(Credits: Far Out / Chris Hakkens)
Sat 29 November 2025 15:04, UK
The steely Eric Clapton, often referred to as Slowhand or even God by a devoted following in late-1960s London, stands as a towering figure in rock and roll history. His legacy is not just a footnote but a vibrant chapter in the annals of music, marked by his involvement in some of the most influential bands of all time, including the Yardbirds and Cream, before embarking on a lucrative solo career.
Despite the controversies that have occasionally overshadowed his musical achievements, Clapton remains a British institution. His participation in the iconic BBC show Desert Island Discs in 1989 further solidified his status. The show, a staple of British pop culture, invites guests to select eight pieces of music they would take to a deserted island, offering a glimpse into their musical tastes and personal lives.
Clapton’s influence on music can be traced back to the vibrant swinging London scene of the 1960s, where graffiti proclaiming ‘Clapton is God’ adorned the walls. During this era, he mingled with legends like Jimi Hendrix and, alongside Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker in Cream, helped shape the sound of rock and roll. His appearance on Desert Island Discs was fitting, as the show itself boasts a legacy that rivals his own.
Created by Roy Plomley in 1942, Desert Island Discs has welcomed a diverse array of guests, from prime ministers to rock stars. Each week, a guest is invited to choose eight records, along with a complete collection of Shakespeare’s works, a Bible, a luxury item, and a book. This format provides an intimate insight into the lives of notable figures, and Clapton’s episode, recorded on September 10, 1989, was no exception. Host Sue Lawley introduced Clapton with a poignant summary of his life, highlighting the pivotal moment when he discovered that his parents were actually his grandparents—a revelation that led to his first guitar, a gift that would change his life forever.
The conversation between Lawley and Clapton is both warm and candid, exploring the murky waters of his past while using music as a guiding light. By 1989, Clapton had overcome personal demons, including substance abuse, and was enjoying a resurgence in his career. Lawley encapsulated this transformation, stating, “He’s now 44, drugs and drink are behind him, and his career is once more successful and lucrative. He is Eric Clapton.”
In a departure from typical guitarist stereotypes, Clapton chose classical music as part of his selections. He explained that during periods of intense touring, he often gravitated towards genres far removed from his own work. His first two picks were Giacomo Puccini’s ‘Senza Mamma (from Suor Angelica)’ and Georges Bizet’s ‘Au fond du temple saint (from The Pearl Fishers)’. These choices reflect his deep appreciation for the complexity of music beyond rock and roll.
For fans of Clapton, his selections reveal a well-defined taste that mirrors his own playing style. He chose artists known for their mastery of their instruments, emphasizing that it’s not just about what you play, but how you play it. He famously remarked about the blues, “At first the music almost repelled me… After a few listenings, I realised that, on some level, I had found the master, and that following this man’s example would be my life’s work.” The master he referred to was none other than Robert Johnson, making it no surprise that Clapton included Johnson’s iconic ‘Cross Road Blues’ in his selections.
Clapton also highlighted the influence of Muddy Waters with ‘Feel Like Going Home’ and Freddie King’s ‘I Love The Woman’. Transitioning to soul, he chose Ray Charles’ ‘Hard Times’ and Stevie Wonder’s ‘I Was Made To Love Her’, showcasing his profound appreciation for R&B, the genre that laid the groundwork for rock and roll.
Among his selections, Clapton’s favorite song emerged as Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’, which he described as a “lifesaver.” He recounted how the song resonated with him during a time when he felt rock and roll was fading. Clapton viewed Prince as a reincarnation of musical legends like Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, and James Brown, stating, “I thought that’s exactly what the world needed.”
Listeners can now enjoy Clapton’s engaging conversation on Desert Island Discs, available through the BBC Sounds channel and on Spotify. The episode not only showcases Clapton’s musical choices but also offers a glimpse into the life of one of rock’s most enduring figures.
Eric Clapton’s Eight Favourite Songs:
- Giacomo Puccini – ‘Senza mamma (from Suor Angelica)’
- Georges Bizet – ‘Au fond du temple saint (from The Pearl Fishers)’
- Robert Johnson – ‘Cross Road Blues’
- Muddy Waters – ‘Feel Like Going Home’
- Freddie King – ‘I Love The Woman’
- Ray Charles – ‘Hard Times’
- Stevie Wonder – ‘I Was Made To Love Her’
- Prince – ‘Purple Rain’
For those interested, the BBC has made the episode, featuring slightly shortened musical pieces, available on their website and on Spotify.
