Eric Clapton is an English musician, singer and songwriter widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Over a career spanning more than six decades, the 81-year-old has moved from the British blues boom of the 1960s through the supergroup era of Cream and Blind Faith to a solo career full of timeless songs. From "Layla" and "Tears in Heaven" to "Wonderful Tonight", his music has sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
With his wife Melia McEnery by his side and an estimated net worth of around $450 million, Clapton remains the only artist to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times.
| Full Name | Eric Patrick Clapton |
| Date of Birth | March 30, 1945 |
| Birthplace | Ripley, Surrey, England |
| Age | 81 years old (as of November 2026) |
| Spouse | Melia McEnery (married 2002) |
| Children | 5 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $450 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2026) |
| Nationality | English |
| Profession | Musician, singer, songwriter |
Who Is Eric Clapton?
Eric Patrick Clapton is an English musician, singer and songwriter born on March 30, 1945, in Ripley, Surrey, England. He first came to fame in the 1960s with the Yardbirds and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, then with the supergroup Cream, before a long solo career that produced hits including "Layla", "I Shot the Sheriff", "Wonderful Tonight" and "Tears in Heaven". Clapton is the only person to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times, as a solo artist and as a member of the Yardbirds and Cream, and he has received 18 Grammy Awards. He has been married to Melia McEnery since 2002 and has five children.
Early Life & Background
Clapton was born to Patricia Molly Clapton, who was just 16, and Canadian soldier Edward Walter Fryer, who returned to Canada before his son was born. He was raised by his grandparents, Rose and Jack Clapp, believing for years that they were his parents and that his mother was his older sister. He received his first guitar, a German-made Hoyer, at the age of 13, and taught himself to play by listening to blues greats such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King and Robert Johnson. He briefly studied art at Kingston College of Art but was expelled, and by 17 he was playing in his first band, the Roosters.
Career
Clapton joined the Yardbirds in October 1963, leaving in March 1965 after growing frustrated with their pop direction. He then joined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, whose 1966 album with Clapton, widely known as the "Beano" album, became a landmark of British blues. In 1966 he formed Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, a power trio that produced classics including "Sunshine of Your Love", "White Room" and "Crossroads" before breaking up in 1968. A brief spell in Blind Faith followed in 1969, and in 1970 he formed Derek and the Dominos, whose double album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs included the epic title track, written about his love for Pattie Boyd, then the wife of his friend George Harrison.
Clapton's solo career took off with his 1974 album 461 Ocean Boulevard, whose cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" became his first US number one. Slowhand (1977) brought "Wonderful Tonight" and "Cocaine", and the 1980s brought the hit "Bad Love". In 1991 his four-year-old son Conor died in a tragic accident, and Clapton channelled his grief into "Tears in Heaven", which won three Grammy Awards. His 1992 album Unplugged topped the charts and became the best-selling live album of all time, while "Change the World" (1996) won the Grammy for Song of the Year. In 1998 he founded the Crossroads Centre, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Antigua, and his Crossroads Guitar Festivals have raised millions for the cause. His most recent album, Meanwhile, was released in 2024.
Facts About Eric Clapton
- He is the only person to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times, as a solo artist and as a member of the Yardbirds and Cream.
- In 1967, graffiti appeared all over London declaring "Clapton is God".
- "Layla" was written about his love for Pattie Boyd, who was then married to his friend George Harrison. Clapton later married Boyd in 1979.
- His 1992 album Unplugged is the best-selling live album of all time.
- He has played London's Royal Albert Hall more than 200 times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Eric Clapton?
Eric Clapton is 81 years old. He was born on March 30, 1945, in Ripley, Surrey, England.
Who is Eric Clapton's wife?
Eric Clapton's wife is Melia McEnery. The couple married in 2002 and have three daughters together.
What is Eric Clapton's net worth?
Eric Clapton's net worth is estimated at approximately $450 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth (2026).
What is Eric Clapton's most famous song?
"Layla", recorded in 1970 with Derek and the Dominos, is widely regarded as his signature song, alongside "Tears in Heaven" and "Wonderful Tonight".
How many times has Eric Clapton been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Three times. Clapton is the only artist to have been inducted three times: as a solo artist and as a member of both the Yardbirds and Cream.
How old is Eric Clapton?
Eric Clapton is 81 years old. He was born on March 30, 1945, in Ripley, Surrey, England.
Who is Eric Clapton’s wife?
Eric Clapton’s wife is Melia McEnery. The couple married in 2002 and have three daughters together.
What is Eric Clapton’s net worth?
Eric Clapton’s net worth is estimated at approximately $450 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth (2026).
What is Eric Clapton’s most famous song?
‘Layla’, recorded in 1970 with Derek and the Dominos, is widely regarded as his signature song, alongside ‘Tears in Heaven’ and ‘Wonderful Tonight’.
How many times has Eric Clapton been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Three times. Clapton is the only artist to have been inducted three times: as a solo artist and as a member of both the Yardbirds and Cream.