Eric Clapton – Let It Grow

This video chronicles an intensely creative and difficult time in the life of Eric Clapton, one of the most influential guitarists in history. By 1969 Eric was tired of being a superstar, and decided to step into the background for a time, touring as a sideman with Delaney & Bonnie and Friends. Clapton became close friends with Delaney Bramlett, who encouraged him in his singing and writing. Using the Bramletts’ backing group and an all-star cast of session players (including Leon Russell and Stephen Stills), Clapton recorded his first solo album during two brief tour hiatuses, fittingly named Eric Clapton. Delaney Bramlett co-wrote six of the songs with Clapton, and Bonnie Bramlett co-wrote “Let It Rain”. Clapton went with Delaney and Bonnie from the stage to the studio with the Dominos to record George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass in spring 1970. During this busy period, Clapton also recorded with other artists including Dr. John, Leon Russell, Plastic Ono Band, Billy Preston and Ringo Starr. Taking over Delaney & Bonnie’s rhythm section—Bobby Whitlock (keyboards, vocals), Carl Radle (bass) and Jim Gordon (drums), Clapton formed a new band which was intended to counteract the “star” cult that had grown up around him and show that he could be a member of an ensemble. The band was called “Eric Clapton and Friends” at first, and the name “Derek and the Dominos” was an accident, which occurred when the band’s provisional name of “Eric and the Dynamos” was misread …