Slowhand: The Life and Music of Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is one of the greatest guitar players of all time, his work beloved by fans and critics worldwide. His work with bands from The Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream, and Blind Faith distinguished himself from the other mainstream rock contemporaries. His life outside the music is less known. Slowhand delves into the past to explore the roots that shaped this talented artist. Eric Clapton was raised in a small town in England, having been abandoned by his birth mother at a young age. He was doted on and spoiled by his grandparents, who provided for the young lad above and beyond his needs. As Clapton grew, art became his passion, along with blues music. The love of music led to his pursuit of gigs and a band to play with. The legend of his guitar playing grew with each passing year; immortality beckoned, but so did excesses, whether women or drugs, that could have derailed the star at any turn. In the end, Eric Clapton emerges and so does his music.

Slowhand is an entertaining and poignant view of Eric Clapton. Philip Norman’s work is masterful and well researched. The music that has been created by the subject can be heard and felt with each telltale page. The reader serves as an audience member/inner circle member with each passing chapter. At the end, the journey into the life of a rock “god” is rewarding and worthwhile.