Free online radio at AOL Radio offers over 350 Internet radio stations with song skipping and includes music, news, sports and talk.

Eric Clapton

Born in 1945 in Ripley, England

Eric Clapton's Genre:

Blues-Rock, Album Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Regional Blues, British Blues, Hard Rock, Blues, Adult Contemporary

Biography

By the time Eric Clapton launched his solo career with the release of his self-titled debut album in mid-1970, he was long established as one of the world's major rock stars due to his group affiliations -- the Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream, and Blind Faith -- which had demonstrated his claim to being the best rock guitarist of his generation. That it took Clapton so long to go out on his own, however, was evidence of a degree of reticence unusual for one of his stature. And his debut album, though it spawned the Top 40 hit "After Midnight," was typical of his self-effacing approach: it was, in effect, an album by the group he had lately been featured in, Delaney & Bonnie & Friends.

Not surprisingly, before his solo debut had even been released, Clapton had retreated from his solo stance, assembling from the D&B&F ranks the personnel for a group, Derek & the Dominos, with whom he played for most of 1970 and recorded the landmark album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. Clapton was largely inactive in 1971 and 1972, due to heroin addiction, but he performed a comeback concert at the Rainbow Theatre in London on January 13, 1973, resulting in the album Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert (September 1973). But Clapton did not launch a sustained solo career until July 1974, when he released 461 Ocean Boulevard, which topped the charts and spawned the number one single "I Shot the Sheriff."

The persona Clapton established over the next decade was less that of guitar hero than arena rock star with a weakness for ballads. The follow-ups to 461 Ocean Boulevard, There's One in Every Crowd (March 1975), the live E.C. Was Here (August 1975), and No Reason to Cry (August 1976), were less successful. But Slowhand (November 1977), which featured both the powerful "Cocaine" (written by J.J. Cale, who had also written "After Midnight") and the hit singles "Lay Down Sally" and "Wonderful Tonight," was a million-seller. Its follow-ups, Backless (November 1978), featuring the Top Ten hit "Promises," the live Just One Night (April 1980), and Another Ticket (February 1981), featuring the Top Ten hit "I Can't Stand It," were all big sellers.

Clapton's popularity waned somewhat in the first half of the '80s, as the albums Money and Cigarettes (February 1983), Behind the Sun (March 1985), and August (November 1986) indicated a certain career stasis. But he was buoyed up by the release of the box set retrospective Crossroads (April 1988), which seemed to remind his fans of how great he was. Journeyman (November 1989) was a return to form. It would be his last new studio album for nearly five years, though in the interim he would suffer greatly and enjoy surprising triumph. On March 20, 1991, Clapton's four-year-old son was killed in a fall. While he mourned, he released a live album, 24 Nights (October 1991), culled from his annual concert series at Royal Albert Hall in London, and prepared a movie soundtrack, Rush (January 1992). The soundtrack featured a song written for his son, "Tears in Heaven," that became a massive hit single.

In March 1992, Clapton recorded a concert for MTV Unplugged which, when released on an album in August, became his biggest-selling record ever. Two years later, Clapton returned with a blues album, From the Cradle, which became one of his most successful albums, both commercially and critically. Crossroads, Vol. 2: Live in the Seventies, a box set chronicling his live work from the '70s, was released to mixed reviews. In early 1997, Clapton, billing himself by the pseudonym "X-Sample," collaborated with keyboardist/producer Simon Climie as the ambient new age and trip-hop duo T.D.F. The duo released Retail Therapy to mixed reviews in early 1997.

Clapton retained Climie as his collaborator for Pilgrim, his first album of new material since 1989's Journeyman. Pilgrim was greeted with decidedly mixed reviews upon its spring 1998 release, but the album debuted at number four and stayed in the Top Ten for several weeks on the success of the single "My Father's Eyes." In 2000, Clapton teamed up with old friend B.B. King on Riding with the King, a set of blues standards and material from contemporary singer/songwriters. Another solo outing, entitled Reptile, followed in early 2001. Three years later, Clapton issued Me and Mr. Johnson, a collection of tunes honoring the Mississippi-born bluesman Robert Johnson. Released in 2005, Back Home, Clapton's 14th album of original material, reflected his ease with fatherhood. Also in 2005, Clapton unexpectedly teamed with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker for a Cream reunion that included May concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall and shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden in October, with the former being compiled for a live release that fall.

This turned out to be the first of many reunions and looks back for Clapton. In 2006, he elevated the profile of his latter-day idol J.J. Cale by recording an album-long duet, The Road to Escondido. The following year he released his autobiography -- accompanied by a new career compilation called The Complete Clapton -- which focused more on his trials with addiction and subsequent recovery than his musical career. In 2008, Clapton began playing regular shows with his old Blind Faith partner Steve Winwood, gigs that were captured on the 2009 double-live set Live from Madison Square Garden. Winwood also appeared on Clapton’s next studio album, 2010’s Clapton, which was a collaboration-heavy affair also featuring Cale, Sheryl Crow, Allen Toussaint, and Wynton Marsalis. In 2011, Clapton returned the favor to Marsalis by collaborating on the live concert album Play the Blues: Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Clapton parted ways with Warner after Clapton, and he chose to set up his own Bushbranch imprint on Gary Hoey's independent label Surfdog. His first album for the label was Old Sock, largely a collection of old songs the guitarist loved. ~ William Ruhlmann

AOL Radio Stations Eric Clapton is Featured on (34)

Blues

You may not have the right to sing the blues, but you certainly have the right to listen to them! Steeped in heritage, and delivering more heartache, pain, and suffering than most can handle, Blues packs a knockout one two punch to the audio midsection. All the King's are here; B.B, Freddie, and Albert bending notes far beyond those of mortal men. If you don't have the blues now, just listen for awhile...Blues on Slacker will have you shoutin' and hollerin' for more.

Modern Blues

Modern Blues on Slacker Radio features the best from Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and Gov't Mule as well as Clapton, Beck, Page, and Stevie Ray Vaughn with visits from mentors like Buddy Guy as well as Albert, Freddie and B.B. King.

Southern Rock

Southern Rock on Slacker Radio is a blend of smokin' rock influenced by country, blues, and boogie. If you dig American-made pick-up trucks, domestic beer, the Allman Brothers Band, Skynyrd, and Tom Petty then crank up Slacker's Southern Rock and get down and dirty in the swamp music.

'70s Rock

Remember when Rock n’ Roll really rocked? Slacker’s '70s Rock plays the best rock n’ roll from the late '60s through the decade that defined rock and set the stage for generations to come. If you want Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and The Boss you need Slacker’s ‘70s Rock.

Classic Rock Deep Dive

Slacker loves Classic Rock. We love it so much, in fact, that we wanted to go deeper! More songs from the influential artists that set the standard for everything that followed. More tracks from the classic albums that changed the world. Seriously. Prepare yourself for the deepest dive into Classic Rock ever.

101 Greatest Classic Rock Songs

This is it. The ultimate list of the 101 most important Classic Rock songs. Period. Our rock curators have chosen the game-changing tunes that altered the course of rock'n roll in the 70's and defined where the genre would go in the decades that followed. As a result, this is not your average countdown. What's more, Slacker has called upon Redbeard, the internationally recognized rock expert and host of the celebrated "In The Studio" series and website (www.inthestudio.net), to provide his unique insights and exclusive interview highlights from the likes of Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Pete Townshend, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, and many more.

'80s Rock

The '80s was the decade of decadence and music was no exception. From bands like Poison and Cinderella who celebrated excess to U2 and R.E.M., that rebelled against it, '80s Rock on Slacker Radio covers the best rock the ‘80s had to offer.

Broken Heart

Broken Heart on Slacker Radio is a melancholy mix of lost love and yearning with a touch of soulful redemption. These songs of heartbreak and hope will show you that sadness can be beautiful and love is fleeting but always on the horizon.

Soft Rock

Soft Rock on Slacker is a true rock station that showcases the lighter, more contemplative side of the biggest names in rock-n-roll. No sappy love ballads or lame pop songs here...just great soft rock from Coldplay, U2, Bruce Springsteen, John Mayer, Snow Patrol, Dave Matthews Band, Train, and more!

Traditional Blues

If you've ever loved, laughed, or cried, you can relate to the Blues. B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters, and Keb Mo' are among the artists who you'll hear pouring their hearts out on the Traditional Blues station on Slacker Radio.

Classic Rock

Classic Rock on Slacker takes you back to the golden era of rock music. You will hear classic Rock hits mixed with deeper album cuts from your favorite artists and a few forgotten classics.

ZZ Ward Showcase

This is the ZZ Ward Showcase station on Slacker Radio. Tune in to hear a station built entirely by ZZ Ward including music hand-picked by her as well as commentary about the songs that influenced her music and her life.

My Parents' Record Collection

Slacker asked Facebook fans a simple question: What is the first song or artist you remember listening to with your parents? The response that we received was huge, so we took all of your Facebook comments and turned it into a Slacker station! This is an eclectic look at classic music from across the decades; representing that special moment when your parents ignited your life-long love of music.

Royal Teeth Showcase

This is the Royal Teeth Artist Showcase station on Slacker Radio. Tune in to hear a station built entirely by the band including music that is hand-picked by Joshua, Gary, Nora, Josh, Stevie, and Andrew as well as commentary about the songs that influenced their music and lives.

Bob Dylan Tribute

Slacker curator and nationally recognized Oldies expert Ron Smith is your host on this station as we pay tribute to Bob Dylan. You'll hear Dylan classics, collaborations, and songs from artists that he was influenced by and artists that he directly inspired. You'll also hear covers of Bob Dylan's songs by artists from across the musical spectrum.

The Dunwells Showcase

This is The Dunwells Artist Showcase station on Slacker Radio. Tune in to hear a station built entirely by the band including music that is hand-picked by David, Joseph, Jonny, Rob and Dave as well as commentary by each about the songs that influenced their music and their lives.

The Kooks Showcase

This is The Kooks Artist Showcase on Slacker Radio. Tune in to hear a station built entirely by The Kooks including music hand-picked by each member of the band as well as commentary about the songs that influenced their music and their lives.

Love Songs

Love Songs on Slacker Radio has just the right blend of sentimental favorites. Set the mood with artists like Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, Elton John, Mariah Carey, The Beatles, and Stevie Wonder plus classic romantic favorites. Listen and fall in love with Slacker Love Songs.

Adult Alternative

Adult Alternative on Slacker has all the good stuff without the angst-ridden teens and their complicated haircuts. You’ll hear cutting-edge artists like Gotye, The Lumineers, and The Head & The Heart as well as established artists like Dave Matthews, Arcade Fire, U2, R.E.M., the Black Keys, and Talking Heads. If you’ve graduated from keg stands to craft beer, this is the soundtrack to your next party.

Classic Hits

Classic Hits on Slacker plays the greatest pop and rock hits of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s.

'90s Hits

Are you nostalgic for flannel shirts, girl power, and the days of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake as an item? '90s Hits on Slacker Radio takes you back with all your favorite Soft Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop and Alternative songs that made the decade hella sweet!

'60s Rock

60’s rock was a game of follow the leaders: Bob Dylan & The Beatles. An entire generation became inspired. FM euthanized elevator music. Long, strange trips began. Slacker’s 60’s Rock Radio celebrates the trailblazing visionaries who made FM radio rock the first time. And again. Man.

'70s Hits

The Seventies was both the first and last time 3 Dog Night, Marvin Gaye, KISS and John Denver could all co-exist on one radio station. '70s Hits on Slacker Radio makes every day a nice day with enough music to put guys in platform heels again and women in hot pants with Farrah hair.

Eclectic Rock

Eclectic Rock on Slacker Radio showcases music from across the spectrum of smart and sophisticated songwriting. Whether you seek to be inspired by the classics or discover promising new artists, Eclectic Rock offers the best of both worlds.

Easy Listening

If you can remember back to when stores were closed on Sundays, life was "slow, and oh so mellow" and lazy Sunday afternoons were spent listening to the soft sounds from the radio...then Easy Listening on Slacker Radio will bring you back. Many classic artists that you don't hear on terrestial radio anymore like Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Barbara Streisand and John Denver are all here mixed with some beautiful instrumentals and Yacht Rock favourites....sit back, enjoy the sweet sounds and the memories!

Soft Hits

Soft Hits on Slacker Radio is the best blend of softer current and classic hits. You’ll hear Kelly Clarkson, Rob Thomas and Gwen Stefani along with Sheryl Crow, Goo Goo Dolls, Mariah Carey, Prince and more.

Coffee House

Slacker’s Coffee House station recreates the mellow, relaxing experience you seek when stopping into your neighborhood coffeehouse. Whether you seek a quick pick-me-up via your daily tall soy mocha latte, or you’re looking to make use of the free wi-fi and get some work done in a cozy environment—this station features the warm, acoustic songs and singer-songwriters that make you feel like you've got a home away from home. You can almost smell the java…this is Coffee House on Slacker.

Donna Summer Tribute

Donna Summer passed away on May 17, 2012 after a private battle with lung cancer. She was only 63. On this station, you will hear Donna Summer's greatest hits, deeper tracks from her vast body of work, collaborations that she was featured on, artists that influenced her, and the generations of musicians that she directly inspired. Join Slacker Radio in this look at the legacy of one of the greatest female vocalists and pop musicians of all time- here on the Donna Summer Tribute station.

Alt. Country

Alt. Country on Slacker Radio walks the crossroads where country and rock meet. Country fans looking for great music off the mainstream path and rock fans who can handle some twang and the cry of a steel guitar should feel at home. You'll hear everything from the original outlaws like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash through the 70's revival of the Flying Burrito Brothers and John Prine, right up to the current torchbearers including Lucero and the Drive-By Truckers."

Rock The Halls

Get the edgier side of holiday music with a great mix of holiday favorites from Rock, Alternative and Indie artists. Hear a wide range of holiday tunes from Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley, U2, Coldplay, Sarah McLachlan, Death Cab for Cutie, Sufjan Stevens and many more.

Oldies

Oldies on Slacker Radio plays the best songs from the '60s and '70s and the '50s too!

Dive Bar Jukebox

You walk through the doors and you know. This is it. The perfect dive bar. A cool crowd, great beers on tap and, above all, the perfect jukebox for a true music geek. Classic Rock, Classic Country, a lil' bit of Soul and the most important Indie Rock of all-time make this jukebox your all-time favorite. Welcome to Dive Bar Jukebox on Slacker Radio.

Americana

It’s time to hit the country back roads with Americana on Slacker Radio. Travel through the prairies, swamps, dance halls and pubs to discover rock that twangs, country, folk, and bluegrass. Americana features all of the greats of the genre including Gram Parsons and The Byrds, Lyle Lovett, Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams and more.

Eric Clapton

This station plays the best music from and music from related artists like Derek & the Dominos, Cream, Joe Cocker, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Allman Brothers Band, Peter Frampton, Dire Straits, The Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller, Van Morrison and more.

All Stations

Eric Clapton's Selected Discography (50)

Artists Related to Eric Clapton (50)

	Derek & the Dominos	Derek & the Dominos was a group formed by guitarist/singer Eric Clapton (born Eric Patrick Clapp, March 30, 1945, Ripley, Surrey, England) with other former members of Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, in the spring of 1970.
	Cream	Although Cream was only together for a little more than two years, their influence was immense, both during their late-'60s peak and in the years following their breakup.
	Joe Cocker	After starting out as an unsuccessful pop singer (working under the name Vance Arnold), Joe Cocker found his niche singing rock and soul in the pubs of England with his superb backing group, the Grease Band.
	Stevie Ray Vaughan	With his astonishingly accomplished guitar playing, Stevie Ray Vaughan ignited the blues revival of the '80s.
	The Allman Brothers Band	The story of the Allman Brothers Band is one of triumph, tragedy, redemption, dissolution, and a new redemption.
	Peter Frampton	Peter Frampton was one of the biggest arena rock stars of the '70s, making his name largely on the double-LP concert set Frampton Comes Alive! Frampton was one of several '70s rock artists (Kiss, Cheap Trick, etc.
	Dire Straits	Dire Straits emerged during the post-punk era of the late '70s, and while their sound was minimalistic and stripped down, they owed little to punk.
	The Doobie Brothers	As one of the most popular California pop/rock bands of the '70s, the Doobie Brothers evolved from a mellow, post-hippie boogie band to a slick, soul-inflected pop band by the end of the decade.
	Steve Miller	Steve Miller's career has encompassed two distinct stages: one of the top San Francisco blues-rockers during the late '60s and early '70s, and one of the top-selling pop/rock acts of the mid- to late '70s and early '80s with hits like "The Joker," "Fly Like an Eagle," "Rock'n Me," and "Abracadabra.
	Van Morrison	Equal parts blue-eyed soul shouter and wild-eyed poet-sorcerer, Van Morrison is among popular music's true innovators, a restless seeker whose incantatory vocals and alchemical fusion of R&B, jazz, blues, and Celtic folk produced perhaps the most spiritually transcendent body of work in the rock & roll canon.
	The Jimi Hendrix Experience
	Santana	Santana is the primary exponent of Latin-tinged rock, particularly due to its combination of Latin percussion (congas, timbales, etc.
	Steely Dan	Most rock & roll bands are a tightly wound unit that developed their music through years of playing in garages and clubs around their hometown.
	Bob Seger	Originally a hard-driving rocker in the vein of fellow Michigan garage rockers the Rationals and Mitch Ryder, Bob Seger developed into one of the most popular heartland rockers over the course of the '70s.
	Crosby, Stills Nash & Young	The musical partnership of David Crosby (born August 14, 1941), Stephen Stills (born January 3, 1945), and Graham Nash (born February 2, 1942), with and without Neil Young (born November 12, 1945), was not only one of the most successful touring and recording acts of the late '60s, '70s, and early '80s -- with the colorful, contrasting nature of the members' characters and their connection to the political and cultural upheavals of the time -- it was arguably the only American-based band to approach the overall societal impact of the Beatles.
	Neil Young	After Neil Young left the California folk-rock band Buffalo Springfield in 1968, he slowly established himself as one of the most influential and idiosyncratic singer/songwriters of his generation.
	Jefferson Airplane	Jefferson Airplane was the first of the San Francisco psychedelic rock groups of the 1960s to achieve national recognition.
	Janis Joplin	The greatest white female rock singer of the 1960s, Janis Joplin was also a great blues singer, making her material her own with her wailing, raspy, supercharged emotional delivery.
	Joe Walsh	From his early hits with the James Gang through to his tenure with the Eagles -- as well as a successful solo career -- Joe Walsh remained one of the most colorful characters in rock & roll, lending his distinctively reedy vocals, off-the-wall lyrics, and expansive guitar leads to a series of AOR staples including "Funk #49," "Rocky Mountain Way," and "Life's Been Good.
	George Thorogood	A blues-rock guitarist who draws his inspiration from Elmore James, Hound Dog Taylor, and Chuck Berry, George Thorogood never earned much respect from blues purists, but he became a popular favorite in the early '80s through repeated exposure on FM radio and the arena rock circuit.
	The Who	Few bands in the history of rock & roll were riddled with as many contradictions as the Who. All four members had wildly different personalities, as their notoriously intense live performances demonstrated.
	Edgar Winter	Although he's often skirted the edges of blues music, at heart, saxophonist, keyboardist and composer Edgar Winter is a blues musician.
	Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band
	Mick Jagger	As the lead singer for the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger is one of the most popular and influential frontmen in the history of rock & roll.
	Steve Miller Band	Steve Miller's career has encompassed two distinct stages: one of the top San Francisco blues-rockers during the late '60s and early '70s, and one of the top-selling pop/rock acts of the mid- to late '70s and early '80s with hits like "The Joker," "Fly Like an Eagle," "Rock'n Me," and "Abracadabra.
	Steppenwolf	Led by John Kay (born Joachim Krauledat, April 12, 1944), Steppenwolf's blazing biker anthem "Born to Be Wild" roared out of speakers everywhere in the fiery summer of 1968, John Kay's threatening rasp sounding a mesmerizing call to arms to the counterculture movement rapidly sprouting up nationwide.
	Jimmy Page	Unquestionably one of the all-time most influential, important, and versatile guitarists and songwriters in rock history is Jimmy Page.
	The Moody Blues	Although they're best known today for their lush, lyrically and musically profound (some would say bombastic) psychedelic-era albums, the Moody Blues started out as one of the better R&B-based combos of the British Invasion.
	George Harrison	In his most obvious contribution to music as lead guitarist for the Beatles, George Harrison provided the band with a lyrical style of playing in which every note mattered.
	The Yardbirds	The Yardbirds are mostly known to the casual rock fan as the starting point for three of the greatest British rock guitarists: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.
	Grand Funk Railroad	One of the 1970s' most successful hard rock bands in spite of critical pans and somewhat reluctant radio airplay (at first), Grand Funk Railroad built a devoted fan base with constant touring, a loud, simple take on the blues-rock power trio sound, and strong working-class appeal.
	Blind Faith	Blind Faith was either one of the great successes of the late '60s, a culmination of the decade's efforts by three legendary musicians -- or it was a disaster of monumental proportions, and a symbol of everything that had gone wrong with the business of rock at the close of the decade.
	Buffalo Springfield	Apart from the Byrds, no other American band had as great an impact on folk-rock and country-rock -- really, the entire Californian rock sound -- than Buffalo Springfield.
	Supertramp	Supertramp followed an unusual path to commercial success in the 1970s, fusing the stylistic ambition and instrumental dexterity of progressive rock with the wit and tuneful melodies of British pop, and the results made them one of the most popular British acts of the '70s and ‘80s, topping the charts and filling arenas around the world at a time when their style of music was supposed to have fallen out of fashion.
	The Guess Who	While the Guess Who did have several hits in America, they were superstars in their home country of Canada during the 1960s and early '70s.
	Robert Plant	In 1968, a naïve young singer from the Black Country hills in England named Robert Plant was discovered wailing the blues by veteran session guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones.
	Electric Light Orchestra	The Electric Light Orchestra's ambitious yet irresistible fusion of Beatles que pop, classical arrangements, and futuristic iconography rocketed the group to massive commercial success throughout the 1970s.
	Johnny Winter	When Johnny Winter emerged on the national scene in 1969, the hope, particularly in the record business, was that he would become a superstar on the scale of Jimi Hendrix, another blues-based rock guitarist and singer who preceded him by a few years.
	Bruce Springsteen	In the decades following his emergence on the national scene in 1975, Bruce Springsteen proved to be that rarity among popular musicians, an artist who maintained his status as a frontline recording and performing star, consistently selling millions of albums and selling out arenas and stadiums around the world year after year, as well as retaining widespread critical approbation, with ecstatic reviews greeting those discs and shows.
	Crosby, Stills & Nash	The musical partnership of David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash, with and without Neil Young, was not only one of the most successful touring and recording acts of the late '60s, '70s, and early '80s (with the colorful, contrasting nature of the members' characters and their connection to the political and cultural upheavals of the time), it was the only American-based band to approach the overall societal impact of the Beatles.
	Jefferson Starship	Jefferson Starship was among the most successful arena rock bands of the 1970s and early '80s, an even greater commercial entity than its predecessor, Jefferson Airplane, the band out of which it evolved.
	Traffic	Though it ultimately must be considered an interim vehicle for singer/songwriter/keyboardist/guitarist Steve Winwood, Traffic was a successful group that followed its own individual course through the rock music scene of the late '60s and early '70s.
	The Doors	The Doors, one of the most influential and controversial rock bands of the 1960s, were formed in Los Angeles in 1965 by UCLA film students Ray Manzarek, keyboards, and Jim Morrison, vocals; with drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger.
	Jethro Tull	Jethro Tull was a unique phenomenon in popular music history. Their mix of hard rock; folk melodies; blues licks; surreal, impossibly dense lyrics; and overall profundity defied easy analysis, but that didn't dissuade fans from giving them 11 gold and five platinum albums.
	Jimi Hendrix	In his brief four-year reign as a superstar, Jimi Hendrix expanded the vocabulary of the electric rock guitar more than anyone before or since.
	Gregg Allman	Gregg Allman's most visible contribution to rock music is as lead singer, organist, and songwriter with the Allman Brothers Band, founded by his brother Duane (d.
	Bachman-Turner Overdrive	Following his 1970 departure from the Guess Who, guitarist Randy Bachman recorded a solo album (Axe) and planned a project with ex-Nice keyboardist Keith Emerson (later canceled due to illness) before forming Bachman-Turner Overdrive in 1972.
	Buddy Guy	Buddy Guy is one of the most celebrated blues guitarists of his generation (and arguably the most celebrated), possessing a sound and style that embodied the traditions of classic Chicago Blues while also embracing the fire and flash of rock & roll.
	Creedence Clearwater Revival	At a time when rock was evolving further and further away from the forces that had made the music possible in the first place, Creedence Clearwater Revival brought things back to their roots with their concise synthesis of rockabilly, swamp pop, R&B, and country.
	John Lennon	Out of all the Beatles, John Lennon had the most interesting -- and frustrating -- solo career. Lennon was capable of inspired, brutally honest confessional songwriting and melodic songcraft; he also had a tendency to rest on his laurels, churning out straight-ahead rock & roll without much care.