A First Reaction/Review of Layla by Derek and the Dominos

[@craig1550]

Can’t underestimate Duane Allman’s imput on this album . Sure it would still have been a great album but Duane & Eric playing together just lifts it to another level .

[@himom5930]

In my opinion, the second half is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. Its also used iconically in the movie Goodfellas.

[@rickcain4736]

I love it so much I want it to be played at my funeral

[@DeadBeatSage]

It's beautiful for sure. It also sounds like the intro theme to "The Golden Girls" is about to start up.

[@garycrow1943]

And that is Duane Allman

[@davidmellish3295]

​@@garycrow1943no it's done on piano ( the bit that's used in Goodfellas) it was written by Rita Collige ,the girlfriend on Jim Gordon who was the drummer in Derek and the Dominoes

[@davidt7482]

You really can't fully understand Clapton's standing in rock without listening to his work with the band Cream.

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

Indeed

[@whaymeyeevil]

I think you could probably say everything after the Yardbirds; John Mayalls Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominos, and solo. I mean, he's the only guy to ever be inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF 3 different times. The Bluesbreakers album, in particular, can't be understated. I mean, it's where the whole Les Paul through a cranked Marshall thing came from. Dude is a chameleon, and every change he made was fantastic. Definitely one of the all time greats.

[@jco207]

@@whaymeyeevil Thanks for mentioning John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. They are so underrated and a big piece of the Clapton puzzle.

[@BenWillyums]

live, and the 60s versions, not whatever the hell they were doing in the reunion in 2005 or whatever

[@Roger-vk2fi]

So true.

[@kathyrams]

This song was written as a love song to his best friend’s wife. He’s best friend was George Harrison and his wife was Patty Boyd.

[@cuebj]

The name Layla comes from a classical period story in Persia about unrequited love

[@keyrat1753]

Layla was recorded in Miami and was a great collaboration between Clapton and Duane Allman of the wonderful Allman Brothers Band.

[@mumbles215]

Produced by the late great Tom Dowd. Who also produced Cream and it was his idea for the tom toms part on sunshine of your love. Mixed vocals too low if you ask me. Great man. There’s a doc on him. Really a great man.

[@billbitterman9487]

Duane Allman’s slide guitar is epic. Eric gladly played mostly rhythm so Allman could shine. Also, I know many love the unplugged version but the heartache and pleading of this version just crushes the unplugged version

[@TheoZoffrok]

Couldn't agree more. I'm really not a big fan of blues rock, especially the extended blues jams that so often go with the territory (I prefer Cream's poppier stuff like Badge and I Feel Free, for example). But this is obviously solid gold, and a big reason for that is Clapton's vocal, which is his best bu a mile. He truly sounds like a man at the end of his tether. The unplugged version, as you say, loses all of that passion, along with all of the guitar pyrotechnics from Duane Allman - rendering the song, for me, pointless (in that version).

[@yesterdayproductions1019]

I never liked the acoustic version, especially after hearing this version. There is NO COMPARISON. lol

[@AdamConus]

Clapton fell in love with George Harrison's wife and wrote several songs about it, including this one. Many great classic rock songs were written about her by several artists.

[@sahewins]

Pattie Boyd. She was still married to Harrison when this song was written. She was married to Clapton when he wrote the song Wonderful Tonight about her

[@SantamanitaClauscaria]

What are some other songs about her besides Layla and Wonderful Tonight?

[@eclconsulting]

@@SantamanitaClauscaria Something (George Harrison)

[@lathedauphinot6820]

@@SantamanitaClauscaria Beatles songs “I Need You”, “If I Needed Someone”, and “For You Blue”

[@cartercarter645]

@@SantamanitaClauscaria here comes the sun. It is when he finally comes to term with it and …. It’s gonna b alright

[@Zosohobo]

It will blow your mind to know that Layla and the Beatles song Something is about the same person.

[@rickcain4736]

Also Clapton's classic solo song Wonderful Tonight

[@alpetrocelli4465]

And don’t forget “Bell Bottom Blues”.

[@keithdf2001]

I've never thought about it that way. Great point!

[@Alewifes_Husband]

ALSO the Beatles song "It's All Too Much."

[@alpetrocelli4465]

Songs written for/about Patie Boyd: 1. I Need You, ‘65, GH. 2. Something, ‘69, GH. 3. For You Blue, ‘70, GH. 4. Layla, ‘70, EC 5. Bell Bottom Blues, ‘71, EC 6. Mystifies Me, ‘74, Ron Wood 7. Breathe On Me, ‘75, RW 8. So Sad, ‘74, GH 9. Wonderful Tonight, ‘77, EC 10. She’s Waiting, ‘85, EC 11. Old Love, ‘89, EC.

[@lathedauphinot6820]

Derek and The Dominos had recorded the first three tracks of the ‘Layla’ album when producer Tom Dowd mentioned that The Allman Brothers Band, whom he was also producing, were playing that night. They decided to go see them play, walked in after the show had started, and sat down right in front of the stage, shocking the band. Afterwards, The Dominos invited The Allman Brothers Band to jam, they played all night, and eventually everyone drifted away to sleep, except for Duane and Eric. Duane Allman played on every track after those first three, and came up with the 7-note “Layla” riff by speeding up an old blues riff. Clapton has played with The Allman Brothers Band not too many years ago, and Derek Trucks, nephew of Allman drummer Butch Trucks, named after Derek (Eric Clapton), and a former Allman and Clapton band guitarist himself, recorded the entire ‘Layla’ album (‘Layla’ Revisited) with Tedeschi Trucks Band and Trey Anastasio last year.

[@andrealarocco4941]

They did an amazing job on that album.

[@molukin2]

The documentary on Dowd is a must watch, especially the part where he breaks this song down on the mixing board.

[@clifton8929]

Every song on this album is killer. One of the greatest records ever recorded...every song and even a Hendrix tune. You should hit every tune. You won't regret it. Passion and love overflow through this album, inspired by heartbreak and a Persian Story. Thanks for all the great music and the time and hard work you put into your reactions. You bring fun and light into this troubled world.

[@noelbrown6771]

Syed, thank you for highlighting Clapton's vocals! I've been saying that for ever and only get blank stares. Very underestimated vocalist.

[@kentdonahue7157]

Duane Allman on Slide Guitar, Eric on Guitar and Vocal. Duane was asked by Clapton to play Slide in the studio for the record. That was because Duane of course was one of the best Slide Guitar players then and now of all time. I was 18 when this record came out, I was 22 when I saw Clapton on his 461 Ocean Boulevard Tour, Clapton has always had very good vocals. The show was at the Hampton VA Coliseum. It was 4 days after my separation from the US Army. Great show, but not one of my top 5 shows.

[@barbarasterle3108]

fan fact: This song was dedicated to his love interest Pattie Boyd who was at that time still married to his friend George Harrison from The Beatles. Eventually they got married. I think you should definitely dive in Eric´s work, especially with the band Cream!!!

[@dudermcdudeface3674]

Has the distinction of both being one of the greatest songs of all time AND being the soundtrack to an iconic scene in one of the greatest movies of all time.

[@alpetrocelli4465]

That slide guitar magic is all Duane Allman. When EC heard Duane’s fills on Wilson Pickett’s cover of “Hey Jude” he was blown away, & eventually they got together & recorded this album, one of the greatest Rock LP’s & songs of the era.✌️❤️🎶

[@cazgerald9471]

Duane reached out first through Tom Dowd who produced both "Idlewild South" and "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs" - asking simply if he could come down to the studio and watch. When told by Dowd, Clapton knew of his playing on the Pickett track and wanted to see him play live. After the show Clapton told Duane to bring his guitar when he came down to the studio.

[@alpetrocelli4465]

@@cazgerald9471 I read that EC called Ahmet Ertegun upon hearing the Pickett cover to find out who the guitarist was before they hooked up inMiami. I love the hours of of jam he & EC recorded there during the sessions in Miami. It was a tragedy they never got to play more together.

[@cazgerald9471]

@@alpetrocelli4465 indeed

[@glenntrueman8209]

Check out Eric’s guitar playing on Cream’s “Crossroads.”. Just do it! 😅

[@phillipharrison7283]

'Sunshine of your Love', 'Tales of Brave Ullyses', 'Spoonful', 'White Room', 'Polititian', 'Sitting on top of the world' all worth a visit. Also Clapton's contribution to Blind Faith 'The Presence of the Lord'

[@lizetteolsen3218]

The album is a masterpiece. The piano transition is iconic. Written by Rita Collidge. The absolute ending is Duane Allman birdcalling. Clapton really has strength within the realm of blues---check that out as well. He is a through point for that genre. This is also a period of musicianship. A unique period.

[@edwardmeradith2419]

I absolutely love the form - the second half serenity, the plateau, the drumming. It’s still passion, it’s the natural slow simmering afterglow. Your ‘story’ is interesting! In reality Clapton did marry Patty Boyd, (Layla) who was his best friends’ wife, a few years later.

[@mikemike1425]

Eric's voice is amazing. Bell Bottom Blues please.

[@SpaceCattttt]

For my money, this is arguably the greatest example of unrequited love and obsessive longing set to music. The intensity is not only at a fever pitch, but boiling over. Clapton never sounded this raw again. And it was probably for the best. His health would've suffered...

[@StevesFunhouse]

I would disagree with your comment, "Clapton never sounded this raw again", unless I misunderstood your meaning. My all-time favorite song and version is Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad, from Derek & The Dominos In Concert, recorded at the Fillmore East. I left this comment (and a LOT more) directly as my own post, so if you're interested in understanding my reasoning, look for my comment from today (11-27-2022).

[@WhizzingFish12]

​@StevesFunhouse That album, especially WDLGTBSS and Let It Rain, is stunning, and Claptons guitar work is bogglingly wondrous. Glad someone else recognizes it! :-)

[@samuelmregister]

The unheralded Jim Gordon on drums- best groove sessionist of his day.

[@Alewifes_Husband]

Don't forget Bobby Whitlock on the piano and the backing vocals. Just terrific.

[@WhizzingFish12]

Up with Neil Peart as greatest drummer ever. Listen to his solo on Let It Rain on D&Ds In Concert - it is absolutely fantastic.

[@lextek.]

This song was mostly inspired by Clapton's secret love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of his friend and fellow musician George Harrison of the Beatles. After Harrison and Boyd divorced, Clapton and Boyd eventually married. Harrison was not bitter about the divorce and attended Clapton's wedding party with his former bandmates Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. During their relationship, Clapton wrote another love ballad for Boyd, "Wonderful Tonight". The two guitars you mentioned is that uring the recording of the Layla album, Duane Allman joined Clapton's fledgling band as a guest.

[@Mr62Lincoln]

I love Eric, but Duane's playing here puts Eric on the trailer. Duane's slide on this song is sublime. If you didn't know about Duane's playing on this song/album, you didn't do your homework.

[@geneweiler5486]

There is also an acoustic version by Clapton which has a totally different vibe

[@normandavidtidiman9918]

And is crap.....

[@cazgerald9471]

Of all the classic rock / British blues players, Jeff Beck has pushed the instrument in the most interesting ways, he never stopped evolving as a player. The Yardbirds launched the careers of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.

[@lizetteolsen3218]

So true! His rocker friends still tease about him calling or emailing them about something he discovered playing. That is what I have always appreciated by the older musicians/rock stars. Their focus is on life-long learning the instrument.

[@debrabeck9630]

Jeff Beck is too often left off these lists. Saw him live in the early 1970s and never forgot it.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

Rory Gallagher was in it just to play. Him and Peter Green I think are (gulp) better than Clapton. Don't come for me!

[@clifton8929]

Jeff is a sonic jewel that is unique and iconic.

[@jasonremy1627]

The piano outro was actually written by Rita Coolidge, and was played by her boyfriend at the time, drummer Jim Gordon. Rita never got formal credit for it, but that's her tune. She's a fantastic singer, spent some time as a solo artist and as one of the "Delta Ladies", Joe Cocker's backing singers. Her version of "Superstar" from the extended version of the Mad Dogs and Englishmen album might even be better than the Carpenters version.

[@TheoZoffrok]

Ooh, I've never heard Rita Coolidge sing Superstar. She was so damn great wasn't she?

[@michaelt6218]

This song was my #1 favorite for turning up loud while cruising late at night in the car with my buddies back in the 70s...

[@ericanderson8886]

Duane Allman with the riff and the slide on this one. Clapton on vocals.

[@glass2467]

Correction - Yes Duane Allman is playing the riff and slide, but Clapton is also playing the riff and lead guitar as well. In fact there were 6 guitar tracks on this song.

[@SantamanitaClauscaria]

I just knew Duane covered the slide guitar, I didn't know it was his riff too. The more you know!

[@lathedauphinot6820]

Bobby Whitlock co-vocals on “Layla!” shouts.

[@stevebengel1346]

@@lathedauphinot6820 Bobby doesn't get enough love for his input, especially on this album

[@WhizzingFish12]

To all the people who say Clapton is overrated, listen to Derek & Dominos "In Concert" album - Claptons guitar work is absolutely boggling, especially on Why Does Love Got to be so Sad and Let It Rain. Some of the most sublime live playing ever recorded, backed by a collection of the best musicians to ever be in one band.

[@brianmusson2789]

You have also missed out Jeff Beck and Mark Knopfler two other brilliant guitarists. Have you never listened to Sultans of Swing? Yes Layla is one of the all time rock classics inspired by his love for George Harrison’s wife Patti Boyd who he was helplessly in love with. ‘Wonderful Tonight’ is another great song dedicated to her. George Harrison wrote ‘Something’ for her as well .

[@BrooklynBear63]

Duane Allman. Slide guitar beast. Listen to some Derek Trucks to be blown away even more.

[@dannymoore6886]

Another member of Derek and the Dominoes probably helped Clapton become the singer he became. Helped him with singing soulfully. His name was Bobby Whitlock. Bobby started doing soul, gospel, etc. He worked with Clapton through several projects in England. They both worked with Delaney and Bonnie and Friends, George Harrison.

[@stevebengel1346]

Definitely! The Delaney and Bonnie years are definitely worth exploring

[@sharonannrees2824]

Eric's nickname is "slow hand"! So appropriate! Love that guitar!

[@christianduenas1976]

You absolutely need to listen to Clapton Cream era, or many like to call it his “humbucker era” the work he did with Jack Bruce and ginger baker in the band cream was absolutely legendary. Many say it was Clayton’s best era in terms of his playability. Cream of course was the first ever rock “supergroup”, meaning a group made up of musicians who had already been in their own contemporary successful bands: Clapton (formerly from the yard birds, and blues breakers), Baker (formerly from GBO, and Bruce (formerly from the Blues-breakers). Here are some cream suggestions for ya: Crossroads (live) White room (probably most popular) Spoonful (live and studio versions) Sitting on top of the world Sleepy time time (live at winterland ) (great solo) Born under a bad sign SWLABR Sunshine of Your Love Badge Outside Woman Blues Politician Stormy Monday (live at royal albert hall) The entire cream royal Albert hall documentary is amazing as well I’d love to see you do an entire review of creams albums just as you have with Led Zeppelin as they only have about 3 studio albums and they are all relatively short but all are absolute bangers.

[@ArmandoMPR]

Duane Allman is playing the slide parts and I think Clapton doubles the riff with his own guitar. On the solo they do a kind of duet. The instrumental part was done three weeks after the initial recording.

[@rudedogmat]

The end was his sad goodbye

[@sytwin2476]

You should react to "While my Guitar Gently Weeps" by the Beatles. It is written by George Harrison and Eric Clapton plays Lead Guitar on it. One of my favorites.

[@ronaldmcdonald6554]

This is legitimately one of the most underrated reactions on KZbin for the song. Well done!

[@Alewifes_Husband]

Duane + Eric is how they got Derek! All the slide guitar work is Duane (also the rhythm part in the first half). And this song is about Patty Boyd, who at that time was George Harrison's wife, and George and Eric were best of friends and OMG how complicated....Bell Bottom Blues is also about Patty Boyd, as is Eric's 1976 song Wonderful Tonight, after she had left George and married Eric.

[@stratfanstl]

The rock segment was written by Clapton with Allman devising the the single note riff for the intro and choruses. The piano coda was a completely different song CREDITED to drummer Jim Gordon but actually stolen from Gordon's girlfriend Rita Coolidge. Recorded separately weeks after the main track and spliced together by producer Tom Dowd.

[@Erulin68]

The song was written for Pattie Boyd, George Harrison's wife, who he was madly in love with. Tha agony of being in love with your best friend's girl. And no, unlike the rumors they only got together and she and Harrison had split up. It's a reference to the classic poem 'Layla and Majnun' which is about the madness you feel when you're in love with someone you can't get.

[@vicprovost2561]

Eric is in my top 5 all time, his work in the 60s with the Yardbirds, John Mayall, Cream and Derek and the Dominoes guarantees he is always in the conversation as best ever. For another off of that great album, try his great cover of Jimi Hendrix' Little Wing. An all time great cover. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶

[@SnoBear626]

That heartbreak slide guitar that you love is actually Duane Allman. You're not wrong about Eric Clapton, he is god.

[@billvegas8146]

I call it guitar therapy. You put this album on. Lie back and listen to to it straight through. I guarantee you will feel great when it's over.

[@dacutler]

Brilliant comments dude. I liked your Pink Floyd Comfortably numb video as well. And I have known both songs for decades ever since they first came out. I'm definitely going to watch the rest of your videos.

[@starburstppl]

I was only twelve years old when this song was released, and I fell in love with it. Still love it all these years later.

[@GWDPREZ07]

Clapton is amazing no doubt...but I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend you check out some Stevie Ray Vaughn. For my money, he is the best player to ever live, along with Gilmour. Clapton had immense respect for him and was even quoted saying when he heard SRV in the car for the first time and had no idea who he was listening to and he had to pull over to take in his playing. :)

[@options378]

Clapton was a huge fan

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@options378 Stevie played his last gig ever with Clapton. Clapton was even almost on the helicopter that Stevie died on. Clapton is my absolute number one guitar hero ever and Stevie is right there with him. I saw Clapton last year from 14 rows back and he was 76 years old then and he still has it. He's just an incredible singer, songwriter, and player and has always done his due diligence to put the spotlight on all the other players he deems worthy.

[@danaroy8596]

Amazing song, and every live version I have heard of this song is amazing, too. Never quite plays it the same. I was lucky to get to see him in concert about 15 years ago. It was truly awesome.

[@robertlear2735]

I wish you would do a whole reaction to the Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland album and then you would see how phenomenal a guitarist he was.

[@keymack2477]

When one day you get around to reacting to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles remember it is EC on lead guitar on that one!

[@StevesFunhouse]

This song represents melancholy to a "T" and could be imagined as part of "The 5 Stages of the Grieving Process": Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. I see the 1st half of the song as stages 1 & 2 (Denial & Anger), and the rest as the last 3, Bargaining, Depression, and finally Acceptance (last half minute or so). It just my opinion but, it fits for me, and that's the way I've always "felt" whenever I heard it.

[@ziggymarlowe5654]

It seems that Clapton was inspired by the classic Persian poem "The Story of Layla and Majnun," about unattainable love. At the time Eric Clapton was in love with Patty Boyd, but she was married to George Harrison. Ultimately, the Harrisons divorced and Boyd and Clapton were married. George Harrison seemed rather pragmatic about the whole situation, and the friendship between Harrison & Clapton was not irretrievably damaged. I can only imagine there must have been a couple awkward encounters when they all met up at parties and such. I still put Clapton at he top of best guitar player ever with a small group of others who gave him a run for the title.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

He had been given the Layla story during this period and identified with it because of his love for Patty.

[@Roger-vk2fi]

Eric was always an excellent singer but his great voice always took a back seat to his legendary guitar chops.

[@rickcain4736]

Not only Eric playing nasty guitar on this but also the late great Duane Allman from the Allman Brothers playing killer slide guitar! This is about Eric Clapton falling madly in love with his best friend George Harrison's wife Patti Boyd

[@davidt7482]

It' my impression that Allman and Clapton got on well during the recording. Such a shame that they were not able to work with each other again.

[@rickcain4736]

@@davidt7482 A shame for sure...If he hadn't pased away I am sure a 2nd Dominos album could have became a monster album...As it were the sessions for a 2nd album (without Duane)completely collapsed into a drug fuelled disaster...Some pretty good songs came out of it...released on Clapton's Crossroads boxset and many bootlegs...

[@lathedauphinot6820]

@@davidt7482 Duane Allman played two live gigs with Derek and The Dominos, but yeah, that’s it, and they weren’t very well recorded, unless there’s a soundboard tape in someone’s attic, waiting to be found.

[@dianesaienni5466]

Loved this song all my life!! I used to drive my mother crazy playing this at top volume over and over.

[@tomward6689]

The first part is more yearning for the woman and the second part I tend to feel is like the calm after getting with her. Which is what happened with Clapton and Pattie Boyd (Harrison)

[@helgar791]

The piano coda, written by Rita Coolidge, the original singer of the song "Superstar" (and still my favorite version), was subsequently stolen by drummer Jim Gordon and used here.

[@peterwilkins7013]

The outro wasn't part of Layla originally. It was added on some time after. Jim Gordon took the tune from his girlfriend Rita Coolidge who had written a song called Time (it sounds pretty identical if you listen to it). There is some dispute as to whether Jim or Rita wrote the tune, but she was never credited on Layla. (Jim later murdered his mother and has spent the last 30 years or so in a mental hospital). The outro is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful pieces of music written, and it works really well.

[@sallybannister6224]

Thank you for the best thing I have heard on a reaction channel..., the comment about Claptons voice. , you are brilliant and wise , and know what you were listening to was an outstanding rock voice.

[@ramiroj.2381]

You need to see the live 2001 version. Hell, the whole album, either live in japan, or "One more car, One more rider" which is the album based on that tour

[@Alewifes_Husband]

Clapton's voice is not always that amazing but the passion he feels in this song brings it out of him. It very much IS heartache, as explained below. Haven't read the other comments yet but no doubt several folks have explained the relationship between Eric and Patty and George.

[@jackiepage6120]

Check out Eddie Van Halen’s performance of “Eruption”.

[@vicprovost2561]

Studio original first, then the extended live version, you need to hear both. 🎸

[@eddebatte9905]

Young Dude, it's a pleasure watching your intelligent, fresh, reactions to the music of the last 50-60 years. I think the piano part he gets the girl marries her and sails into the sunset living happily ever after in connubial bliss etc.

[@sailinbob11]

Duane Almond is playing on this album too. Think that last part is acceptance or, perhaps resignation, but it sounds too upbeat though.

[@sc2824]

The four members of D&D (Whitlock, Clapton, Gordon and Radle) were all exceptional musicians. They originally formed George Harrison's core band for the All Things Must Pass album. Allman was not in the group, but was a hired gun who played very well on a few tracks on this classic album.

[@richdiddens4059]

All 4 were also the band for Delaney and Bonnie and Friends immediately before forming this band.

[@gsparkman]

You definitely need to check out the Allman Brothers. Duane Allman plays the slide guitar on this track. He and his brother, Greg Allman, headed up one of the best Southern Rock bands ever. Duane was known at the time as the go-to guy if you wanted slide guitar on your record. Tragically, Duane died in 1971 when he crashed his motorcycle. The Allman Brothers Live at the Fillmore East is a great album to start with. PS: to hear a classic rocker with Clapton singing, take a listen to "Crossroads" (a live cut) from the Wheels of Fire album from when he was with the band Cream.

[@MACMISIAS]

For me the story goes like this. Inspired of a past love he is recreating the tension of the feelings he had when he was desperate of losing her in the first part and the second part is what he feels today. The pain is still there (guitars high pitched and played like some kind of violin ) but he has also this nostalgic feeling about it . This is what the piano part is giving me. Nostalgia of what was lost. The love, the youth, the passion . That's why for me this is the second part . Good music is giving something to everyone of us to think or to feel about. And this is very good music .

[@TheDoctorFlay]

If you want more of that "is that voice coming from that person ?" reaction, you better add "Joe Cocker" and "The Animals" to your list. For my money it is hard to beat the bluesy soulful vocals of "Paul Rodgers" of the band "Free". All 3 mentioned above are responsible for iconic songs that defined an era.

[@jennyclark5232]

Add Steve Winwood to that list

[@SantamanitaClauscaria]

Joe Cocker's cover of the Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends" is the only example I can think of, of an artist reimagining and arguably improving upon a Beatles song. I would really love to hear a reaction to both versions.

[@TheDoctorFlay]

@@SantamanitaClauscaria That would be a good idea for a back to back review. Others that are arguably better than the original; All Along The Watchtower and Mighty Quinn, both Dylan songs but Hendrix and Manfred Mann did them better.

[@SantamanitaClauscaria]

Manfred Mann does covers really well. His cover of Springsteen's Blinded by the Light is the official version now, very few have heard the original or even know its a cover.

[@TheDoctorFlay]

@@SantamanitaClauscaria Now I have to go and find the live Manfred Mann's Earth Band stuff again. Suddenly got an itch to scratch

[@lsbill27]

Greatest guitarist is Steve Howe of Yes followed by Hendrix. Steve's not a blues-based guitarist like the others you like but he kills it in so many different ways. Being in Yes, Steve's band mates are just as brilliant as he is.

[@richdiddens4059]

Up through and including his time with Steve Winwood in Blind Faith Clapton was fairly insecure about his singing. Touring with Blind Faith as their opening act was Delaney and Bonnie. Eric quickly became friends with them and started riding on their tour bus. When Blind Faith broke up Eric joined D & B on their And Friends tour. Delaney Bramlet really encouraged him in his singing and had him doing vocals on 2 or 3 songs per show. When Delaney and Bonnie separated much of their band staid with Clapton as the core of Derek and the Dominos.

[@nadoislander]

To understand the range of his talent, specifically his voice, you need to listen to "Wonderful Tonight" next. Also "Tears in Heaven", tragic backstory to that song that you should look up after listening to it.

[@suecook1326]

One of the greatest rock and roll love triangles ever is related to this song. George Harrison met and married Pattie Boyd in 1966 during the height of his fame with the Beatles. Later Eric and George were collaborating together and Eric fell in love with Pattie. Pattie left George and married Eric. Eric wrote several songs for Pattie and she inspired this song. Pattie and Eric divorced in 1988 then. I was in my teens when this song came out and I loved it! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattie_Boyd George and Ronnie Wood also were inspired to write songs for Pattie.

[@melissamontgomery3399]

New sub here.....I found your reaction to this song to be incredibly insightful - looking forward to more ! .....Best to you from the USA : )

[@chriseasterling5506]

Spot on with your commentary. As usual

[@cuebj]

Clapton had not sung much before this. He didn't think he had much of a voice. I think it was Delaney & Bonnie who convinced him to sing. It took him a while to be confident to play lead guitar and sing. Still got my original vinyl LPs

[@SantamanitaClauscaria]

more aspiring musicians lacking confidence need to know this story.

[@lathedauphinot6820]

Right. Clapton credits Delaney Bramlett with getting him up front and singing, telling him that if God gives you a gift and you don’t use it, He’ll take it away.

[@solojohno1]

Interesting story! I didn't know that.

[@ronparsons8786]

There's some astounding live versions of this song (this original fast version) on KZbin as well where you can see the artistry performed live Just an all-time classic

[@plantmanoj319]

The second half of the song really serves as a conclusion to the whole album. Layla was the second to last track and every song before it was about heartbreak and loss just like the first half of Layla itself. The second half though can be thought of as finally coming to terms with the situation and being able to move on and find peace. The calm after the storm so to speak.

[@kikovazquez7277]

Clapton was only an occasional lead vocalist with his earlier bands (e.g. Mayall, The Yardbirds, Cream). Honestly, I don't recall if he did any lead vocals during his developing years with Mayall and The Yardbirds, but definitely did a number of vocals for Cream. When he emerged as a iconic Guitar God with Cream I was in high school soaking up all the great music of the era. I recall Clapton being interviewed on a U.S. tour and saying he felt insecure about his singing. Bassist Jack Bruce sang most of the lead vocals and wrote most of the songs other than the classic blues covers that Cream was famous for. But as time went on Clapton's confidence in his singing grew and he really broke out his vocal instrument on the "Derek & the Dominoes" album and emerged as an excellent singer throughout his later career. But his music lost it's electric instrumental intensity and he was drawn to more "gentle" genres so he rarely if ever broke out of jail with a vocal as intense as "Layla". Even when he recorded whole albums of pure blues, it was slow blues and intended to sound authentic more than the hard driving blues influenced rock. Duane Allman was a Mount Rushmore guitarist (apologize for the U.S. reference), but tragically died in his early 20s, already a legend, but what he would have accomplished if he could have had a long career is unimaginable. The Allman Brothers were really unrivaled as an instrumental ensemble with unrivaled soulful vocals from Duane's brother Greg. Clapton felt very privileged to have Duane join the D&D project and deferred to Duane's guitar on "Layla" and many other songs on the album.

[@Chiari_Queen_T]

Funny you are reminded of a wedding. This song was featured in the movie "Goodfellas" (the second part) in the montage of all the dead bodies being shown turning up and I think millions of people automatically are taken to that image! The body in the garbage truck, the body in the meat freezer, etc. etc. etc. etc!!

[@casey31652]

Clapton says that he learned everything about singing from Delaney Bramlett of Delaney and Bonnie who often toured with Clapton. But the really wailing guitar on Layla is Duane Allman's slide guitar which is playing all those high riffs. Supposedly, the album was recorded in one night. And then a few months later Duane was killed in a motorcycle wreck. And HIS singing on "Tied to the Whipping Post" is something you should check out.

[@LadyIarConnacht]

Cream was an amazing "acid rock" or psychedelic band that did some of the hardest rock in the business and added a lot to Eric Clapton's reputation. Give them a listen sometime especially Strange Brew, Crossroads, White Room and Sunshine of Your Love.

[@jco207]

Syed, I don't think the moment with Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix was captured on film, but it was dramatized in the movie Jimi: All is By My Side. Also, Andre 3000 was fantastic in the movie acting as Jimi. The story of Layla comes from a 7th century Persian poem "Layla and Manjun." Layla for Clapton was Patti (Boyd) Harrison, who was his friend George Harrison's wife. Clapton was in love with her. She later left Harrison and married Clapton.

[@jco207]

I've never thought of the second half as a wedding but maybe that's exactly what he was hoping for after being in agony loving a woman.

[@thomasdreher8221]

The song is about Clapton falling in love with his friend, George Harrison's wife as their marriage was falling apart. Note Clapton and she later married, so the first part of the song has to do the the torture, guilt ridden, unrequited love whereas the second may represent the beauty if how it turned out.

[@seajaytea9340]

The guitar(s) goes from anguish to resolution; from anger to acceptance. The situation is "messed up," he's fallen in love with his best friend's wife and no matter the outcome, there will be pain. BTW - you might want to listen to "Bell Bottom Blues" to continue your appreciation of Clapton's guitar and voice.

[@thezman1974]

When listening to it on the radio as a young man, they only played the hard hitting rock part. The full song with the extended slower cut was on the album. Some FM stations would play the full song, but most stations, both AM & FM usually just played the shorter version.

[@citizenghosttown]

Very nice reaction. Although this is Clapton's most famous song and arguably his best, it is in many ways atypical. The signature guitar riff is epic, but it's really the interplay between Clapton and Duane Allman's slide guitar that makes this such a great track. And the passion of the playing is matched by Clapton's vocals. Usually, he's so smooth -- here it's all emotion and desperation. And my take on the coda is that it's simply part of the same plea: Unrequited love is not confined to desperation -- he's also expressing real tenderness. (The fact that he does end up getting the girl - for a while - makes for an interesting historical footnote). This whole album is stunning. Wonderful stuff!

[@violetjm]

Great analysis, very well said...

[@steveowens2505]

The outro was being played by drummer. The band waged it and he got credited as co-writer. In actuality it was song written by his then girlfriend singer Rita Coolidge. She didn’t contest as the royalties go to the drummer’s daughter who was left without father who was institutionalized after killing father

[@lathedauphinot6820]

Jim Gordon killed his mother, but yeah.

[@huascar66]

A great Clapton story (probably apocryphal) is that someone once asked Clapton back in the 1990's or so, "What's it like to be the world's greatest guitarist?" Clapton replied, "I don't know. Why don't you go ask Prince?" Eric Clapton was a great admirer of the late Prince Nelson Rogers. By the way, this song is about Eric Clapton's intense love for George Harrison's then-wife, Patti Harrison.

[@beverlybrown2673]

To really understand Clapton's genius as a guitar player, you need to watch him live. When he steps away from the mic, closes his eyes, and tips his head back, prepare to be blown away. For a completely different, yet brilliant, performance of this song, watch the acoustic version from MTV's Unplugged. BTW, this song is about Patti Boyd, as is Wonderful Tonight. At the time Eric wrote this, she was married to George Harrison (of the Beatles), Eric's friend and mentor. Eric fell in love with her, and she eventually left George and married Eric.

[@richardrobertson1886]

Amazing you caught onto the unrequited and forbidden love. He wrote the song about Patti Boyd who was married to his best friend George Harrison.

[@alecspeer]

Released in 1970 but really a product of the 1960s, when Clapton developed throughout that decade with Yardbirds, John Mayall's Blues Breakers, Cream. Layla is one of the great rock classics.

[@chitownlee]

Clapton fell in love with Patti Harrison the wife of Beatle George Harrison who was his best friend. He wrote this and Bell Bottom Blues, You Look Wonderful Tonight about her. George Harrison wrote Something I'm the Way She Moves and other songs about her to. Clapton eventually got his wish and married her.

[@AndrewMoffitt]

Clapton put a lot into this track, undeniably. The lyrics are powerful and intensely personal, and his playing is essentially flawless. There is no doubt that he was the architect and chief driving force behind the sound of this absolutely iconic track, especially when you understand the circumstances surrounding its creation. But what really made this track magic was what Duane Allman brought to the table. The screaming slide guitar during the main part of the song, and how he transitioned to this gentle, soaring solo during the coda were the secret sauce that propelled this song to greatness.

[@ggvno167]

Riding with the King is a collaborative album by B.B. King and Eric Clapton that was released in 2000. You can experience the “Blues” side of Eric Clapton.

[@senseandsensibility3636]

The first half is a passionate profession of love - you can hear the desperation. The second half is waiting for the answer….After you thrown yourself on your knees and made your declaration…there’s a relief. I believe the two halves fit beautifully, and tell a true story. This was about Eric Clapton’s love for Patty Boyd.

[@shads7708]

Have you done anything by the Allman Brothers yet? If not please please start now with Whipping Post!!!

[@aguyandaguitar3366]

I grew up with this song. The first part is about the heartbreak of love, and the second half is the make-up (make-out) part. Remember the name of the album.

[@RIbigDave]

This song in particular and basically the double album Layla and other love songs was an open Love letter to Pattie Boyd. It was his attempt the winner away from George Harrison. She turned them down and went back to George. When he played it for the first thing she thought was how powerful it was in the second thing she all thought was everybody's going to know this is about me. He's the one I have a couple of years with lots of drug problems she enjoyed Harrison split and subsequently her and Eric got married

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

The girl is Patti on the cover of the album. You played the album version. Bell Bottom Blues from same album is gorgeous.

[@johnforde7735]

British musicians of Clapton's era all listened to American blues on the radio. That was a major influence in Britain at the time.