Eric Clapton discusses "The Breeze (An Appreciation of JJ Cale) "

[@greggorsag9787]

This is one of the most genuine interviews with a superstar musician I have ever seen. It’s clear that Clapton’s genuine love for Cale and his music is hugely meaningful for him, and the interviewer feels the same way. Fun to watch and lots of great stories and insights.

[@angusm9419]

Great comment...loaded with truth

[@coolhand8504]

The depths of Eric Clapton's humility and his talent for always praising others is almost as great as his genius on guitar.

[@norichesney]

I was born and raised in Escondido. JJ Cale was one of a kind. How amazing that this obscure town was home to such a humble, talented man.

[@georgewhitehead8185]

J.J. Cale lived in Valley Center from 1989 until 2013 at his passing. He is buried in the San Luis Rey Mission Cemetery there by the Mission...in Oceanside. Doctor George Whitehead

[@carlosconesa]

I could listen to Clapton talk for hours.

[@davenorman6717]

Yes, me too.....

[@thomaselliott573]

you should go into the Olympics for staying awake the longest under extreme endurance

[@LucaLindemann]

Exactly my sensation. ❤️

[@musselchee9560]

He's become very astute and articulate and lookin' relaxed.

[@sting3917]

Me too

[@balerjohnson3099]

We in Oklahoma so deeply appreciate Clapton's honer of our friend. God bless,

[@georgefuller5426]

Absolutely ,,, I grew up in OKC , and as a young person got spoiled on and entered the music business // worked 30 years behind the mic in jazz and blues radio only // somewhere along the road , I decide to look up as many jazz , blues , or famous rock or soul musicians that I could that were from Oklahoma - there is quite a few // however the answer for musicians in Oklahoma is to leave and go where the industry is thick so that you can earn your living -- it's not a bad thing leaving Oklahoma , but you never forget your growing up roots and the culture involved --

[@fingereti]

Somebody like Clapton understands the real value of such extraordinary musical treasure like JJ Cale.

[@Cooper1575]

Clapton shows a side that none of us don't ever have a chance to see....God Bless YOU ERIC.....RIP....JJ

[@stevecarter6696]

I had the pleasure of playing 2 sets w/J J Cale at Liberty Lunch in Austin Texas in the early 80's. He was coming of stage after sound check and I had the gall to ask if I could sit in with him. He said "Sure". I could not believe it! He didn't know me from Adam and had no idea if I could pay a lick. During "Mama Don't Allow" he said "I don't know who this guy in the red beret is but he's good!" I have it recorded. One of the highlights of my musical life, for sure.

[@kswannie]

Great story! That's fantastic!

[@varanzmaj]

You wore a Red Beret??? On stage?? Holy crap that took guts. Even back in the 80s....

[@tonym994]

always have that tape running .you can pass it down one day.

[@davidb2071]

+Logan Stroganoff Steve Carter (musician) .... myentertaininglifestevecarter.wordpress.com/about/ Mention of playing with JJ Cale (amongst others): www.austinsubaru.com/staff/steve-carter-sales-and-leasing-consultant/

[@micklenehan4278]

Steve Carter xxc

[@lukasnummer1]

Eric Clapton is so eloquent and thoughtful. Not too common among musicians. Seems like a really warm-hearted guy, too.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Friedrich Schmidt You must not know the right musicians

[@mumbles215]

I always thought he was the best interviewer of all major star musicians. He’ll talk and talk. It’s crazy. He really opens up and seems very honest about his answers. You said it...thoughtful. Most civil. Proper Englishmen. It’s no wonder him and JJ were friends, pure class the two of them.

[@johnpolitis9060]

He is the destroyer of The Bee Gees, Bowie, and Jefferson Airplane. Has anyone heard of the phrase "pulling a Clapton on someone."?

[@YYZed12]

@@johnpolitis9060 Can you explain how he destroyed those groups?

[@applescruffs2894]

@@YYZed12 Well for The Bee Gees it's because Eric's the one who recommended them to go and make an album in America, get Americanized and be influenced by American artists instead of just staying in England since The Bee Gees hadn't had an even decently popular record in years. It lead to The Bee Gees huge disco era, Saturday Night Fever and all that. Me Personally I absolutely love that era of them but hey it's not for everyone. Even then though. Even if you don't love it you can't say he destroyed them when he just simply recommended them to record in a different country.

[@justingamble3876]

"He was as famous as he wanted to be" What a great statement about the Great JJ.

[@jamescantrell3066]

Yes! And I think Eric was a little envious of this aspect of JJ I think he would like to. E less envious

[@davidsedlickas8222]

Growing up with Mr Clapton's music over the decades of my life and affording him the respect he commandingly deserves this interview highlights how ageism has taken Eric to a new higher level. JJ Cale I never knew about. I do now through Eric. A missed opportunity on my part. Both JJ and Eric passionate about their music both blessed with talent which got better with maturity. RIP JJ Cale I am honoured to have seen you and heard you on the tracks played on U Tube. Thank you Eric for being Eric.

[@bentolleson2585]

Clapton is a class act! What an amazing way to send a friend off.

[@rickiedecuir8596]

Been Tolson 👍🏽

[@charleslarabie5929]

I've now listened to the Appreciation CD about 50 times....can't stop listening to it..hearing new things in it each time. Highly recommend to any JJ Cale fan

[@naifkarabiber5905]

İt's not about the music's business side, about pure friendship and fidelity. Thank you Eric!

[@bruceall2001]

Great interview about a great man. I'm glad I tuned in and listened to the whole thing. RIP J.J. Cale.

[@TheBuriedLedeR]

I like how Clapton refers to Cale as "John". Anything of quality in life begins with respect. Respect for others emanates from a sense of self-respect. Interview reveals a lot about Clapton. Loads of respect communicated. Kudos. RIP JJ Cale.

[@frankcineharvey3717]

John never answered to JJ

[@alansmith7626]

well said

[@rogersalley1421]

Nice Words!😅

[@jamescantrell3066]

Sir you nailedit!

[@iantpls]

Spot on. Respect for the man too. John had zero ego. I think Eric was in awe of that. A real friendship, fatherly and brotherly.

[@laurasimon-sulzer7966]

From a genius to another. But in a brotherly fashion. So precious.

[@briandavis7811]

Eric has been a favorite of mine since 8th grade in the late 60's .Always humble and concerned about giving others credit. It seemed like he realized at a young age that great talent speaks for itself .He seemed to be more interested in adding more knowledge than boasting about existing knowledge.

[@esric50]

you have said it well, he is a great talent, but has retained his humility , so glad to have him through our journey on earth

[@cheri238]

Eric and JJ . How serendipitous of those two sweethearts together. ❤️❤️

[@johnmirabile3535]

This chokes me up..I lost my best friend a couple years ago....And the admiration and love he has for JJ ....felt so familiar to the love and admiration i have for my friend...I think ill do a JJ cover in my new studio....

[@GraveMistake1]

I love Eric Clapton he is such a great part of the music that has inspired me and he put me onto JJ Cale which in and of itself I’m thankful. Just a great guy and musician.

[@CiscoDuck]

The interviewer is Dan Forte who was a staff writer at Guitar Player Magazine for like 3 decades, interviewed Clapton many times as well as John Cale and later went on to write for Vintage Guitar Magazine.

[@myggggeneration]

I scrolled down from the top just to find out who the interviewer is! :-) Thanks for the info 🙂

[@prs22gt10]

What a great interview, of a man so many hold dear and in high regard speaking so reverently about a friend and musician he respects so much. I first heard JJ Cale's music in 1972 but I owe much to Mr. Clapton for bringing many of JJ's songs to life for me.

[@thomaselliott573]

Why? Are you kidding? JJ needed this idiot to come alive??? ohhh ok. I understand. You can bring him back to life by listening to trivia because you reckon he was a nobody! Go back to school buddy! And learn some respect!

[@mumbles215]

Clapton is pure class

[@BillMcGirr]

@@thomaselliott573 Do you not comprehend that many people would NEVER have heard of Cale without Clapton? Do you understand Cale made more money from Clapton covering his songs than from his own career? And you do realize that the two were friends? JJ Cale doesn’t need you to defend his honor or demand respect for him. It’s not yours to defend or demand anyway.👍

[@RogueWaveStudios_131]

Spectacular interview, very insightful. You can't help but appreciate the humility of Eric and his sense of responsibility for wanting people to ferret out the original legends and performances by the greats that have come before. I love this interview because it shows the thoughtfulness and humanity of a wonderful, thoughtful and talented gentleman who is to be appreciated for more than just the amazing music he has made. Here you get to meet Eric as a person, the man. Thank You for this very nice piece of journalism, I am typically not a fan of journalist but this was done very well.

[@peterzabriskie]

Eric you life has not been easy. Your graceful contribution to John Cale's legacy is a reminder to stay humble. Also as a bassist to not be overly ashamed at having played a song and not been able to find 1.

[@nigelsharratt933]

Two friends talking about the passing of another old friend with genuine love and affection. Just goes to show that apart from the musical legacy when we pass over we live on in the memories and hearts of those who loved us.

[@ScoobyPl01]

I first heard of J.J. , or better, read about him in a Dutch music magazine, that had a section in it, reviewing records, and were raving about “Naturally”… I bought the record, and have been a fan ever since. I was 11… the year was 1976. About 15 years later, I heard Clapton in an interview, saying how Cale helped him fight his musical ‘demons’ , and it hit me again, how influential JJ must have been. The thing is, you can hear that in his music. Clapton calmed down, I think, and his records showed that. ‘The Breeze’ is a fitting tribute, from a friend, to a friend… with friends. It shows what a man JJ was. A simple , monumental, musician, friend, man. I only have one regret… I never got to see him live…

[@sandraarmstead3201]

Beautiful touching interview. JJ is a legend. Clapton really loves JJ ♥️

[@sheriffjohnbird3179]

Thanks to Mr. Clapton and Lynyrd Skynyrd I discovered JJ Cale and I'm so grateful these guys covered his music otherwise I may have never heard of him. Now, every year me, my brother and my son hike high up into the Eastern Sierra mountains and have the Annual JJ Cale Appreciation Night after the long hike sitting back looking up the palisades smoking a cigar and ol' JJ Cale crooning on little speaker for hours - good times!

[@Gypz-lb7tm]

Wonderful interview. Eric speaks so eloquently of his friend. One gets the full impact of JJ Cale's place on Eric's -- and now all of our -- musical tree of life. Thanks so much for posting.

[@rk41gator]

Amazing to hear all the strings coming together with great musicians. Guess when you are good, you collect a fabulous bunch of admirers. When they too are fabulous musicians, magic happens!

[@brucenoregon]

I was always one to read every word on an album because you always seemed to learn something, and by my early 20's Because of Eric Clapton I discovered JJ Cale and will forever be glad I paid so much attention to the written word on albums as much as the music itself. Thank you Mr Clapton

[@jala5577]

Great interview with a very eloquent Eric Clapton his respect for J J Cale person and music.

[@countblue]

Great interview. It doesnt get any more respectful than that. Eric sure does pay respect to J.J. here. Very nice man. Hats off to both off them.

[@billdauphine951]

This is gr8..❤.

[@Kattungi]

"And I wanted to do them all, I Still Do." Rooooll credits. Loved Cale for as long as I can remember and The Breeze is truly a gem.

[@JustAnotherBlader]

I’m so glad he shouted out the solo on Homeless. That solo truly stopped me in my tracks when I first it.

[@randydavis941]

I got to see JJ Cale with Leon Russel back in the 70's What a wonderful memory!!

[@wallfallingdown]

I miss my buddy of 42 years....God rest him.

[@fartknocker8363]

Great interviewer....lets Clapton speak after a question with proper follow up....Santa kills it.

[@pauldec75]

Clapton is the sole reason I learned guitar in my teens. I only became aware of JJ Cale a few years back. Thank God there is YouTune.

[@ratkeller9608]

I never realized by all the radio play your covers of John got, that you were not going for the fame. It is so sobering to see that you are as much a fan of the mystery of the sound that JJCale wielded. I still listen to naturally and am amazed every time at the subtle way his fingers touch the strings. It is so personal, it speaks to my heart from his heart. I had every song i could get my hands on of JJCale, over the years and nearly every song is imprinted upon my memory.

[@edu256]

42 minutes of pure wisdom..

[@daveburlton819]

Great insight into both musicians- thank you EC! A very genuine appraisal of Cale and his work. He was an endlessly fascinating artist.

[@tededwards3675]

Oh dear o dear at 63 I have just discovered JJ where have I been ! Years ago listening to EC, Stones etc I discovered the Blues and now he has introduced me to JJ. I cannot wait to get the appreciation album and then retrospectively JJ's music. Thank God for You Tube as I can see and hear him and this interview has been brilliant. Well done. Dan. What I like about EC when I hear him talking is that he is not up his own backside and if by a miracle you ever met him without any of the hysteria that surrounds him I bet you could have a decent chat about music Ferraris etc. If only !

[@jmmacb03]

I am turning 60 this month and knew of him, but didn't know his influence on EC, and so I find myself here. Thank goodness for KZbin!

[@ToddSauve]

Start with "Naturally"--JJ's best album!

[@alexandermills382]

@@ToddSauve “One … Two… Three…. I’m turning 70 in 2 months…. Diehard JJ fan, naturally! Alex in Norway.

[@cavecookie1]

I saw JJ twice at Red Rocks in the 70's. One show, it was just JJ and a small band. The other show was the whole nine yards; horns, keyboards, lots of people on stage. Both shows were fantastic!

[@Ptpop]

You “introduced” me to JJ. I love his style because it’s so laid back but powerful at the same time. He and James Taylor inspired me to just be myself when I play my laid back style of guitar playing and songwriting.

[@lightcaesar]

I recall seeing JJ years ago in a small pub in Dallas, TX. I was waiting in line outside, waiting for the door to open. I could look through a large window and see JJ standing on a tiny stage, doing a sound check and tuning his guitar. He gazed out that window with a look in his eyes that said, “Wow, all those people came to see me?” JJ Cale- the funkiest white boy that ever lived.

[@robertlevy5609]

One of America’s great artists! R.I.P.

[@bertvanstaveren3178]

Nice to see that even Santa was a JJ Cale fan....

[@michaelmiller2275]

As a young kid, I was a big fan of Santa. Not so much now.

[@BillMcGirr]

@@michaelmiller2275 Amen… the fat man hasn’t been kind to me in decades.🤣🤣🤣👍

[@TheVatonaught]

I have tons of JJ's albums but this collaboration album is wonderful to listen to and feel.

[@sting3917]

I repeat this interview more and more l never get tired listening to it

[@TheSavagederek]

The reason I love guitar, SGs and Stratocasters. Bell bottom blues was the soundtrack to my first real heartbreak, and Let it Grow was the first dance at my wedding. My guitar hero.

[@benguin7]

Incredible interview. Just getting into JJ Cale properly. This helps a lot. God bless.

[@redshifttrucking4537]

Thank you for this. Eric has been introducing me to great music my whole life. So great to have him share so much in a interview paced appropriately, not dumbed down into sound bytes. I shall study Mr. Cale's music with this new insight.

[@riffdigger2133]

In depth interview and stories. I savored every second of it.

[@GroundbreakGames]

Only just now discovering JJ after a lifetime of playing guitar and finding my way back to the sources of rock. It's really nice to hear all of these stories, Thanks Eric!

[@GuttlinGuitars]

Fantastic interview. Made me appreciate Clapton more than I did.

[@jjcale-forevergold3327]

THANKS TO MR. CLAPTON!!!!!! JJ CALE AHEAD OF HIS TIME! R I P - JJ

[@kathif17]

This is so inspiring to talk about somebody you so revered❤ and you have JJ in your soul😊I hear it loud and clear

[@888jimm]

I could listen to Eric talk all day , he should have a weekly fireside chat.

[@christianboddum8783]

It's so wonderful to get all this info and insight from the source direct, and not filtered through some music journalist, twisting everything to his or hers own liking. This wasn't really possible before KZbin.

[@SteveH51]

Wow, what a beautiful interview, such reverence from EC. I love John Mayer's version of Magnolia. I'm digging into JJ's musical history.

[@cribeiro]

Amazing interview about JJ Cale.Eric Clapton's a big person and musician in rock history.

[@johnmoulton1191]

This is GREAT Eric thanks

[@MichaelCantrall]

Thanks to those involved in producing this tribute, a gift not lost on those who were changed by his words and music.

[@davidrice3337]

i continue to be amazed by the complex , the rudimentary and the soulful sides of Mr Clapton - My favorite person in music - my favorite guitar , my favorite singer - my favorite songwriter not named Robert Earl Keen -

[@ricks.1318]

Thank you Eric for the enlightening interview on JJ Cale .... It was VERY informative, and it tought me personally how and what you performers go through to actually "produce" a recording... (All the things in the background that us FANS never knew about ... Extremely interesting, AND I now have an even BETTER knowledge of JJ;s talents .... 'Much appreciated" sir !!!

[@SoftRockMusic83]

I believe that somewhere in the world, there are people who feel the same emotions that I feel when I listen to masterpieces like this song.

[@scottman-cl4jm]

I just love listening to EC talk about music, He has become a very humble man with age. I had the pleasure of meeting him twice so sad we didnt have cell phones then to take a pic.

[@MrBillyrosewood]

Just a superb interview. Another great connection to musical history.

[@miaiplayadoptmegray175]

It was amazing to see there friendship together xxx

[@emiecarayugan]

the very best mr.Eric Clapton you re the nice guy ...God bless always

[@johnhiscutt1853]

Nice to hear the stories about JJ Cale, great guitar player, that Acoustic he played on from Tulsa and back had a great tone!!👍

[@shanesweeney3583]

Thanks so much for this tribute to Tulsa's favorite son.

[@mairenared]

A great interview. More like a conversation between two friends than an interview as such. You can see how both of them have so much love and respect for J J Cale. I've been a huge fan ever since I heard the opening bars of "Lies" from J J's second album at a friend's house back in 1972. I bought all his early records and more recently enjoyed the DVD he made called "To Tulsa And Back". I'd never heard the Lynyrd Skynyrd version of "Call Me The Breeze" but have fond memories of Captain Beefheart's version of J J's "Same Old Blues" on his "Moonbeams And Bluejeans" album.

[@fasthorserider1733]

Beautiful tribute to a remarkable man. Thank you, Eric.

[@simply3141592654]

As great as Clapton is on guitar, his singing has only continued to mature and become richer. Very under-appreciated aspect of Clapton's musicianship.

[@richardvanbergen9429]

Totally right

[@kevinwalters3433]

😊

[@hypnoticfloor4842]

Perfectly well done, Mr. Clapton, please give us some more Cale (style) songs!!

[@davidmccaffery7977]

A great team.. unusual... impressive 🎉 Eric's such a classy guy

[@paulauvray1962]

Eric Clapton is for me in the top 6 of the best guitar player in the world ever !!!

[@maccanti57]

Thanks Mr Clapton. You talking about that guitar solo in Homeless and saying you'll keep discovering things listening to Cale's music: how true :-)

[@rickiedecuir8596]

Antonio gonna check that out, love beautiful 🎸 playing.

[@tomm5780]

I have never seen EC, so relaxed and seeming to really enjoy the conversation

[@gudgengrebe]

I don’t know who’s interviewing Eric, but he’s very good! He’s not over reverential and doesn’t try to be buddy buddy. He asks interesting questions. I’d just like to compliment that man for making it interesting.

[@carymatthews3199]

thank you Eric Clapton for bring to attention the man and his music as yourself he is one of those people who represents what MUSIC is THANK YOU MR. CLAPTON THANK YOU

[@kswannie]

I love this tribute album. I've playing it in the car constantly for two months! The best driving album ever. Thanks, Eric...yet again. EC on Same old Blues is circa 1968! Brilliant stuff. Love Tom Petty on 'The Old Man and Me.'

[@robertwoodward9231]

I thought Petty did Same old Blues on the tribute.

[@francesriddiough8818]

what a nice tribute to JJ Cale! A kind, loving and honest tribute. It seems he was a man who knew himself . Just a comment ...about "people seem not to want to know about the music of the past"(Eric) Is it because when one is young, one wants the New, the Exciting, the stuff that breaks a barrier? I am now nearly 65 and I remember poo-pooing Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly,and others.."gimme Led Zep, Strawbs,Santana, JJ Cale, Joni mitchell!" and other ground breakers of my time , but now, I listen to the original blues artists and find myself enjoying THEIR rawness, THEIR ground breaking stuff of THEIR time, because I somehow feel there is true soul there.I think maybe its an age thing, as we grow older we look back possibly more than we look forward (for whatever reason) but i remember JJ Cale was talked about, but never at the top yet we all had the LPs. a lovely sensitive interview. thankyou.

[@tonym994]

I'm not sure who Strawbs was , but I like/love all the artists you mentioned.

[@jmmacb03]

I, too, feel like looking back. When I was younger there was still so much great music coming out *_every single week_* that keeping up with that was wild. And expensive! I don't hear a lot of new music or learn of a new musician that is of the quality of even 20yrs ago. I can't think of that many singer-songwriters who are also musicians…

[@Unfamiliar_Fruit]

That was beautifully expressed Francis

[@rickiedecuir8596]

Frances Riddiouch What a mouthful 👍✌️

[@mikefrench506]

So glad to hear these interviews. Mr Clapton is so genuine and real.

[@David-m7l8c]

This man earned every cent, there's no such thing as something for nothing, his legacy will live on forever....

[@caroleadams5050]

How can you not love Eric!

[@timcothren8251]

It's very nice to see Clapton open up and bring us along on his journey . It appeared there were at least 4 cameras rolling, so the multiple nodding 'cut aways' of the interviewer were oddly intrusive and avoidable. But thanks for getting a great insight into Clapton's soul .

[@quomo84]

thank you guys for everything, you make my life everyday a lil better. I love you.

[@muzikhed]

Glad to see you guys talking about your buddy with the warmth I feel for him too.

[@lhvent]

What an amazing interview and tribute to a genius

[@JohnnyNowhere]

First time I heard J.J. Cale was in 1976. I sat listening to 'Naturally' in it's entirety ~ completely blown away by the smooth coolness that the man exhibited. I was never once tempted to pick up my guitar and play along, because for all of his simplicity of technique, there were no pockets for me to fit anything into, which seems very odd, still. It remains one of my favourite albums to enjoy when I want to get into a laid back mood.

[@dannymarks988]

worthy of more than one watch, Ever insightful,

[@marctodd8531]

Dear Mr. Clapton. Derek and the Dominoes was the first album I bought. I was hooked. Then I got turned on to J.J. Cale. Something about him and you separately and together blew my young mind. I am 67 now. I think you are a stand up man for bringing J.J. Cale to the forefront of your fans' consciousness. You gave him exposure that he would not have received. I watch all of your Crossroads footage, and it is impressive. But the joy, friendship and love you and J.J. showed to each other is lesson for every man, woman and child out there. My father told me that if you have enough friends to count on one hand, you probably counted someone you shouldn't have. Long story short. I have always been a fan, but the love you showed for J.J. Cale is beyond anything I have ever seen. Keep it up. Regards, Marc Todd

[@ediwan1]

The point of listening to music is feeling that joy and mystery of playing and creating. Guys like Eric Clapton are who they are because they share their respect and enthusiasm for the people and their creations involved with those things that they love. "I'm just a messenger. I've always felt like that's my job." That's when he hit the nail on the head and said that he hoped people would hear what he obviously loves and check out where he got it from. There are still a number of us out here in the world Eric. We do care and we do listen and learn. More importantly, we appreciate it too.

[@tidbitsofmylife2367]

I love Eric Claptons heart. I read his bio which was incredible. I'm amazed at how his life was mirrored mine. If anyone knows how I could write him to thank him for opening his center, and his humble acts of kindness. Thanks in advance! 😀

[@wcw8973]

JJ is a brilliant songwriter RIP

[@jk22820]

Nice one EC your respect for JJ hopefully reaches the next generation. Thankyou explaining the stories from the inside.

[@NVRAMboi]

The first John Cale (cover) tune I ever recall hearing was "Bringin It Back" from KANSAS' eponymous LP around 1976. I had heard others previous but just did not realize who the man was and how much of his work had been covered and played on radio. Some of these more recent Clapton interviews have been very well done and I've enjoyed them while learning a lot of music history.