11 February 2011

R-n-R Oldies: Derek and the Dominos 1970

Eric Clapton with Pattie Boyd

Derek and the Dominos were a blues-rock band formed in the spring of 1970 by guitarist and singer Eric Clapton along with keyboardist Bobby Whitlock, bassist Carl Radle and drummer Jim Gordon. The band released only one studio album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, featuring major contributions from guitarist Duane Allman working with the band as a session musician.

The album went on to receive critical acclaim, but initially faltered in sales and in radio airplay. Although released in 1970 it was not until March 1972 that the album's single 'Layla' (a tale of then-unrequited love inspired by Clapton's relationship with his friend George Harrison's wife, Pattie Boyd Harrison) would make the top ten in both the US and the UK.

This sole album produced as Derek and the Dominos -hailed by critics and fans alike for songs such as 'Bell Bottom Blues' and 'Layla'- is widely considered to be the defining achievement of Clapton's career...
Assuming the fictional identity of "Derek" was simply something the ever-complex Clapton utilized in order to express himself: he later remarked that he had trouble facing the fact that he was trying to steal another man's wife, but needed an outlet for his feelings. fwiw, Eric Clapton in fact later married (1979) -and divorced (1989)- "Layla" aka English model and photographer Patty Boyd.

 And the classic 'Bell Bottom Blues' was written to Pattie Boyd Harrison as well, as she had requested Clapton pick her up a pair on a tour of the States,  and the lyrics tell the tale...




And here's a gem, live 1970 TV appearance on 
The Johnny Cash Show...
get a load of Clapton and Cash joined onstage by Carl Perkins:
Wikipedia

 Catch the story of Eric Clapton with Cream -here-

Previous RR Rock n Roll Oldies features -here-