Eric Clapton's Wife and Relationship History
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Melia McEnery
Eric Clapton and Melia McEnery began dating in 1999 after meeting at a party in Los Angeles when Clapton was 53 and McEnery 25. Their relationship progressed quickly, resulting in the birth of their first daughter, Julie Rose, in 2001, and the couple tying the knot in a private ceremony in January 2002 at a church in Surrey, England. They have since had two more daughters, Ella May and Sophie Belle, and continue to maintain a strong and loving marriage.
Melia McEnery is an American socialite who was working as a graphic artist when she caught the eye of the legendary musician. She has since focused on her role as a wife and mother, as well as being involved in various charitable activities, often accompanying her husband to events and supporting his philanthropic endeavors. Despite the spotlight that comes with being married to a rock icon, McEnery has managed to keep a relatively low profile and maintain a sense of privacy for herself and her family.
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The relationship between Eric Clapton and Sheryl Crow blossomed in the late 1990s, as both musicians found solace in each other during tumultuous times in their respective careers. Although their romantic involvement was relatively brief, the pair maintained a sense of mutual respect and admiration, which was evident when Clapton invited Crow to perform at his Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2007, an act she would later reciprocate by inviting him to appear on her 2010 album 100 Miles from Memphis. Despite the fleeting nature of their romance, their friendship and working relationship would endure for years to come.
Sheryl Crow is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter whose career began in the early 1990s with her breakout album Tuesday Night Music Club. Featuring hits such as "All I Wanna Do" and "Strong Enough," the album catapulted her to fame and set the stage for a prolific career that has spanned multiple genres and produced numerous chart-topping singles. In addition to her musical achievements, Crow has dedicated herself to various charitable and environmental causes, using her platform to raise awareness and promote positive change.
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Eric Clapton's brief dalliance with actress Sharon Stone occurred in 1992, when they were introduced by mutual friends. Their chemistry was undeniable, but the relationship was ultimately short-lived, as they each pursued other interests and partners. Regardless of its brevity, the romance between these two high-profile figures remains a notable chapter in both of their storied love lives.
Sharon Stone is an accomplished actress who first gained widespread recognition for her role as Catherine Tramell in the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination and catapulted her to stardom, paving the way for a successful career in film, including an Academy Award-nominated turn in the 1995 crime drama Casino. Offscreen, Stone has been a dedicated advocate for HIV/AIDS research and awareness and continues to be a prominent figure in both Hollywood and philanthropic circles.
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The relationship between Eric Clapton and Charlotte Lewis began in 1991 after the two met at a London nightclub. Although their involvement was short-lived, the pair made headlines due to the significant age difference, with Clapton being 22 years Lewis' senior. Despite the eventual dissolution of their romance, both Clapton and Lewis would later reflect on their time together with fondness.
Charlotte Lewis is a British actress best known for her roles in films such as The Golden Child alongside Eddie Murphy and Men of War with Dolph Lundgren. She began her career as a model before transitioning to acting, eventually garnering a reputation for her beauty and talent in both fields. Over the years, Lewis has continued to work in film and television, while also making occasional appearances in the British press.
In 1993, Eric Clapton and legendary supermodel Naomi Campbell began a brief, yet highly publicized romance, which was characterized by their numerous appearances at high-profile events and lavish parties. Their relationship eventually fizzled out, but their mutual fondness was evident in later years when Campbell would attend Clapton's concerts, proving that even star-crossed lovers can sometimes form lasting friendships.
Naomi Campbell is one of the most iconic supermodels in fashion history, known for her striking beauty, fierce runway presence, and trailblazing career that has spanned over three decades. Discovered at the age of 15, she would go on to become the first black woman to appear on the covers of French and British Vogue, as well as the first black model to appear on the cover of Time magazine. In addition to her modeling work, Campbell has dabbled in acting and music, and maintains a continued dedication to philanthropy, championing causes such as disaster relief and the fight against poverty.
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Gae Exton
Eric Clapton began dating Gae Exton in the 1970s. The pair reportedly met while Clapton was in London for a UK music concert, marking the commencement of their relationship. Their relationship was fairly short-lived, lasting only a few years. It was during a period when Clapton's career was at its peak that he and Exton dated. Their relationship garnered public attention, and they were frequently photographed at high-profile events.
Gae Exton is a well-known British model and actress who gained prominence during the 1970s. She is best known for her role in the Superman films alongside actor Christopher Reeve. The two dated and had two children together. In addition to her acting and modeling career, Gae has also worked as a real estate agent.
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In the mid-1980s, Clapton was involved in a close relationship with Paula Hamilton. The duo met through mutual friends within the industry and shared a connection over their artistic interests. The relationship was relatively brief, lasting less than a year. Their split was reportedly amicable, owing to their demanding careers.
Paula Hamilton is known for being a British model. Launching her career in the 1980s, she quickly became well known and loved for her vibrant personality. She cemented her fame with her appearance on the reality television show, Celebrity Big Brother, and has since remained within the public eye.
In the late 1980s, Kensit and Clapton entered into a romantic relationship. Their romance began after they met at a charity event in London. The relationship was relatively brief, however, they remained in good terms after parting ways.
Patsy Kensit is a renowned British actress and singer, best known for her roles in films like Absolute Beginners and Lethal Weapon 2. As a singer, Kensit was the lead vocalist for the band Eighth Wonder. She has also appeared on several television shows including Emmerdale and Holby City.
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Eric Clapton dated the Italian actress Valeria Golino in the late 80s. Despite the cultural differences and the linguistic barrier, the couple had a strong connection and their relationship lasted for nearly two years. Their relationship came to an end in 1988, right before Golino’s skyrocketing American debut.
Valeria Golino is an acclaimed Italian actress who rose to fame after appearing in films like Rain Man and Hot Shots! Known for her versatility in playing both comedic and dramatic roles, Golino has enjoyed a successful career in both Hollywood and European cinema.
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Marie Helvin and Eric Clapton were romantically involved during the late 80s. They were introduced to each other at a social event in London. Their relationship stayed relatively private and wasn't highly publicized. However, their relationship was also short-lived, ending within a year of its start.
Marie Helvin is a Japanese-American model and author, who dominated the modeling world in the 1970s and 1980s with a series of iconic Vogue cover shots. She is also known for her high-profile marriage to legendary photographer David Bailey, making her a significant figure in the fashion industry.
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Eric Clapton's relationship with model-turned-singer Carla Bruni is said to have started when they met at a party in 1989. At the time, Clapton was renowned as one of the greatest guitarists in the world, and Bruni was a highly celebrated model. Their relationship was somewhat brief and tumultuous, characterized by the highs and lows typical of many within the limelight. Although the exact length of their relationship isn’t well-documented, they were a high-society couple of the late 80s.
Carla Bruni is a renowned Italian-French singer-songwriter and supermodel, whose fame skyrocketed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She has released several successful albums since transitioning to a music career. Bruni is also well known for her marriage to Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President of France, further entrenching her fame within French society and beyond.
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Pattie Boyd and Eric Clapton embarked on a relationship towards the end of her tumultuous romance with George Harrison of the Beatles. Clapton, having been a close friend of Harrison, famously penned the song "Layla" about his infatuation for Boyd. After Boyd's separation from Harrison in 1974, Clapton and Boyd began dating seriously and got married in 1979. They were together for nine years before parting ways in 1988.
Pattie Boyd is a celebrated British model and photographer who gained notoriety in the 1960s and 1970s. She is most known for her high-profile marriages to rock icons George Harrison and Eric Clapton, which have been immortalized in many popular songs, including Harrison's "Something" and Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight".
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In the early 1970s, Eric Clapton had a brief but passionate romance with Australian actress Kate Fitzpatrick. They met while Clapton was touring Australia and it's believed their relationship lasted only a few months.
Kate Fitzpatrick is a renowned Australian actress known for her performances in film, television, and theatre. She has been a staple in the Australian performing arts scene since the 1970s, with notable roles in films such as The Office Picnic and Goodbye Paradise.
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Eric Clapton and Paula Yates reportedly had a short-lived affair in the early 1980s. Both were involved with other people during the time of their affair, with Yates being married to Bob Geldof.
Paula Yates was a British television presenter and writer, known for her work on music television programs such as The Tube and The Big Breakfast. She was also famed as the wife of musician and philanthropist Bob Geldof and the girlfriend of INXS frontman Michael Hutchence.
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Eric Clapton began his relationship with Italian television personality Lory Del Santo in 1985. During their relationship, they had a son, Conor, in 1986. Their relationship was tragically marked by the loss of their son in a devastating accident in 1991.
Lory Del Santo is an Italian actress, director, and producer, best known for her work in Italian television and films. She gained international attention for her relationship with Clapton, and the adversity they experienced during the unfortunate accident that took their son's life.
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Eric Clapton and Davina McCall reportedly had an affair in 1993 while Davina McCall was in a relationship with her then-boyfriend, Julian Davies. Their relationship was not openly detailed to the public, which demonstrates that Clapton and McCall may have preferred to keep their intimate lives private. The exact span of their relationship has remained undisclosed. Their mutual attraction is said to have been due to their shared interest in the entertainment industry and their mutual admiration for each other's talents.
Davina McCall is an English television presenter and model. She is widely recognized for her presentation of popular reality show Big Brother on Channel 4. She also hosted other hit TV shows such as The Million Pound Drop Live and Long Lost Family, solidifying her status as a household name in British television.
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Yvonne Khan Kelly
Yvonne Khan Kelly and Eric Clapton dated in the mid-1970s. While their relationship timeline is not detailed, it is apparent that their time together had profound implications on Clapton's music. Many references to Kelly are scattered throughout his work, including in the song "Layla."
Yvonne Khan Kelly was a member of Eric Clapton's inner circle during his time with the rock band, Derek and the Dominos. She is known for being romantically linked with Eric Clapton and became famously associated with the aforementioned song "Layla."
Eric Clapton had a brief romantic involvement with Rosanne Cash in 1985. The affair was not long-lasting, but Eric Clapton emphasized that it served as an awakening for him, aiding him in his process to sober up from his addiction. Their relationship, though short-lived, had a profound impact on his life.
Rosanne Cash is an American singer-songwriter and author. She is the eldest daughter of the legendary country musician Johnny Cash. Rosanne Cash has herself carved out a successful career in country music, earning multiple Grammy awards and producing numerous chart-topping hits.
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Penny Lane and Eric Clapton were romantically linked in the early 1970s. Penny, a famous groupie of rock and pop musicians of that era, was known for her relationships with high-profile rock stars, including Eric Clapton. The meeting details and time frame of their relationship remain unspecified.
Penny Lane is a well-known figure from the 1960s and 70s, mainly recognized as a groupie who had relationships with many famous musicians. She gained significant recognition due to her romantic connections with high-profile celebrities, and her life was depicted in the film Almost Famous.
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Cyrinda Foxe
Eric Clapton was romantically involved with Cyrinda Foxe sometime around 1974, amid her other high-profile romantic involvements with famous rock stars. Their mutual attraction could be attributed to their shared love for music and their career in entertainment.
Cyrinda Foxe was an American actress and model, popularly recognized within the rock community for her relationships with the likes of David Bowie, Steven Tyler and Eric Clapton. Foxe appeared in several films and music videos during her career and wrote an autobiography, Dream On: Livin' on the Edge with Steven Tyler and Aerosmith.
- Photo: Catherine James / Who's Dated Who
Eric Clapton and Catherine James reportedly began dating in the early 1970s although the precise start date is unclear. James was a groupie, aesthetic consultant, and muse to some of the biggest rock stars of the era, and she encountered Clapton during this period. Details about their relationship are sparse because they kept their love affair low key, but they were together for a brief time which remains an integral part of Clapton’s romantic history.
Catherine James is an iconic figure in the world of rock music, recognized for her ties with some of the best-known artists of the 60s and 70s. Besides her romantic escapades with rock stars, James is best known for her memoir Dandelion: Memoir of a Free Spirit, which details her troubled upbringing and her encounters with the rock 'n roll world.
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Eric Clapton had a brief but highly publicised relationship with funk and soul singer Betty Davis in 1972. Their affair started when Davis was working on her debut album and Clapton was establishing himself as a successful solo artist. The relationship ended within a few months but left a long-lasting impression on Clapton’s music.
Betty Davis is known in the music industry as a highly influential funk and soul singer. Imaginative, fierce, and bold, Davis was way ahead of her time and laid the groundwork for many female performers to come. Her iconic funk albums in the 1970s left a lasting legacy, even though she retired from music in the 80s.
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Although their exact timeline is not well-documented, Eric Clapton and Janis Joplin reportedly had a brief love affair in the late 1960s. The two renowned musicians met at various music festivals and events, which eventually led to a short-lived but passionate romance.
Janis Joplin was one of the most successful and recognized female rock stars of her era, best remembered for her powerful, raspy voice and her charismatic performances. Joplin is considered a pioneering figure in the world of rock and her cultural impact continues to resonate in today’s music scene.
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Alice Ormsby-Gore
Eric Clapton had a relationship with Alice Ormsby-Gore from 1968 to 1974. Alice, daughter of the 5th Baron Harlech, was a muse for Clapton and even dedicated his compilation album Crossroads to her. Despite being engaged, their relationship ended when Ormsby-Gore died due to heroin overdose.
Alice Ormsby-Gore was not in the public eye except for her aristocratic upbringing as a daughter of the 5th Baron Harlech, and her relationship with Clapton. She remains an important part of Clapton’s life, inspiring some of his legendary songs.
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Eric Clapton started dating French model Charlotte Martin in 1974. They met through mutual friends at a party in England, and the relationship lasted until 1978. Martin played a significant role in Clapton's life, primarily during his initial recovery from drug and alcohol addictions.
Charlotte Martin was a famous French model in the 60s and 70s. Besides her modeling career, she is renowned for her extensive relationship with rock musicians including Eric Clapton and George Harrison.
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One of Clapton’s most famous relationships was with Cher in 1995. Both of them were at the peak of their respective careers when they met. They began dating around the time when Cher was finalizing her divorce with Greg Allman. Their romance was short-lived and lasted for less than a year.
Cher is a globally famous singer, actress, and television host, known for her distinctive contralto singing voice and her success in nearly every area of the entertainment industry over a six-decade-long career. Cher has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Grammy, an Emmy, three Golden Globes, and the Kennedy Center Honors. She has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
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Jenny Kee
Eric Clapton started a relationship with Australian fashion designer Jenny Kee in the 1960s. Clapton mentioned her in his autobiography as one of his first serious love affairs. He was dating Kee in 1967, coinciding with his time in the band Cream. It appears that they met in the artist's hub of Swinging London, where Kee was working in a boutique called Granny Takes a Trip. The relationship was brief and intense, ending after a year.
Jenny Kee is an acclaimed Australian fashion designer famous for her bold, colorful prints parading native Australian flora and fauna. She was a key player in defining the vibrant style of the 1960s London fashion scene before returning to Australia to become a significant contributor to Australia’s cultural history. Kee is also known for being romantically linked to other famous artists including Mick Jagger.
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During the mid-1980s, Clapton dated British fashion guru Susannah Constantine. They reportedly met while Constantine was working in New York City for fashion designer John Galliano, and the relationship lasted for five years. Clapton's song "Wonderful Tonight" was allegedly inspired by Constantine.
Susannah Constantine is well-known in British fashion circles as one half of the duo that formed the fashion advice team Trinny and Susannah. The pair became household names through their TV show What Not To Wear. In addition to her television career, Constantine has published several best-selling fashion advice books.
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Charlotte Weston
Charlotte Weston was romantically involved with Eric Clapton in the 1970s, dating for less than a year. There are few details available about how they met, but Weston has been connected with various musicians from the era, including Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix.
Despite being less famous than Clapton's other partners, Charlotte Weston is often recognized because of her liaisons with members of the British rock elite. She was known as a stalwart of London's vibrant music scene during its heyday, providing friendship and sometimes relationships to important figures in the rock world.
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Devon Wilson
In the late 1960s, Eric Clapton embarked on a tumultuous, three-year relationship with Devon Wilson. Wilson was an infamous groupie famous for her relationships with well-known musicians. They are believed to have met in New York City, where Wilson was deeply ingrained in the local music scene.
Devon Wilson gained notoriety due to her close relationships with some of the biggest rock and jazz musicians of the 1960s. Known for her free-spirited and bohemian lifestyle, she became a widely recognized figure within the music scenes in New York and London.
