Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE (born 30 March 1945), is an English rock and blue… Read Full Bio ↴Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE (born 30 March 1945), is an English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is the only 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 of Cream. Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time. Clapton ranked second in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and fourth in Gibson's "Top 50 Guitarists of All Time". He was also named number five in Time magazine's list of "The 10 Best Electric Guitar Players" in 2009.

In the mid-1960s Clapton left the Yardbirds to play with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Immediately after leaving Mayall, Clapton formed the power trio Cream with drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Jack Bruce, in which Clapton played sustained blues improvisations and "arty, blues-based psychedelic pop". After Cream broke up, he formed blues rock band Blind Faith with Baker, Steve Winwood, and Ric Grech. Clapton's solo career began in the 1970s, where his work bore the influence of the mellow style of J. J. Cale and the reggae of Bob Marley. His version of Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" helped reggae reach a mass market. Two of his most popular recordings were "Layla", recorded with Derek and the Dominos; and Robert Johnson's "Crossroads", recorded with Cream. Following the death of his son Conor in 1991, Clapton's grief was expressed in the song "Tears in Heaven", which was featured on his Unplugged album.

Clapton has been the recipient of 18 Grammy Awards, and the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. In 2004 he was awarded a CBE at Buckingham Palace for services to music. He has received four Ivor Novello Awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. In his solo career, Clapton has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. In 1998, Clapton, a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, founded the Crossroads Centre on Antigua, a medical facility for recovering substance abusers.

Talking About You
Eric Clapton Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Chuck Berry)
Let me tell you 'bout a girl I know,
I found her walking down an uptown street.
She's so fine, you know I wish she was mine,
I get shook up every time we meet.

I'm talkin' bout you,
Nobody but you.

Yes, I do mean you,
Come on and let me get a message to you.

Let me tell you 'bout a girl I know,
I tell ya now she looks so good.
Got so nice skin and such a beautiful lip,
She oughta be somewhere in Hollywood.

I'm talkin' 'bout you,
Nobody but you.
Yes, I do mean you,
Come on and let me get a message to you.

Let me tell you 'bout a girl I know,
She's sitting here by my side.
Lovely indeed, that's why I asked her if she'd,
Promise me someday she would be my bride.

I'm talkin' 'bout you,
Nobody but you.

Yes, I do mean you,
Come on and let me get a message to you.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Talkin' About You" by Eric Clapton are actually a cover of Chuck Berry's song of the same name. The song is about a girl who the singer has a crush on and wishes she was his. He describes her physical attributes such as her skin and lips and even asks her to be his bride. The repetition of the phrase "I'm talkin' 'bout you, nobody but you" emphasizes the singer's infatuation with this girl.

On a deeper level, the song could be seen as a reflection of the human experience of being attracted to someone and desiring their affection. The singer's vulnerability and desire for connection is relatable to many listeners. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody of the song also add to its lighthearted yet sincere nature.

Line by Line Meaning

Let me tell you 'bout a girl I know,
I want to tell you about this girl that I am acquainted with.

I found her walking down an uptown street.
I stumbled upon her while she was walking down a fancy road.

She's so fine, you know I wish she was mine,
She's so pretty that I wish I could call her mine.

I get shook up every time we meet.
I get nervous every time I see her.

I'm talkin' bout you,
I am talking about no one else but you.

Nobody but you.
No one but you.

Yes, I do mean you,
I indeed am referring to you.

Come on and let me get a message to you.
Please allow me to convey a message to you.

She oughta be somewhere in Hollywood.
She has the looks to make it big in Hollywood.

Let me tell you 'bout a girl I know,
Once again, I want to tell you about this girl I know.

I tell ya now she looks so good.
I must say, she looks really attractive.

Got so nice skin and such a beautiful lip,
Her skin is smooth and her lips are so pretty.

Let me tell you 'bout a girl I know,
Again, I want to tell you about this girl I am acquainted with.

She's sitting here by my side.
She is currently sitting beside me.

Lovely indeed, that's why I asked her if she'd,
She is indeed lovely, which is why I asked her if she would be willing to...

Promise me someday she would be my bride.
...promise to someday be my wife.

Come on and let me get a message to you.
Again, please allow me to convey a message to you.

Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP
Written by: Chuck Berry

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

More Albums Load All

No Tracks Found

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Comments from YouTube:

@sickheadjoker1421

20w↑14

Eric Clapton is a legend and probably one of the last great guitarists still alive from that generation, bless this man

@peterturner6497

20w

Yeah he just made second in the most over rated guitarists of all time. A well deserved award too,

@NisseOhlsen

20w

Dave Gilmour. Mark Knopfler.

@NisseOhlsen

20w

@@peterturner6497 #1 ?

@peterturner6497

20w

@@NisseOhlsen obviously Jimi Hendrix - and that one is right too.

@NisseOhlsen

20w

@@peterturner6497 Really ? Jimi may or may not be the 'best' (whatever that means) guitarist, but if you listen to his solo to 'All Along the Watchtower' you'll know that this guy is both imaginative, clever and funky.

@buddyslowhand7647

20w↑2

All his guitar festivals, his live shows, everything throughout his career showed Eric's deep appreciation for other guitarists. He is a wonderful sensitive man. Some people like to fokus on some questionable episodes caused by drugs and alcohol long time ago. Eric survived and grew from it. He is human, one of the greatest human beeings to me...

@sonoftherabbitpeople4737

21w↑23

I discovered Clapton when I was still pretty young, about the time I Shot the Sherriff came out. One of the things that endears him to me as an adult is how much he loves other guitarists and is not afraid to name his favorites and his influences. He's a good guy.

@royferguson2297

20w↑2

Gary Moore was a brilliant guitarist he made the guitar talk, played with feeling I have not seen in anyone else.

@johncarlo7395

20w

The very best.

@leechild4655

20w↑7

The more you know about Eric the more you see how caring he is to his fellow players and forever heaping praise on the old blues masters he grew up on. Eric got them to come out to shows he put together, more than once or twice. He`s an insiders insider.

@kurtcobainenstein3831

20w↑8

One of the only times I’ve ever really seen him start to choke up is when he’s talking about jimi and the left handed strat. He always seems so cool and collected but that was a rare moment of vulnerability for Clapton

@bradparker9664

20w

He and Jimi had a real bond, and then he was stuck with the gift he never got to give. I've often wondered if he still has it.

@stevenmercer8299

20w

Eric is such a great musician and cool human being. I remember a story when he was much younger. Busted for public intoxication and he had no ID. He said he was EC and they laughed. Then they found a guitar and he proved he was EC. He was released with no charges. Probably sobered up a bit.

@kathif17

20w↑10

Eric is so humble and all so relevant TODAY. ❤ His compliments are genuine. True gentleman. I will always be his ❤ Forever Fan ♥

@neub4321

20w↑9

New respect for Clapton for acknowledging the capabilities of his fellow guitarists. Most rock stars are too egocentric to say these things.

@francispower1418

20w↑1

The thing about Eric Clapton that I feel is less understood is that, these days especially, guitar playing is not his most burning passion. He knows he is fabulously good at it, or at least the style of guitar playing that he is drawn to. But his main motivation for making music these days is to generate revenue for his work in recovery. He doesn’t only throw money at it. I had a neighbor who was a hopeless alcoholic and had attended four six week residential courses at southern England’s famous Priory clinic. On the fourth stay Eric was his actual facilitator. For the full six weeks. He told me he was by far the best facilitator he had ever had. Eric is as physically hands on with his recovery work as he is when he plays guitar, and I believe today it gives him more meaning than anything else. And he is very, very good at it.

1 More Replies...

@edljnehan2811

20w↑4

Jeff Beck is my favorite guitarist by far however he did change he went from straight out rock and roll are rock music to jazz fusion I would call that a pretty significant change😮

@a.gabriel9109

20w

Last living guitar legend. ❤

@SgtPUSMC

20w↑2

Eric Clapton is a class act. He is generous and gracious and he seems to be a loyal friend. It's a shame that he was treated to shabbily by some for his stance on COVID, which turned out to be both principled and correct (I'm looking at you Robert Cray)

@UlloMark

20w↑10

Wow... great stuff... the highest of high-praise, from a Mount-Rushmore hall-of-fame singer-songwriter-guitarist...

@clancykobane9102

20w

Eric also had nice things to say about Mike Bloomfield, calling him one of his main influences.

@tommeredith7462

20w

One notable and overlooked feature of Stevie Ray was his long fingers reaching cords with ease and creating sounds like non other.

@Peter700

20w

Yes, and this despite being a short guy at 5'5" in height.

@tc6485

20w

Check out Johnny Winter if you want to know who SRV wished he could play like. Clapton deserves praise, but a Texas guitarslinger is the best blues from America.

@Peter700

20w

@@tc6485 JW was another one-of-a-kind player. SRV and him used the same bass player Tommy Shannon.

@harleyrider4629

20w↑5

SRV the greatest in my opinion. Nothing like him ever

@GeorgiaBoy1961

20w

The measure of Stevie Ray's greatness is that even fellow greats on guitar and as performers ~ people like Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Eric Clapton, etc. ~ were stunned by what he could do. These are performers at the absolute top of their fields, and they are not easily-impressed. But that was SVR's effect on them, like a thunderclap. It is so rare for that kind of greatness to come along.

@vicvega3614

20w↑3

Dam, when Eric starts tearing up talking about Jimi 😢 can feel his pain. Looked like when that interview was done Eric may have been dealing with his own drug problems, i know by the 80s Eric had kicked heroin cause he helped Jimmy Page kick his habit, Jimmy was close to death

@davidmellish3295

20w↑2

He kicked Heroin in the early 70s,he was only on it for 3 years. He went from being a Heroin addict to a full blown alcoholic by 1974. He used alcohol and cocaine right up to the late 80s and has been clean ever since.

@Robin-Cale17

20w↑4

Eric Clapton called JJ Cale his hero. He has a lot of integrity because he is not afraid to admit that he loves to learn from other musicians. When you think you know it all it's time to quit. Eric's guitar festivals help to keep him fresh, while raising funds for his Crossroads Centre. I admire him greatly.

@danwebb4418

20w↑9

We all have a favourite guitarist, and the Irish guy Rory Gallagher is mine...

@Wowi-mv2sj

20w↑1

Blues, Rock, Pop and all between. Not boring at all😊🎸

@guesser7

20w↑4

I am surprised he never mentioned the only guitarist he, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker would let stand in for him for Cream reunions when he couldn't manage.......Gary Moore

@dukeford

20w

When did Gary Moore stand in for EC? (answer: never).

@davidmellish3295

20w

What are you talking about? Cream only had a reunion in 2005 and NOBODY stood in for him. So you're wrong when you say cream reunions as there was only one,or actually two if you count their induction in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and you're wrong when you say Gary Moore stood in for him. Gary never stood in for him when Cream were a band and never stood in for him during the 2005 reunion shows

@jimkon1479

20w↑1

This is what I like in my algorithm: legendary guitarists giving their stamp of approval to others instead of putting them down.

@Bodyknowledge77

20w

I recall back in the late 80's-early 90's the rock guy Clapton put the praise on was Richie Sambora. Clapton has had love for Prince for quite a long while.

@harrisfrankou2368

20w

The first real rock I heard was John Mayall a best of with Clapton, Green and two with Taylor, it was rock as much as blues what Clapton and Green brought to Mayall.

@brianpinion5844

20w↑5

Eric had Stevie come play with him at a concert he died leaving that same concert

@brucethompson2625

20w

Eric is one superstar that shares the stage with players..
No ego-issues, even though he is the best player up there

@guyh.4121

20w↑8

Eric loved George but Not as much as he loved George’s wife.

@edljnehan2811

20w↑2

And not as much her as he loved himself😅

@405Lenny

20w

What a great video! 👍👍

@treaclebuns

20w

I don't think these were in order of preference. Jimi at the start and Duane at the end were the best of the bunch IMO. I noticed that EC looked a bit emotional remembering Jimi and who wouldn't, though it was the death of Duane Allman that was always the greater loss for me. The ABB had enormous potential but they struggled to be creative after he died. I always got the feeling that there was an undertone of tragedy about this band in their music.

@scotthalladay2210

20w↑4

I’m surprised Buddy Guy wasn’t on that list

@dr.krinkleweldon5934

20w

George loved Eric. Gave him his wife. Wrote badge to seal the deal.

@JesseStevenPollom

21w↑3

Love how he talks about Mayer

@martydibergi5228

20w

Mayer had no timing/ phrasing or talent like Clapton

@GmanMusic12

20w↑4

I have the Eric Clapton concert t-shirt from the last concert SRV attended at the alpine valley

@kimberlykairo

21w↑6

John Mayer being recognized by another masterclass musical artist is so deserving of him. Just beautiful because he is so amazing

@privateprivate4378

20w↑2

Shouldn't you call him John tattoo up the arm of the derivative player class of amateur musicians? The dude can't play guitar, sing or write songs.

@jeromeportier4914

20w↑2

@@privateprivate4378 Does your head not hurt when you spout that kind of nonsense?
John Mayer is an awesome guitarist and musician in general. He breathes music. He’s the only guy I know that can play SRV like SRV, Clapton like Clapton and Knopfler like Knopfler. And still he has his own style. It only takes a few second to know it’s him playing.
And he’s a true bluesman. He does play pop songs for a living, but when you see his live sets you know where his heart is!

@martydibergi5228

20w

Ni really he id no Not original not a master of his craft not as wonderful as he thinks he is Albert Lee is unique Lenny Breau was unique Joe Pass Johnny Winter Howlin Wolf Jeff Beck B B King. the list goes on
Johne Mayer is just an amalgamation

@martydibergi5228

20w

Tons of music graduates can outplay Mayer Rubbish stuff

5 More Replies...

@user-xy3fo7rk8u

20w↑4

Clapton is still trying to figure out Duanes playing. For my ears, Duane stood alone.

@GeorgiaBoy1961

20w

Duane did stand alone. As great as Clapton was and is, Duane Allman was every bit his equal and then some. The man who deserves much more credit as an all-time great is his guitar twin in the Allman Brothers Band, namely Dickey Betts. Betts, in his prime, was a very special player and a superb one-of-a-kind musician. The ABB hasn't been the same since he left. Eric speaks about SRV being an "open channel," well, same thing for Duane Allman. The music just flowed through him. Duane made everyone else around him sound better, which is one of the things the all-time greats do. The proof of that pudding is look what he did for Clapton's playing in the short time they worked together.

Poor Eric... all of these wonderful musicians he gets to meet and they establish something special together, and then to have to face losing them.

@user-xy3fo7rk8u

20w

@GeorgiaBoy1961 I agree re, Dickie. He was a masterful player. The stars aligned when he wrote both, Liz Reed and Jessica.

@GeorgiaBoy1961

20w

@@user-xy3fo7rk8u - I mean, it takes a set of stones to get up on stage with Duane in the first place, right? Dickey had to be one bad hombre in the first place to be able to trade solos and fills with that guy. And his contributions to the ABB went above and beyond that, way above and beyond. His songwriting, as you mentioned, his arranging, singing, just everything. I just dig the way the guy thought about music.

Every single guy in that band was a stellar musician, right? But if you want to talk about hard blows to the ABB, losing Berry Oakley was a bad one. I play guitar and bass myself, started on bass... and learning that guy's lines on some of their tunes.... he was such a unique and gifted player. He made his bass growl, too, if that makes any sense. He had a great tone, but with an edge when he wanted it. When I started off, I was into all of those old flat-wound Fender bass players, Duck Dunn, James Jamerson, and so on... Berry was one of the guys who hipped me to how round-wound strings could sound used the right way.

That was a dream gig for a bassist, though. He got the chance to explore the fullest range of his instrument, and in all sorts of styles, too. Rhythm, melody, harmony, everything. You don't run across too many popular music players who are respected by straight-up jazz cats, but Oakley was. That's how bad of a cat he was.

I liked Allen Woody a lot, the guy who eventually took Berry's place in the reunited ABB, but no one could fill Oakley's shoes. Far as Warren Haynes goes, I think he was about as good as you could do finding a slide monster to try and replace Duane. I much prefer his playing to Derek Trucks, who for some reason doesn't flip my switch. I also liked "Dangerous Dan" Toler, who was in Dickey's solo band for a while and who also cut some solo sides with Greg Allman in the late 1980s. Heck of a fine player. Last but not least, Les Dudek, Dickey's partner on "Ramblin' Man"... what a monster slide player and very tasteful, too.

1 More Replies...

@stratjed

20w↑11

Love or hate Eric. He is the most important guitarist in the history of the electric guitar. He was at the center of the electric guitar world.

@humanbeing5300

20w

He was definitely one of the very first and was in some legendary bands and collaborations during the original creative expansion and development of “rock” music

@ICee712

20w↑3

Not sure why anyone would hate him. I can understand liking other guitarists more. But, I feel like any guitarist worth his salt, at minimum, holds Clapton in high regard for his contributions to the evolution of guitar

@scottnorris8071

20w↑1

Influenced Eddie Van Halen

@mikedonoghues4018

20w↑1

@@ICee712He’s had something of a chequered history.

@peterkovach8655

20w

For what it's worth, he built a non-profit rehab center that I was able to go to get sober. For free.

@GedTheRed

20w

Good guy

@pwk22

20w↑4

It would have been great to have Cream-era Eric play with Stevie Ray Vaughn. I'd pay for that.

@G0K3001

20w↑2

Oh yeah!.........(if only ) that's what time machines are for-

@pwk22

20w↑2

@@G0K3001 I'm saving up for a time machine. I'm halfway there!

@paulfrancis764

20w↑9

I would have thought Mark Knopfler would have been mentioned .

@boatdetective

20w↑3

Isn't it nice to see a player of his stature being so gracious about other players? In contrast, it seems like Ginger Baker was a full-time prick unwilling to compliment anyone but himself.

@edljnehan2811

20w↑1

Jeff Beck and Jan akkerman would run rings around this guy😮 not to even mention Al Holdsworth and Steve h o w e especially Jan akkerman of focus😊

@joluijten6313

20w↑1

Clapton is very overrated .

@edljnehan2811

20w↑1

@@joluijten6313 thank you extremely overrated as is Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen. I'm not saying these guys can't play especially Van Halen but they get way too much praise at the altar when there are too many great guitarists that run rings around them and get little or no love at all. I'll put Jeff Beck up against Hendricks Jan akkerman against Clapton and Joe Satriani against Van Halen everyday of the week and twice on Sundays

@vicvega3614

20w↑2

@@edljnehan2811i mean music is subjective, ur opinion, but Clapton, Hendrix, EVH have all played on some classic songs, Jeff Beck has too but i mean Clapton played on a Beatles record and then has sunshine of your love, white room, tears in heaven and many many more. And Jimi Hendrix i mean nobody heard anything like him when he first hit with songs like voodoo child etc. he was wayyyyy ahead of his time. My point is all those classic songs those guys wrote mean a lot to millions of people and thats the difference, but to me its their playing also, some of the Hendrix blues albums are absolutely amazing and Clapton has some shows in the 80s where he is melting faces. But yea its subjective

@edljnehan2811

20w

@@vicvega3614 okay well I've been subjectively in the music scene since the 1960s so I've subjectively seen all of the greats and I mean all of them. Hendricks wasn't around long enough and in my subjective opinion was kind of sloppy he had no real technical ability anyway he was gone by 1970 and yes he was a good guitarist not great in my opinion highly overrated. You may as well say Clapton was gone by 1970 because he decided to be a pop artist I can't take a guy like that seriously when you have the fusion the progressive rock guys and he's rocking out to Layla and I Shot the Sheriff he looked like an embarrassment on stage playing next to Jeff Beck. I subjectively think Eddie Van Halen did a guitar solo called eruption and all of a sudden he was a guitar God. Outside of that guitar solo I mean really what has he done especially when compared to so many great guitarists he was just doing regular old Hard Rock stuff that had been played by other people a million times. Nothing special from him. You listen to Joe Satriani and he blows him away there's a guy that can play period subjectively Listen to Jan akkerman of focus and I'm not talking about Hocus Pocus this guy does it all Rock classical Jazz Rock Fusion ECT he can be extremely melodic or as heavy as Tony Iommi. I got to tell you I get kind of sick of having to argue and defend truly great guitarist to people that aren't even wet behind the ears yet trying to piss in my ear and tell me it's raining. Hey we like who we like so go ahead and love Hendrix or whoever else you want I think he's grossly overrated and I don't care what kind of negativity I pick up in the comments for saying that.

@vicvega3614

20w↑2

@@edljnehan2811 geeze, i just meant like who you like, but the songs are what bring people back to guys like Clapton and Hendrix, and ill be 48 and play guitar and have been in bands for 30 years. Im more into the chicken picker finger style like Mark Knophler or country rockabilly like Marty Stuart and his fabulous superlatives, and i love Gary Moore, then i can go listen to Megadeth or Thin Lizzy, so im into all different styles

2 More Replies...

@danflynn2662

20w

G.O.A.T

@prestonmack320

20w↑2

Stevey ray is hands down the greatest

@anthonymorelli1532

20w

IF YOU NEVER HEARD IT, LISTEN TO ERIC CLAPTON AND DUANE ALLMAN STUDIO JAMS 1-6, IT WILL BLOW YOU AWAY

@CosmicTaco-yi3um

20w

Keith Richards reportedly stated that of the few true guitar legends he could name/list, Paco de Lucia would be number one among those legends.

@martydibergi5228

20w↑1

Try playing like Al DiMeola too

@edljnehan2811

20w

@@martydibergi5228yes definitely he couldn't do it very few people could with the exception of Beck or Ackerman😮 maybe John McLaughlin

@martydibergi5228

20w↑1

I got Mclaughlin DiMeola and De Lucia to autograph my geetar years ago of course along with Albert Lee Steve Morse Domenic Troiano Alex Lifeson Steve Morse The Hellecasters Carlene Carter Marc Ford and others. Still passionate and don’t know which grand child would even care if i left it for them. Oh well. At leading i got to see Lenny Breau dozens of times when i was young and then Danny Gatton Be well you!

1 More Replies...

@jayclarke6671

20w

Clapton and Page seem to have animosity towards each other but is it musical differences or something else?

@johngunderson5463

20w

Clapton didn't like Page covering blues masters' work without giving them credit. That's what I've read anyways.

@jayclarke6671

20w

@@johngunderson5463 were the songs really stolen and were they really masters at the time or obscure blues artists that became well known due in part to how big the Zeppelin songs became? Other than the song titles and some of the lyrics the Zepp songs sound nothing like the original blues standards. Yet every time I bring up Zepp I always get heat about how they were just ripoffs.

@johngunderson5463

20w↑1

@@jayclarke6671 IIRC, my original LZ 1 album didn't credit Willie Dixon on a couple of songs and Black Mountain Side is just a rework of Black Water Side by Bert Jansch. Later releases gave Willie Dixon credit. When the Levee Breaks originally didn't credit Memphis Minnie I believe. Stuff like that. Plant admitted as much in an interview I saw. They got sued and eventually paid up and proper credit was given.
What's funny is that blues musicians would constantly cover each others' work without credit back in the day but no fuss was made because there was no money at stake. So I'm told. Apparently Clapton is a stickler for such things, more power to him, and looks down his nose at Page. I still think the LZ cover of Levee is the far superior, definitive version.

@jayclarke6671

20w↑1

@@johngunderson5463 exactly, 'no money at stake'. As if the members of LZ knew how big they were to become at the time. I'm sick of these establishment types most likely Beatles fans bad mouthing Zepp as being just a rip-off band. The Beatles suck compared to LZ.

@seanmann863

20w

I am surprised he did not mention Stephen Stills. They jammed together.

@Inglese001

20w

Listen anyone he didn’t mention here, doesn’t mean that he didn’t like them. He didn’t mention Carlos Santana - and he toured with him.

@guesser7

20w

I am surprised he didn't mention Jan Akerman of Brainbox and Focus. Eric and Hendrix were good but not at the level of Akerman

@truemanmontfort8031

20w

Page conspicuously missing from his comments….in some way that says even more about the intimidation all those guys feel about his success…at least Townsend admits it

@davidmellish3295

20w↑3

Not really, it Was just a few clips taken from different times and isn't the only times he's ever spoken about other guitarist's. I've seen interviews where he praises Page. He even helped him with his heroin addiction. So just cause this video didn't show it doesn't mean he's never praised other guitarist's in his 78 years on this planet

@chuckm4540

20w

Look up how Keith Richards talks about other musicians and compare that to Clapton. Like night and day.

@kowalsolosolo

20w

There are a lot of far better guitarists around.Not famous,not legendary. Just better in every sense of that word. Check out Sarah Longfield for example.Or Nita Strauss. Or Jeff Loomis. Or Chris Holmes...

@TheNoncritical1

20w

What makes them better? Is musical validity measurable? Or is it a matter of how it affects one emotionally? Should Albert King have left his guitar in its case because those who you mentioned may have been able to play rings around him?

@francispower1418

20w

I believe Eric Clapton was also rather impressed by Prince. There is an interview out there somewhere in which a hopelessly sycophantic journalist asked him “what is like to be the greatest guitar player in the world”? To which Eric replied “I wouldn’t know, ask Prince”.

@sylvainswiderski9180

20w

That's Jimi Hendrix who said that on Dick Cavett show in 1969 about Rory Gallager

@francispower1418

20w

@@sylvainswiderski9180 I’m not surprised. Hendrix was also highly complimentary about the guitarist from Chicago. A man of generous spirit.

@edljnehan2811

20w

Spare me😅

@francispower1418

20w↑1

@@edljnehan2811 Why?

@edljnehan2811

20w

@@francispower1418 let's see Francis just maybe it's because I'm sick and tired of hearing that stupid Eric Clapton quote about Prince. I've only heard it 50 times it kind of reminds me of that Mike Tyson quotes about someone thinking something until they get punched in the nose I can't even remember it now but people like yourself tend to beat these comments into the ground until they become nauseating and they're just not impressive anymore I think they lose that after they're repeated about three times. So I'm kind of doing you a favor by saying put a lid on it hahaha. Especially when you're quoting one okay guitarist making a statement about a mediocre guitarist. Did I answer your question on why LOL

1 More Replies...

@mattwoodland5433

20w↑3

Youre missing the major one. FREDDIE KING.

@G0K3001

20w

Saw Freddy outside in Texas in the
early 70's, yes awesome show-

@solomonmoti

20w↑1

Anyone who only feels sorry for the children of Gaza and does not feel sorry for the children of Israel is a hypocrite and his morals are flawed and worthless. I used to be a fan of Eric. Now I despise him from the bottom of my heart.

@dukeford

20w↑1

I'm sure he'll be devastated.

@GuitarPhi1

20w

Watch Clapton play with Page and Beck arms concert

@edljnehan2811

20w

I've watched Clapton play with Beck before one time was at Ronnie Scott's it had to be embarrassing for Eric Clapton😢 I know it was cringe for me watching him😅

@UnkleMark

20w↑4

He hasn’t grown as a musician at all. Plays the same stuff he played 50 years ago. I saw him in Italy a few years back and Robben Ford sat in. It was immediately obvious who the better musician/guitarist was. I was a fan when Cream was around and a few years after that but in the last 40 years, I’ll pass. He’s boring. IMO.

@HoosierRooster

20w↑3

He made a great comment once about Johnny Winter

@discernment8963

20w

Clapton's fantastic everybody's aware of that, there's no dispute. That said, I've always had the impression both he as well as SRV were hesitant to compliment Johnny Winter.
There's the generally accepted perception of the great caucasian Bluesman, then JW lays down his version of Crossroads, or Be Careful with a Fool etc, then the books suddenly reopen.

@ampzamp

20w↑1

Where is David gilmour, the guitarist who beat him to the title of greatest fender Stratocaster player?

@kathyscoppettuolo7168

20w

Today is John Mayhall's 80th birthday! 🎉

@johnstieferman1686

20w

He missed one important man Mr Telecaster Roy Buchanan if you do not know who he was check him out.he could do anything Clapton can do..

@TheNoncritical1

20w

Then why didn't he?

@trevorgwelch7412

20w↑2

I have often wondered what E.C. Would say about Robin Trower , Or Yngwie Malmsteen . ?

@dukeford

20w

He was fairly dismissive of Trower, sadly enough.

@elpablosky6300

20w

Ritchie Blackmore is not on the list maybe because Clapton considered a Nemesis by other part Ritchie Blackmore speak about him sometimes .
Brian May said :" I don't know why people don't talk about Ritchie Blackmore".

@PedrSion

20w

Cream toured the UK with Lord Sutch and the Savages. Blackmore used to blow him off the stage. Hendrix watched on of the gigs and told Clapton that he was being blown off by Blackmore. The first incarnation of Deep Purple toured withCream on their farewell tour. Same thing happened with Blackmore so Purple were kicked off the tour.

@teleplayer605

20w↑1

Maybe because Blackmore is from a different genre and background? Apart from George Harrison, all of the players he talks about here are straight up bluesmen or rockers with a very strong blues influence.

Blackmore has always drawn more from classical, medieval and renaissance music.

@LaserRanger15

20w

Excellent post. Thanks

@ursulabornhauser1091

20w↑1

1love eric❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@anglodutch8321

20w

Old mam choices, these. Plus he knew most of them personally. Now what about his opinion on Max Ostro or Matteo Mancuso ? They should wake him right up !

@cliftonjarvis8010

20w↑4

I didn’t even hear my name

@ursulabornhauser1091

21w↑1

Monika dannemann a ice princess in from dusseldorf..was with jimmy hendricks...he got ill stomach...and drew up...she called the manager ask him what to doo...in the mean time jimmy died....😢😢😢😢😢so sad. 1love eric❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@SteveOostdyk

20w↑1

He hated Eddie Van Halen though, haha!

@jimmyhaynes8298

20w

Bothers me! I He never claimed Eddie. Eddie most of blew these guys away when they heard that 1st record. I love them both, just don't understand why he never comments about VH. Jimmy Page liked Eddie; Jeff Beck liked Eddie.

@dancingtrout6719

20w↑1

one priority a Rocker must Have is YOUTH ''' there was a Rock movie and in it was Richie Valens'' , and he was Seventeen .. Chuck Berry was also in the movie he was 32- 33 years old good movie::: Chuck made it big in the late 1950's he was born in the 1920's... chuck never had the priority of YOUTH To Be A Rocker..!! thats the math'' its a Fact'''

@JohnDoe-jp8fx

20w↑1

Johnny Winter!

@danielboone8748

20w↑1

I just knew that a debate would start in the comments about who was the greatest, who was the best. Its subjective and a waste of time. There are many great guitarists and just too many variables. More than anything, it boils down to who each of you like the best,.

@nickmellick220

20w↑1

Wait John mayall was a guitar player? I thought he played keyboard/piano?

@michalkostrej5218

20w

john mayer

@nickmellick220

20w

@@michalkostrej5218 🤣 John MAYALL. From the blues breakers.

@michalkostrej5218

20w

oh yes, he mentioned him, was also surprised... he played keyboard didnt he.. Thought you meant John Mayer😂

@nickmellick220

20w

@@michalkostrej5218 don't talk to me

@teleplayer605

20w

Mayall does play guitar now and then, but he's mostly keys and harp in the Bluesbreakers.

@pjw1016

20w↑5

Mick Taylor and Peter Green

@astragreen

20w

No word of Michael Bloomfield I wonder why?.

@TheGuitarMan71

20w

Duane was the goat

@livingshadows6731

20w

No Robert Johnson???? wtf

@kurtcobainenstein3831

20w↑2

I’d think his entire style and the tribute album he put out says enough about how he feels about Robert Johnson

@gordonbezanson4710

20w

If ya like boring ya listen to chuck berry. Dont get it.

@johnallan4826

20w

Poor no Albert or andy

@jamesferris6131

20w

Skydog🍑

@TeleTonemonkey

20w

Same taste in women …

@tomasvanecek8626

20w

No mention about James Page ? 🙃 lol... sour grapes .. Cause Jim was the only one of this Yardbirds Trinity who made it real big.. See, Jeff with Truth predated LZ I, but he never was able to be a true leader of any band he played with, composed nothing really... Eric was the same, and after Cream he just lost it all. There are many moments when both Jeff and Eric beat Jimmy to oblivion.. but thats not enough. They never really created anything, they just could play great.

@tomthalon8956

20w↑2

Mayer is sickening. But at least Eric didn't mention Joe Bonamessup, AKA Captain Copycat.👎

@user-bp5dz4ft3o

21w↑4

Where is gary moore? Why he doesn't talk about gary? Who is the best guitarists in the world!!!

@nickmellick220

20w↑2

Not his taste obviously. Im indifferent about Moore, but still a good guitar player no doubt. Everyone has their taste

@44thenazz

20w↑1

Just another generic blues guitarist.

@nickmellick220

20w↑2

@@44thenazz his blues was generic in a way definitely, but he wasn't a "blues guitarist"

@kasperkjrsgaard1447

20w↑1

There isn’t a “best guitarist”. There’s those who are extremely skilled in their musical field.
SRV was without a doubt one of the best blues player in the world, but could and should we compare him with Randy Rhoads? Obviously not.
Clapton is in the top 10 of magnificent bluesplayers, but his place in the list isn’t a static one. Technically he’s better than B.B King, but.........

1 More Replies...

@dr.krinkleweldon5934

20w↑1

Everyone except Mayer.

@karsteinmartinsen489

20w↑1

Only blues players..Boring

@HelenamariaRusso

20w

Helllo😊

@TonyWud

20w

Overrated.

@pascaljeanne8002

20w

lol clapton doesnt know , jamie glaser , hiram bullock , allan , greg howe , nick moroch etc etc ! mancuso , gambale , etc ! i dont really care about what he says !