Tag: Blues Rock

Let’s face facts. If you’re in a rock band, chances are excellent a number of commandments are gonna get broken. That is exactly what led to the writing of our next tune.

Once upon a time, George Harrison and Eric Clapton were best friends, practically brothers. George was married and very much in love with his wife and she with him. So, what’s the problem? Eric was also very much in love with George’s wife. He couldn’t help it; by all accounts, she was very desirable. She, however, resisted the worn out phrases and longing gazes of Eric … but only just for so long. He wore her resistance down until, in spite of her love for the handsome George, she fell in love with Eric, left George and married Eric. George, realizing they were only human and he himself was no saint, forgave Eric and his wife (what a guy!). More than that, George and Eric remained best friends for the rest of George’s life, with the two men referring to each other as “husband-in-law”. The two continued to perform together frequently until George’s passing in 2001. It was all so very civilized. The end.

Sounds like this could be one of my stories!

Written and released in 1970 by composer/guitarist/singer Eric Clapton, “Layla” is the title track on the Derek and the Dominos album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs”. George and Eric’s wife was the inspiration for the song which is considered one of rock music’s definitive love songs. 

This is one of those times I could not find a good quality recording of Derek and the Dominos. Instead I chose this version – Eric Clapton performing with Phil Collins and others at Live Aid in the John F. Kennedy Stadium, Philadelphia USA on July 13, 1985. The event was organized to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine disaster. I hope you enjoy “Layla”.

What a great tune and you can see why Clapton is regarded as one of the best guitar players in the world. I’ll never forget seeing Clapton with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker; they were Cream. They didn’t set off pyrotechnics, smash their instruments, sport big hair or perform acrobatics on stage. They came out, laid down some mean guitar riffs and sang some awesome songs. No need for more than that.

Here’s the question of the day:

In my intro to the video, I never referred to George’s wife by name. A model and actress in the 60s and 70s, she is recognized today as an author, photographer and supporter of various charities. Can you identify this beautiful blonde who stole the hearts of both George Harrison and Eric Clapton? FYI it is not “Layla”!

The answer appears below. If you don’t know the answer, no worries; perhaps you’d like to share one of your favorite George Harrison or Eric Clapton songs (videos always welcome).

Today’s post was a little bit longer than usual so thanks for sticking around. Join me next week In The Groove for another great tune.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

The answer to today’s question is ….. Pattie Boyd.