
This includes his income, property, a £9 million yacht named Va Bene (previously owned by Bernie Ecclestone), music catalog, touring earnings, and his company Marshbrook Ltd, which made him £110 million since 1989.
In 2003, he bought a 50% share of Cordings Piccadilly, a gentleman’s outfitters.
Eric’s passion for music has never been financial; rather, it’s the genuine pleasure of playing an instrument live.
As he is no longer on tour, the only way we can hear his new songs played live is by other musicians.
Eric Clapton Cars
Since the 1970s, Clapton has been really into cars, especially Ferraris. He owns or has owned various Ferraris since 1989.
In 2010, he emphasized that Ferrari is his top choice for owning and driving. He has supported Ferrari in both regular road use and Formula One racing.
In 2012, Ferrari even made a special car just for him, the Ferrari SP12 EC. Clapton displayed it at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2013.
As of 2014, Ferrari is still his favorite car brand. Besides Ferraris, he also has or had a vintage Mini Cooper Radford, a gift from George Harrison.
How Much is Eric Clapton Worth?
With a net worth of $450 million, Eric Clapton, CBE, is a prominent British rock singer known for his prowess as a blues-rock guitarist and vocalist. Renowned for his musical achievements, Clapton holds the 53rd position on “Rolling Stone” magazine’s list of the Top 100 Artists Of All-Time and an impressive second place on their compilation of the greatest guitarists. Having sold over 100 million albums globally, he stands as one of the best-selling artists in history.
Clapton’s influence extends through his 21 solo studio albums, all of which have received gold and various certifications. These albums feature hits such as “After Midnight,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” “Wonderful Tonight,” and the Grammy-winning acoustic rendition of “Layla.”
Recognized for his contributions to music, Clapton was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1995 and later elevated to Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2004. In 2017, he was honored with the title of Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and has received a total of 17 Grammy Awards.
Beyond his music career, Clapton has amassed considerable wealth through investments in real estate, artwork, and automobiles. His automotive collection, valued between $50 million and $100 million, boasts several exceptionally rare Ferraris. The evaluation of his art collection is challenging, highlighted by a notable anecdote: in 2001, Clapton spent $3.4 million on three paintings by Gerhard Richter, selling each for $77.3 million. Crunching the numbers, he made a total of $231.9 million.
Eric’s Charitable Works
In 1993, Clapton joined the board of Clouds House, a UK center for drug and alcohol treatment, serving until 1997.
He also served on The Chemical Dependency Centre’s board from 1994 to 1999. Both later merged into Action on Addiction in 2007. In 1998, he founded the Crossroads Centre in Antigua to help people overcome addictions.
He actively manages and fundraises for it. Clapton organized Crossroads Guitar Festivals in 1999, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2019 to support the center. Auctions of his guitars raised funds, with one in 1999 raising over $5 million.
In 2011, he auctioned over 150 items, raising £1.3 million for Crossroads. Clapton has supported various charities, including The Prince’s Trust and Amnesty International. He donated a song in 2008 to aid Southeast Asia after the 2004 tsunami.
Eric Clapton Career
Eric Clapton started his music career at the age of 16, in 1961, showcasing his skills in playing the guitar. As he couldn’t concentrate on his studies, he took to the streets of Kingston, Richmond, and The West End in London to busk.
In 1962, he collaborated with Dave Brock, to perform at pubs in Surrey. At the age of 17, he joined his first music band, the Roosters, an early British R&B group that also included Tom McGuinness as a guitarist. He remained with the band from January to August 1963. Later that year, he played seven gigs with Casey Jones & the Engineers.
In October 1963, Eric Clapton joined the Yardbirds, a rhythm and blues band, synthesizing influences from Chicago blues with prominent guitarists like Buddy Guy and B.B. King.
Clapton’s time at the Royal Albert Hall began in 1964, and he has since performed there over 200 times. In March 1965, the Yardbirds achieved a major hit with “For Your Love,” leading them towards a pop-oriented sound. However, Clapton, dedicated to the blues, left the band when the song was released. He recommended Jimmy Page as his replacement, but Page declined out of loyalty.
Clapton then joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, leaving and rejoining multiple times. He left in April 1965, but returned in November, only to exit again in July 1966.
Notably, during his Bluesbreakers stint, Clapton gained fame for playing on the influential album “Blues Breakers – John Mayall – With Eric Clapton.” His iconic sound, marked by a Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar and Marshall amplifier, led to the infamous graffiti “Clapton is God” in 1967.
Despite the acclaim, Clapton humbly expressed in 1987 that he never accepted being the greatest guitar player, considering it an ideal rather than a reality.
Eric Clapton left the Bluesbreakers in July 1966 and joined Cream, a supergroup formed by drummer Ginger Baker with Jack Bruce on bass.
By 1967, Clapton was regarded as Britain’s top guitarist, though Jimi Hendrix’s emergence challenged his position. Hendrix passed at the age of 28, three years after Clapton was recognized as Britain’s top guitarist.
Internal conflicts, fueled by drug and alcohol use, led to Cream’s disbandment in 1968.
In 1969, Eric Clapton formed the supergroup Blind Faith with Ginger Baker, Steve Winwood, and Ric Grech. Their debut, including the hit “Can’t Find My Way Home,” led to a brief arena tour before the band dissolved due to internal issues after seven months.
Clapton toured with Delaney and Bonnie, contributing to Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band. Influenced by Delaney Bramlett, he recorded his first solo album, featuring the unexpected hit “After Midnight.”
In 1970, Clapton formed Derek and the Dominos, aiming to counteract the star cult around him. Their iconic album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” was influenced by Clapton’s unrequited love for George Harrison’s ex-wife, Pattie Boyd. They also did a version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.”
The tragic deaths of Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman marked the band’s turbulent journey. Eric wanted to do ‘Little Wing’ as a tribute because he really respected Jimi Hendrix.
Clapton’s departure and Allman’s death led to the group’s disbandment, with tragic events continuing in the lives of the members, including drummer Jim Gordon’s incarceration due to schizophrenia.
Addiction
In the 1970s, Eric Clapton’s professional success stood in stark contrast to personal struggles, marked by romantic turmoil and substance abuse. Infatuated with Pattie Boyd and conflicted over his friendship with George Harrison, Clapton faced addiction and retreated to isolation as Derek and the Dominos, the band he formed in 1970, disbanded.
His heroin addiction break was interrupted by a tumultuous appearance at George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh in 1971. Pete Townshend organized the “Rainbow Concert” in 1973 to help Clapton overcome his drug addiction.
Comeback
In 1974, Clapton, free from his addiction, assembled a new band and released “461 Ocean Boulevard,” featuring the hit “I Shot the Sheriff,” introducing reggae to a broader audience. The subsequent album, “There’s One in Every Crowd,” continued this trend. Clapton’s live LP, “E. C. Was Here,” captured performances from the tour. His collaboration with Bob Dylan and The Band on “No Reason to Cry” and the album “Slowhand,” with hits like “Wonderful Tonight” and “Cocaine,” showcased his continued musical prowess.
In 1981, Eric Clapton participated in the Amnesty International benefit, The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball, marking a significant return to form. Teaming up with Jeff Beck for their first billed stage collaboration, their duets were featured on the show’s album.
A deepening commitment to Christianity influenced Clapton’s comeback, which included overcoming alcoholism. Struggling with addiction, he entered Hazelden Treatment Center in 1982.
Despite initial challenges, Clapton maintained sobriety and continued his music career, releasing “Money and Cigarettes” in 1983. In 1984, he collaborated with Roger Waters on “The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking” and participated in the supporting tour. His philanthropic efforts included performances for the Tsunami Relief Fund and the Live Aid concert in 1985.
Throughout the 1980s, Clapton’s album output continued, with notable collaborations with Phil Collins on “Behind the Sun” (1985) and “August” (1986).
In the 1990s, Eric Clapton faced personal tragedies, including the death of fellow musician Stevie Ray Vaughan and, more devastatingly, the death of his four-year-old son, Conor, in 1991.
This period of grief inspired Clapton to co-write the poignant song “Tears in Heaven” with Will Jennings. At the 35th Annual Grammy Awards in 1993, Clapton received six Grammys for “Tears in Heaven” and his Unplugged album, showcasing a live performance at Bray Film.
In 1994, Eric Clapton was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in her New Year’s Honours List for his contributions to British life.
In 1998, he founded the Crossroads Centre in Antigua to help people overcome addictions. He actively manages and fundraises for it.
Eric Clapton was honored with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire, or CBE, in a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace on 3 November 2004.
The honor was bestowed upon him by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal. The announcement was made by Queen Elizabeth II on 31 December 2003, as part of the 2004 New Year’s Honours List.