Is THIS All Time 70 Rock Song CURSED? It's SPAWNED Adultery, Theft & HOMICIDE! --Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

What is your pick for the greatest DEBUT record by an artist or band?

[@RBS_]

....WELL, I know she's not 'Rock', but Lady *WHITNEY HOUSTON* bridged the gap between Pop, R&B, AC, 'Diva Pop', & Dance, and gave a well-balanced debut for all races, generations, nationalities & demographics....and she looked mighty spiffy on that LP cover, too.....

[@robertnigro1430]

Faith- George Michaels

[@careymcmillan2083]

Dreamboat Annie

[@surlechapeau]

Boston- Boston- greatest rock guitar & vocals. Runnerups: The Cars- The Cars- the perfect blend of pop & new wave. The Police- Outlandos d'Amour - most unique sound and vocals. Sheryl Crow- Tuesday Night Music Club- most refreshing voice, sound and songwriting in several years at the time. The Romantics- The Romantics- I thought they was the second coming of The Beatles.

[@SPak-rt2gb]

Led Zeppelin Montrose

[@toolman9573]

My fondest memory of Layla was one afternoon in the late seventies I was home from the army and was playing this song, and when it was over I heard my mom yelling up the stairs at me. Thinking it was too loud, I was surprised when she told me to turn it up and play that song again. A while later when I came down stairs she said she wanted to show me something. My mother played piano but couldn't read music, she did what they called played by ear. I was thrilled to listen to her play the piano solo perfectly after only hearing it twice. She eventually got to where she could play the whole song and my friends and I would sometimes hang around the piano and listen to her play music from just about every cool song with piano in we liked. I always said if she hadn't had a bunch of kids she'd probably have been a hippie during the sixties

[@kentkearney6623]

Better she is your Mom❤❤❤

[@Humama23Boyz]

What a cool story!😎

[@markhowlingwolf6585]

Hats 😎cool! Awesome mom!

[@janiephillips4842]

I had a cousin that could play anything by ear. I loved him so much. He's gone now, and I miss him so much. How talented people are that have this ability. Love you David, I hope to see you again some day, but I have a hard time believing something that sounds like a fairy tale. Layla is one of my favorites. Thank you so much for bringing me sweet memories. 💙

[@janiephillips4842]

Whoops, I forgot, this was a very sweet story. 💙✌️ My granddaddy used to call me a hippie. 😅🤣 I'm 65 now and I guess he would call me an old hippie now. 🤣😅

[@schmidington]

I can't imagine the emotions Ms. Coolidge must feel every time she hears that coda. Anger, frustration, and yet joy and perhaps pride, would seem to be present having composed that particular part. Overall, it is a tremendous song, and I enjoy both the full-length and acoustic versions. A brilliant and historic piece of music from one of aging statesmen of blues and rock.

[@borisblvd5354]

If a guy stole my wife, I could probably do OK. But, if some guy stole my song & made millions of dollars with it, I would be down right vengeant.haha

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It would be a rollercoaster of emotions for sure.

[@Humama23Boyz]

Too bad she couldn’t sue for songwriting credit and monetary damages.

[@WillFly1968]

It's a shame Rita didn't get recognition for her music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree.

[@RBS_]

...that's *MISS* RITA! ....A Rock Legend, and a fine, fine Lady, at that.....

[@WillFly1968]

@RBS_ my apologies. I agree.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s really messed up.

[@cyncty666]

PoR you shot another one outta the park!!!!! Awesome

[@roy1701d]

I've long known the story of Eric, George, and Layla/Patty. But I did NOT know the story of Rita Coolidge and the song's coda (my favorite, and arguably the best, part of that track). Thanks, Prof! This is why your channel ROCKS! 🙂🤘

[@krisg3984]

Agree !! Gold nuggets of information

[@AVirtualTourist]

Her account is disputed, and for good reason.

[@AnneDowson-vp8lg]

I've always known about Eric, Pattie and George, and I remember a beautiful retelling of the original story of Layla on BBC Radio 4. Layla and her lover eventually got together and lived happily ever after. I didn't know about Jim Gordon, his madness and the tragedy of him murdering his mother, or Rita Coolidge being ripped off over the beautiful piano coda. My Layla story is that when I worked for Bradford Council in Yorkshire, England, and was a union rep, we had to negotiate with the boss of Environmental Health, and his mobile phone ring was the first few bars of Layla! He was a pleasure to work with, very reasonable, and had the same name as the Prime Minister at the time, John Major. A Liverpudlian, who believed in unions.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Absolutely one of the greatest guitar riffs ever, without any doubt. So bizarre how this masterpiece came to be. It may be convoluted and intense, but sometimes that is what is needed to write an all time classic.

[@globalunitedanimals]

Rick didn't play guitar on it, he pretended to on the video.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Sometimes classics come from places you might not expect.

[@scottburton9701]

"Layla" is unquestionably one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded-This is clearly Eric Clapton's masterpiece!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

No doubt.

[@hbofbyu1]

I don't know if any one guitar riff can be awarded, "greatest," but "Layla," is a contender. It couldn't have been written by anyone not consumed by desire. It keeps driving and finally rests with the long piano coda.

[@I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music]

Amazes me how long it's been since I've heard it. 🥺

[@tomquinn607]

Cross Roads was his best imo.

[@ChuckBushman]

Couldn't agree more. Some of the best guitar work ever. Clapton & Allman each have a unique sound that blends so well throughout the song. Credit to Rita Coolidge for the outro; majestic yet sad and haunting; a perfect ending for the song and the story of unrequited love.

[@roberttanenbaum3313]

A young Eric Clapton screams out "Layla" with the painful obsession of a young man. And twenty years later sings it like a somewhat melancholy memory by a more mature man.

[@monicacollins8289]

Clapton's modern version is without passion. IMHO sounds dull, common, and plain.

[@Baseballnfj]

​@@monicacollins8289agree.... some things shouldn't be remade

[@ricosavage13]

The background vocals of Bobby Whitlock are what's missing. They are better than Clapton's lead vocal. He co-wrote or wrote alone more of the songs on that album than Clapton. He is the secret weapon of that band. This channel really needs to do an interview with him. He's also the guy singing "Let it Rain!" in the background of that song by Clapton, and singing the Hari Hari's on My Sweet Lord. He was a huge part of the music scene in the 70s. No idea why Clapton left him behind, but they were close for a while, and Bobby also dated Pattie's sister. I still follow him on his KZbin channel.

[@donaldbarber3829]

It's hard to sing the blues when you're a racist.

[@donaldbarber3829]

It's hard to sing the blues when you're a racist.

[@robster7316]

Epic tune. Amazing that Eric and George remained friends in the years afterward. Talk about forgiveness, as Don Henley would say! Thanks Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding. Thanks Robster.

[@illegal_space_alien]

George was too good for this world, for sure.

[@mikek5958]

I think I remember hearing or reading that after Eric told George about his affair with Pattie and how he felt George said, with no animosity whatsoever, "take her, she doesn't belong to me" or something to that effect.

[@jeromethiel4323]

Guys can be friends after toxic femininity. Two great guys, and she wasn't satisfied with either. Typical.

[@tygerstripes3752]

George was nailing Maureen Starr around this time, among many others, I'm sure. I love George, but he was no saint.

[@BillLinAZ]

At 61, the song just makes me want my youth back. Great stuff Adam as always. Love the breakdowns.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@jasonmckenzie2835]

Was feeling Beatles nostalgic this morning and watched your Beatles Something/Come Together episode. Perfect timing! I don't care what Harrison says, Something was about Patti Boyd. To have one woman the muse to two such classics makes her a rock legend.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No joke!

[@leehogg4624]

Also wonderful tonight. Another great song

[@misterschubert3242]

​@@leehogg4624yep!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s the Beatles’ greatest love song, if not one of the greatest love songs ever.

[@CrunchyFrog47]

Great episode... The first time I ever heard the coda of Layla credited to Rita Coolidge was actually from Billy Joel when he talks about the song on his SiriusXM channel. I always thought that sounded wrong, but thanks to you I know the full story. That was honestly a dirty trick Gordon, Clapton, and Whitlock, which it sounds like they all knew its origin before committing it to tape. But I'm glad the truth if getting out. The two iconic parts of that song is the Dwayne Allman intro and the piano outro. She deserves credit!

[@DC8091]

Layla has some of the best guitar work in any song ever, & Duane absolutely steals the song, & the piano coda is so legendary you can hear it’s influence all over music thereafter. Certainly a classic among classics

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of the most iconic codas to a song!

[@cu6454]

Eric and Duane both are playing slide guitar 🎸

[@Zehbron]

I think every musician has their own Layla/Patty. Even after many years have passed, you’re still thinking about her, and the songs you write or perform carry a little piece of her.

[@illegal_space_alien]

Very true, no matter how much we may hide it, even from ourselves.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I know I have had a similar experience.

[@skylx0812]

Isn't that what Ambrosia's How Much I Feel is about?

[@wewin03]

Everyone has had a Layla

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

The first time I heard "Layla," I wept. It's just so beautiful! It's my favorite rock and roll song, hands down. Hearing Jim Gordon's myrder of his mother due to his diagnosis makes me cry. I knew a young man and, in fact, helped his mother to raise him until manhood. He called me his "other mother" and I loved him like my son. He was killed at 28 years of age by a man who has schizophrenia and was off his medications. The man is in a mental hospital for life, trapped in a wheelchair by his suicide attempt. It's been a number of years and I have finally been able to forgive my boy's murderer. He didn't mean to do it, I believe that. My boy would want me to let go of the rage that filled me for too long. He is with God.

[@kathleensullivan4547]

❤God has Blessed you ❤

[@janiephillips4842]

So sorry. 💙

[@MrMrrockin]

It’s sad that Rita Coolidge never got the credit she deserved for writing (from her song “Time”) what became the coda on piano of Layla. It’s a disgrace that Clapton never credited her. He wasn’t the only one complicit in this dishonesty.

[@babygerald4645]

I've listened to this song for how long without knowing the literary source of it. Amazing. Proves that complicated romantic relations are as timeless as rock and roll. Nor the story behind the instrumental outro section which always gets me. The sub-biographies of the performers involved-- like the one here about poor Jim Gordon-- are what gives these features such depth and soul. Stories like Jim's could be easily overlooked or turned into a snide remark by lesser types. Adam brings us all the dimensions of this fellow's struggle and mercurial career. That he was a prodigy, that he was misdiagnosed for schizophrenia, that he ripped the piano from uncredited girlfriend Rita Coolidge... what a complicated fellow with an utterly terrible ending. Thanks again, Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Baby Gerald! Have a great weekend!

[@D-Fens_1632]

I only learned about Gordon in the last few years. Just this summer somehow he came up in conversation with a young coworker who had a love for traditional Blues music, he'd never heard of him either. Seems he's one of those untold stories, or one people sweep under the rug.

[@lovly2cu725]

WOW I THOUGHT IT WAS COMMON KNOWLEDGE. READ ERIC S AUTO BIOGRAPHY & PATTYS CALLED 'WONDERFUL TONIGHT'

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Gordon passed away earlier this year, and he would eventually commit murder! Wow.

[@CrazyArt-r5e]

Wow what a crazy, mixed-up set of events! Great song but so sad that Rita got no credit. As having a schzephrenic family member I know first hand the devastating effects it has on the entire family. Sad that Jim was misdiagnosed and had to bear that tragedy. It’s a terrible thing. Clapton and Boyd’s marriage not lasting was not a surprise. The 70’s was a great decade and I could absolutely see Harrison attending the wedding. This was a GREAT video and I learned so much. Thanks Prof.

[@hdvette64]

Rita, you are such a beautiful soul!

[@lovemusic1963ify]

This man should be on radio. This would be a great night radio show. Smooth voice, smooth stories, smooth music.

[@ponzo1967]

Great story, great band with Jim Gordon, Carl Radel, Eric Clapton, and lets not forget, B3 player Bobby Whitlock and his big voice shouting Lay-la in the background! The group was incredible but we only got one album and a few live performances and all are 🔥 Other thought..Patty must have been "Something." Something in the Way, Layla, Wonderful Tonight all great songs about Patty Boyd.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That was a great band!

[@D-Fens_1632]

Was "Badge" also about her?

[@ponzo1967]

@@ProfessorofRock Yes they were and this was a great episode exposing facts I had never heard before. I love the live stuff because they were all exceptional musicians.

[@ponzo1967]

@@D-Fens_1632 I'm not sure but I know George Harrison wrote it and gave it to Eric in exchange for Eric playing on While my Guitar gently Weeps

[@williambenner701]

​@@ponzo1967wow, I didn't know that!

[@DougBurke89]

I've always considered the two versions of Layla (original and unplugged) are illustrative of the different stages of Clapton's life. The original is hard and unrelenting, filled with the passion and angst of youth. While unplugged was slow, soft, as if he was much older, more experienced and reminiscing fondly about a relationship now long gone.

[@nadinerogers5653]

Poor Rita Coolidge. Such a talented and classy woman who was abused by multiple men in multiple ways. But she rose above it all and shines like the star she is. Her music with her sister and niece as Walela is such amazing music celebrating her Native American roots. Everyone should check it out!

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

First Europeans steal her homeland then they stole her song. I'm boycotting layla.

[@nadinerogers5653]

@@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398 yeah, I can't enjoy that song anymore for multiple reasons.

[@sylviaross5722]

@nadinerogers5653 She was married to Kris Kristofferson, & they released a single in 1973 called "Song I'd Like to Sing". It had a Caribbean sound to it. Yes, she's very talented, & I hate to see her like she is today - looks like she's got what I call "smokers' wrinkles" around her mouth. She's still beautiful, though. I've been meaning to check out Walela. My mother's paternal grandmother's (my great-grandmother) name was Sarah Elizabeth Rogers, & Granddaddy always said we were kin to Will Rogers, who's Cherokee, but I have yet to find the evidence.

[@aprilgosa5779]

Jim Gordon stole her song I doubt he told Clapton about it and the paino part was the only part he took Clapton wrote the song @@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398

[@aprilgosa5779]

@@sylviaross5722 people get wrinkles but she looked gorgeous there I want laugh lines and expression in my face when I get older none of that botox junk though I don't judge others I hate needles

[@maryanntripp6254]

I knew this one before I clicked it too. Love the Beatles and Eric Clapton!! Great in-depth Professor, keep it up.

[@FatherAndTeacherTV]

Classic song! Love the song, especially its intensity (in the lyrics, Clapton's singing, and the music). On another note, when I found out this story (years ago), I was surprised that Harrison and Clapton remained friends after this affair. I'm surprised that there was no legendary fistfight.

[@davidanderson-wn4ep]

The piano coda fits in the song so well because it's the calm after the storm. The song builds to a crazy frenzy with the guitars all playing at the same time and then resolves into the piano part like things have finally worked out for the couple.

[@mariachinn7136]

I enjoy this channel so MUCH.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you!

[@rc6981]

If that's not a movie I don't know what is.Second greatest love song ever written & recorded.what a reathem section.👍 The Professor knows.⚡TCB ⚡

[@ericcrawford3453]

🤟 Claptons is in the pocket! Sky Dog had Slow Hands back on that song! Your right a movie would be on my agenda if I was a big time producer!! T.C.B. ⚡Professor was on top of this episode! 🤟

[@BuddyLee63]

This is one of those songs that evokes a wide range of memories and emotions for me. It was particularly meaningful for me the first time I saw Clapton play Layla (umplugged) last year, and TTB with Trey Anastasio play it (with full coda) last night at MSG. Nice job on the deep-dive!

[@scottymoondogjakubin4766]

Always great to hear the stories behind the song ! Thanks Professor !!! 😊

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening!!!

[@BRUTUSPLAC]

Prof Does a GREAT JOB AGAIN

[@dalpac10]

For me, the outro melody of Layla has always been the most emotionally salient aspect of that song. I have never felt the pure emotion of the musician in any song like I do with that melody.

[@deanevangelista6359]

He didn’t steal Patty from George, he traded his red Les Paul for her, and Harrison got the better part of that deal.

[@lesliebeacom4567]

Layla has to be the all-time song about a muse! It is one of my favorites, if not THE favorite! In fact, that entire album has to be my favorite of all time. I even remember where I was when I first heard Dwayne Allman's opening notes - burned into my brain forever! I'm now in my 70s, so that was a LONG time ago.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That riff is fire.

[@teressareeves5856]

Wow, just mindboggling! I had to rewind the video so many times because there was so much crazy stuff covered in it! Thank you for a great background for an absolute classic song.

[@freethebirds3578]

When Layla comes on the radio, I listen to the mostly because I look forward to the piano in the coda. I've loved that part since the first time I heard it on a tape in high school.

[@leeturiano4419]

This is amazingly weird- I've been following your page for a long time, and am a diehard fan. Last week, I searched your videos to see if you covered this song, as it is one of my top 5 Classic rock songs of all time! Wow, the timing!!!!!!

[@davidhinkson8856]

Had no idea about all the drama behind this song - what a tricky and awkward situation to be in! But all i remember of "Layla" is that awesome and timeless guitar riff which stands out as one of the great ones.

[@kariqualters5908]

I have a Granddaughter named Layla because of this song, no, she wasn't born in the 70's or even the 80's, she was born in the early 2010's!!! This song still makes its mark on people!!! ❤

[@melissar.2594]

Me too!

[@marilyn5925]

Loved this very cool, detailed story! There are lots of interesting bits of info. Music fans like myself love to find out... George and Maureen! What! I was at his concert in Tucson in March of '79. Our weather was one of the reasons he got married to Patti here! Pretty cool🎶💙

[@tomaims]

Great program, takes me back. Thanks for the back stories!

[@vinniec5286]

I am blown away. I heard one or two things about the song but had no idea of the depth and breath of it all! You're research and story-telling is absolutely superb! I am envious. Also, how you described Martin Scorsese's use of the Layla coda in the GoodFellas is almost poetry in itself.

[@00ga-booga]

I feel bad for Rita Coolidge. The best she can do is keep telling that story and hope that THEY sue HER, so she can get the real story out in a court of law. Obviously they never did because they knew the truth. They knew what they did, and they knew what would happen.

[@JohnAdams-lg9ww]

This was a great one, Professor. Thank You.

[@rosemaryabbott1020]

I was feeling sorry for Jim Gordon until I heard what he did to Rita Coolidge. Now I’m hearing about the rest of the story and I guess he deserves a tiny bit of sympathy. He did the right thing by not showing up to his parole hearing. He probably didn’t have the willpower to stay faithful to his medications. I definitely feel sorry for the lovely Delta Lady Rita Coolidge. She was great in Mad Dogs and Englishmen.

[@ardleighstreet]

Great Shirt, Professor! Hmm...greatest debut? The Police with Outlandos d'Amour? Texas Flood by SRV? possibly Lynyrd Skynyrd with Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd.

[@gamemaster7903]

Great job telling this story, Adam. One of your finest! Love your show!

[@Angela-co6oj]

Great story to go along with an incredible great song. I love the stories and inspirations behind songs - so of course I love this channel!

[@matthewronsson]

Rita's experience is a perfect example of the legal system being a 'pay to play' game.

[@Baseballnfj]

Love the Anti-mask icon. Those people are unbelievable. I ask them whenever I can... "are you going to wear that for the rest of your life?" "Do you think the outside air is poison?" Seriously, our society is so sick it has 20% of the country convinced that the way to health is to cover your mouth, stay in your house, sanitize your environment and take experimental gene therapy with 0 education on its long term effects.... I never heard anyone tell these people to excercise, take vitamins, eat healthy... get outside. When I see an obese person wearing a mask it drives me crazy. Sorry... but it's infuriating.

[@sheilaf1946]

Always felt Layla was one of the most iconic songs ever.

[@lindamcfarland9656]

Wow, what a show today! I knew some parts already as far as who the song was written for and why, but not about Rita Coolidge or the sad story of mental illness and murder. I find all the elements of this episode to be heartbreaking. Lost marriages, varying forms of betrayal, struggling with mental illness and a lack of understanding, and that leading to the devastation of lives and loss of them. This was a sad story behind an amazing and enduring song.

[@starshiptrooper7670]

Between George and Eric, has any women ever had as many love songs written about her? What a classic album. Duane Allman was the icing on the cake. "Key to The Highway" gets me off every time. Thx Professor. ☮from Tennessee...

[@jimlindner931]

Great episode, great song. I'm so glad you covered Jim Gordon's story as well. He had so much talent, and was truly a music influencer. The list of music acts Gordon was connected to is truly a who's who of rock music. But his schizophrenia ultimately took over his life making him one of rock's most tragic characters. Thank you for taking on this side of "Layla" which is just as important as the poetry, Eric Clapton's unrequited love, and Duane Allman's musical genius. Loved this episode through and through.

[@cjb2749]

Rosanna Arquette also inspired some great music. I'd love to see you do a series around popular muses of music! That would be aamazing!

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Victoria Principal did too.

[@nicoleb8548]

The end with the piano is my favorite part of this song...gives me chills to the very end

[@catherine6653]

There is alot of harm and heartbreak in this story. I dig the album artwork.

[@RBS_]

..that is, if anyone can buy it LEGALLY! ...HA-HAA! >18andOVERthankUveryMUCH

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The woman on the cover!

[@catherine6653]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes 😊 and pretty flowers too.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@catherine6653 Totally a cover masterpiece.

[@Aaron-pl7fr]

Absolutely one of the best piano pieces ever produced! Knowing the real story makes it even better!!

[@rogerjenkins2223]

I heard you say they had a small club tour as Derek and the Dominos . Actually I saw them and still have my ticket stub when they played the Greensboro Colliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. This was in the early 70's. I wouldn't exactly call that one gig a " small club". But they were great! No biggie but thanks for all of the info on Gordon. I think you have the best Rock podcast that exists!!!!! :)

[@ceciliajones7816]

Thought I knew a lot about this song but, man, you’ve blown my mind! Thank you!

[@shovelhead56]

For Clapton to be aware of the truth regarding Rita Coolidge and Say or Do Nothing speaks volumes regarding his integrity as a Person.

[@landyachtfan79]

Another one I guessed right before I even clicked the link!!!!! 0:40..................AWESOME CALL!!!! AND IT WAS A DOOZY!!!!!

[@catherine6653]

Me too 😊

[@ponzo1967]

Me too lol

[@imlistening1137]

Pop-up books! You always come up with the best nostalgia!

[@jotoole129]

The Rita Coolidge story reminds me a bit of Lori Lieberman’s story, on the writing of “Killing me softly”. I think POR should do an episode on that song.

[@chev39rsh]

How wonderful to find out Rita Coolidge wrote the most beautiful part of a good song and kind of good to know the people in music are all HEELS. Respect goes out to RITA.

[@lfw641]

Brings out the real genius of John Lennon, marrying a woman no one else would want.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Pattie!

[@unsafe_at_any_speed]

Hahahaha

[@Baseballnfj]

Yooooooooo burn. But honestly I think I'd rather be sexless my whole life than..... be with her

[@jodyjackson5475]

Yuko oh no

[@starrywizdom]

Lies. I want Yoko Ono.

[@freddyt55555]

I remember on classic rock radio in the late 80s, they used to have a top 500 greatest songs countdown over a long holiday weekend. Layla was a fixture at #2 behind Stairway and just ahead of Freebird.

[@starquake9162]

ooopsie, Adam, you showed the Rubber Soul cover for "Something" which is off Abbey Road, oooopsie LOVE your videos though

[@zippitydoodah5693]

Thanks for highlighting Duane's seminal contribution to the success of this song and the artistic cohesion he and Eric shared. I got Clapton's box set " _Crossroads_ " While in the military back in '88. I remember reading the booklet that came with it and they also included an exact xerox copy of the original studio tracking sheet for the song. That is when I learned Duane not only played on the song, but that he wrote the riff that sets the tone for the entire piece. He had just as many tracks on the song as Eric did. And yet so many people attribute the song solely to Eric. And NOW I know that Rita had just as important part in the masterpiece as anyone. It took the combination of 3 incredible artists together to produce this epic piece of beauty that will outlast 90% of all American music ever.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What a great story.

[@marktait2371]

zippy we had that set also cool detail.i didnt recall sold 08 that was a good box

[@williamburruel4378]

Man, so many things I learned on this episode. The one thing I hoped you would have addressed is why Clapton after all these years didn’t give Rita Coolidge her due. That’s so disappointing. I’m sure Bobby Whitlock can give a lot of insight on this. Anyways, well done. I really enjoyed this take on this most powerful beautiful song in Rock n Roll!

[@ronboe6325]

Freshman college 72-73, this played in the games room so much they wore out at least 3 45's. A lot of chess and fooseball went down to this song.

[@fredo1070]

We always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You'll like this guy. He's all right. He's a goodfella, one of us.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I use “good egg” which is similar.

[@tomquinn607]

I'm 73. I never knew that Duayne Almond was the source of that famous riff or that Rita was ripped off. Thanks for the truth.

[@angelap32]

Interesting story to this song! Great song ...i always learn so much from you and the history behind songs, albums and artists..thank you P.O.R. you're the best!!❤

[@D-Fens_1632]

Delaney and Bonnie's footprint in music still surprises me. Growing up I just thought she was Roseanne's friend. Had no idea of her past and how she was on the Festival Express tour of Canada in 1970 (where they taught Garcia and the Dead one of their signature tunes that never left the repertoire after 1970, "Goin Down the Road Feeling Bad"), and now that the Domino's were poached from her band. I think my mom went to the same high school as her, Bonnie would have probably been a junior or senior when mom was a freshman. Both of their dads worked at the same steel mill.

[@borisblvd5354]

Didn't Leon Russell play piano for Delaney & Bonnie??. It seems like I've heard Elton John mentioning them, when he picked up some of Leon's playing style.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Wow.

[@ericcrawford3453]

Slow Hand & Sky Dog were smoking!! Thanks Professor you were on top of tour game for this episode!! 🤟

[@rayquintal403]

Hands down one of my top fav 5 songs every. Seen EC 8 times live. Not one of those events was Layla played poorly. I was so close one of these shows. You can see his face go into a fade back to when he made this song. Wow just wow.

[@flavellinator]

That intro... legendary! BTW, Professor, how dare you sneak in a Journey video on us like that... 👍

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha! I thought Steve Perry died and that’s why he released the video… 😅

[@doughill609]

I’ve played this album at least once a week for the last 52 years and knew only a small snippy of the whole story. Great album and a great deep dive by Professor of Rock. 24:40 24:40

[@maxshea1829]

I love how the song is iconic at both ends, the opening riff and the coda. Scorsese undertook further improvisation on the the coda for Goodfellas. Goodfellas is where my sentiment for the song lies. I wish I could wave a magic wand and pay the estate of Rita Coolidge $5 million. I think that would be fair compensation for what Clapton and Stigwood stole from her.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

God knows Rita deserves it.

[@tammylewis2408]

Rita is still alive. She recently released an autobiography.

[@maxshea4762]

@@tammylewis2408 Right. Not to be morose, but she's at the age where she's at the age where she may be organizing her affairs. Estates aren't just for the deceased. Speaking of, I wonder if Jim Gordon left anything for her in HIS will!

[@elinscheid]

One of your best videos yet. This was simply riveting.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 PROFESSOR!!!!!!! Great episode today! George and Eric were best buds...... amazing after Eric stole Patty from George! Top 5 song of all-time. Just amazing. Have a great weekend, Professor. I beat the Matrix again today. 😅

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They still were able to make it!

[@chrisjohnston3512]

Whenever I think of the unplugged version I think of the whoop from someone in the audience at 0:56 after he sings "Layla"

[@lawrencenjawe9875]

One of the Greatest tracks of the Rock era. Period ......That guitar riff will still be referenced a hundred years from now...Yup.!!

[@caryaria2915]

Wow, what an episode. Love the deep dive into a song I of course know, but had no idea it had such an epic story behind it.

[@Danisdetermined]

Occasionally while I’m driving a piece of music pops in my mind, I don’t know what is, even to the point that I think I made it up myself… and then you played that clip from Classical Gas… and the synapses started going off and memories of hearing that on my mom’s Pioneer hi/fi turntable came popping in. The mind is a funny thing. Thanks Prof.

[@dovelove2556]

Thanks Adam .... great episode.... had all the drama i can handle for my day!!!

[@ericflournoy2067]

❤ I love Rita Coolidge!!! Thanks for that interview. Was wondering how she'd been.

[@markoncken9511]

Born in 60, I was at the right age to enjoy the great guitar riffs of the 70's thanks to older siblings. "Laya," CCR's "Up around the bend" , then into the early years of the Doobie Brothers to name a few. A good memorable era for guitar riffs in music to be sure. Nostalgia is a powerful emoter brought forth by such as this.

[@johngolden5257]

Thank you for this. I became aware of Jim Gordon as an eleven year old, beginning drummer in 1975 and have followed him ever since. He did murder his mother, he is incarcerated because of it, though I do feel he should have been in a medical prison facility and not general prison. But I had concerns that his musical contribution was being forgotten due to the murder alone. I think those around him feel such guilt that it’s easy to try and forget. I also think there are those who feel that any positive mention of him and his musical genius is a betrayal of his deceased mother. This saddens me to this day. Anyway, you told a balanced story. He was a musical phenomenon whose legacy is immeasurable and whose life was destroyed due to severe mental illness. Thank you BTW, when I hit 18, I started collecting tattoos of all of the drummers who influenced me. One of the first was Jim Gordon, an outline of his Camco drums badge with the initials JBG inside. Take care my friend.

[@GrahamAstles]

Very interesting history of a true classic. I never realised there was so much controversy surrounding it, especially the part played by Rita Coolidge and her having her music stolen by her abusive ex. At least he had the decency to stay in jail. One of the things we do not often realise in the 21st Century is that at the time, Clapton was the junior and relatively unknown musician, while Harrison was a superstar. It really puts a who new perspective on the "Clapton stealing Harrison's wife" narrative. As you said at the ned, Patty must have been some muse to inspire so many songs about her.

[@laurat1129]

What more can we say, the story of "Layla" and everyone involved is a tragedy. 1971, my birthyear. Stolen lovers, music, and murder. Tbh, I didn't fully appreciate this until it was featured in one of my faves, Goodfellas, no better song for that film. W/the sound of Rita's piano coda, though, there's a redemptive quality to the song and story in the end, I suppose. Thanks for another great video, Prof.👏🏼

[@mlitt27]

I recall watching MTV’s Rockumentary about Eric and when Kurt Loder got to the Layla album….to the opening organ of Bell Bottom Blues…Eric handles the album…opens it up and says, “ ah the Layler album…all the people inside…two of the are dead, one in the loony bin…”.

[@vintagegq]

Thank you, Professor, for a great story of a beautiful song. Speaking of Duane Almond, he touched many lives before his untimely death. I am currently reading "Heaven and Hell" My life in the Eagles (1974-2001) by Don Felder and in the 1960's when he was a teenager and perfecting his guitar skills, he met Duane & Greg Almond in Florida. Duane taught Don Felder to play slide guitar with a smoothed-off neck of a bottle of Budweiser on his finger and sliding it up and down the frets. Felder played slide guitar on the album "Hotel California". If you are an "Eagles" fan, I recommend the book "Heaven and Hell". It tells the history of that legendary band. A real page turner. If you haven't already, I would love to see you interview Don Felder. He is such an elegant man with many stories to tell. And one of the greatest guitarists of our time. Thanks

[@ravenlunatic]

Wow, I learned so much that I never knew about this song! I knew about Patty and Eric, but the rest I'd never heard. Thanks for the background on this. It just shows that love stories can be memorable, even iconic!

[@desertdweller4951]

Excellent Job Adam. Thank you for a great story about a incredible song by incredible musician.

[@joseenriqueagutaya131]

Thank you for featuring this song which is one of my favorite rock song though I definitely don't approved of the broken marriage it lead to.It's a good thing I bought the single of Layla without the piano solo coda,I still have it but sorry guys it's for not lending.But years later i came across a cassette recording of Pop History Cream/Eric Clapton which i found later is available in 2lp which bought out my meager allowance that was 50 years i still have it but a little worn out due to constant playing.Last year i bought a used 2 lp Layla and other love songs as a birthday gift to myself.

[@HollyLFord]

I'm also a Zenni fan, have been buying our glasses there for at least 20 years.

[@christineml1476]

"Layla" is a classic, but it really is salt in the wound every time it's played.

[@petermilkey9408]

Great story on my favorite album. Some minor corrections: . The recordings were made in, mostly, August, 1970, not Spring '71. Duane had the nickname 'Skydog' long before he and Eric met and a follow-up album was attempted but didn't come to fruition. Many of those recordings can be found on Clapton's boxed set, Crossroads.

[@bethmiller9774]

Wow - I did not know about the backstories with the book and Rita Coolidge's involvement. I believe a number of songs on that album were about Boyd.

[@kevhanson1262]

That act of adultery lead Eric into almost death ,addiction to heroin alcohol although he add childhood problems not his fault. The affair spiralled him even further into depression into the 70s .The album" 461 ocean boulevard "was my introduction into Eric Clapton about 1978 I think I'd never heard of him before so when I saw the story of Eric's life that album was the period his life was at rock bottom. Pete Townshend came over and helped him out of his hell like he'd been there. When I first heard "Laylor years later I couldn't believe I'd never heard it before around 86 87 and the story around it completely blew me away. It's fantastic Eric has beaten his demons and helps others to beat there's. Absolutely incredible life and story