Songs of Eric Clapton's Solo Years Quiz

Answer:

Eric Clapton was born in Surrey, England in 1945. Clapton rose to stardom in 1963 as the lead guitarist of the British Invasion band, the Yardbirds. He left the band in 1965 and joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, who he recorded one studio album with, "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton". Clapton then went on to form Cream with drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Jack Bruce, which lasted from 1966-1968.

After having success with bands Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominoes, Clapton decided to go solo in 1970, with his debut eponymous album. Clapton's solo career focused more on his singing and less on his guitar prowess, which was a contrast to what his reputation in the 1960s had been, and he also switched from Gibson guitars in favor of the Fender Stratocaster, which provided a different sound.

- "Let It Grow" is featured in Clapton's second solo album, "461 Ocean Boulevard" in 1974. The song was written by Clapton, and he plays a dobro on the song. It is my favorite track on the album. "Mainline Florida" is the final track on the album, and was written by fellow bandmate and guitarist George Terry. The album was recorded in Miami, Florida, and the band's stay in the city inspired the song. Clapton uses a talk box with his guitar in the song.

- Clapton's 1976 album "No Reason to Cry" features the songs, "All Our Past Times" and "Hello Old Friend". Rick Danko from The Band plays and duets with Clapton on "All Our Past Times".

- One of Clapton's biggest albums, "Slowhand", was released in 1977, and features the songs "Cocaine", "Wonderful Tonight", and "Lay Down Sally", which are the first three songs on the album, respectively. "Cocaine" is a cover of J.J. Cale, while Clapton wrote or co-wrote the other two.

- "Promises" is a song featured on Clapton's 1978 album "Backless". It achieved success, reaching number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100. "Walk Out in the Rain", the opening track, was written by Bob Dylan. This song or "Golden Ring" is my favorite song on the album, which wasn't highly regarded by critics.

- "Forever Man" appears on Clapton's 1985 album "Behind the Sun". It reached number 26 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and there is a music video of the song.

- "It's in the Way That You Use It" is featured on the 1986 album, "August". Clapton co-wrote it with his friend, Robbie Robertson of The Band. The song is featured in the 1986 movie, "The Color of Money", starring Tom Cruise and Paul Newman.

- "Pretending" is the opening track to the 1989 album, "Journeyman", which was the first album Clapton released free from drugs and alcohol. There is a music video of the song, which is a favorite of mine.