Although Argent and Kiss claimed that rock ‘n’ roll was given to the world by God, many listeners think Eric Clapton was the one who created the morally upright sound. As a purist of the blues and R&B, Clapton played a significant role in bridging the gap between rock ‘n’ roll and blues music. He also introduced white audiences to the sound of the Mississippi Delta. Today, the whole genre would sound completely different if it weren’t for his efforts.
Clapton’s creative journey has yielded numerous moments of cultural significance. He performed with The Yardbirds, John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, and Derek and The Dominos. He has also made a lasting impact as a solo artist. As a result, his career has one of the longest arcs of his generation. People widely despise the Surrey native. His persona frequently contrasts ironically with the gleaming sophistication of his fretboard maneuvers. Nevertheless, the music community still largely accepts his contributions.
When it comes to rock ‘n’ roll and guitar playing, Clapton is an expert, no matter how annoying that may be given his racism and anti-vaccine views. He talked about his favorite music selections in greater detail when he appeared on the BBC’s renowned program Desert Island Discs in 1989. He offered analysis on a variety of musicians. One especially startling name: a modern hero he called “a genius” who had preserved rock ‘n’ roll.
It’s surprising to learn that Clapton was a huge fan of Minneapolis innovator Prince. Prince blurred boundaries, combining rock music with pop, funk, soul, and many other palettes before it was common to do so. This is because Clapton is a purist of the genre. Nevertheless, the ex-Cream member stated that viewing Prince’s monumental film Purple Rain altered his life. The film included the hit song of the same name. In addition to being a musical genius, Prince called the experience of the movie and album a “lifesaver.”
“It was a lifesaver for me,” he declared. This is a record I heard, and it was inspired by a movie I saw when I believed rock and roll had ended. When I saw “Purple Rain,” I thought, “This is it—Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, and James Brown all rolled into one.” That, I believed, was precisely what the world required. Extremely divisive person, but I adored him and believe he is a musical genius.
Clapton elaborated on his initial impression of Purple Rain. His first exposure to the sounds of the Minnesotan artist’s seminal work of art followed Prince’s passing in 2016. Calling him again a genius and even a “huge inspiration,” he recalled. At the time, he found himself stuck in a depressing downward spiral of drink and drugs while driving. Nevertheless, he had no idea who Prince was when he saw the movie in a Canadian theater. The opportunity he craved finally presented itself.
“He was like a light in the darkness,” Eric Clapton said, “in my depression and the dreadful state of the music culture at that time. Surrounded by empty beer cans, I returned to my hotel and wrote “Holy Mother“! His departure is truly unbelievable.
