[Slowhand] Re; Clapton's Talents

DeltaNick deltanick at comcast.net
Mon Jul 19 21:22:20 EDT 2004


>> One cannot discuss Clapton's work, talents or his role as a influence on
the guitar world without mentioning Hendrix. <<

I believe that this is sheer poppycock. Yes, Hendrix probably influenced
Clapton, but as a star, and not so much as a guitarist. Clapton's skills
were, in the eyes of most who saw them both at the time, superior as a
guitarist. However, Hendrix was a total act, while Clapton was a shy and
reserved guitarist.

Now, Freddie King was probably Clapton's greatest single electric guitar
influence, along with Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, B.B. King and Albert King (in
more or less this order). And Robert Johnson was a great influence as well.
But let's recall something here: Hendrix went to England because he was
promised, by Chas Chandler, that he could meet Clapton. Clapton had never
heard of Hendrix until 1 October 1966, and by that time, was already an
accomplished, well-known, and recognized-around-the-world guitarist.

                DeltaNick



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