Rock Legend Eric Clapton Founded Two Iconic Bands That Only Released One Album

Eric Clapton's 60-plus year career in music is unparalleled. He is the only three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, as a member of The Yardbirds, Cream and as a solo artist. Clapton has had an illustrious career and is one of the most inspiring guitarists of all time. Long before his successful solo career, which has earned the legend 18 Grammy Awards, he performed with many great bands. The Yardbirds, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, and the groundbreaking and innovative trio Cream, dominated the mid-to-late 60s, but what came next was truly incredible.

Clapton went on to form two completely different bands that each only released one studio album. The fact that these two albums were released just over a year apart is truly exceptional. Both efforts are widely considered to be some of Clapton's best work.

How did Cream Turn Into Blind Faith?

After Cream parted ways in 1968, Clapton was still spending time with his drummer Ginger Baker. Former Traffic and Spencer Davis Group keyboardist and vocalist Steve Winwood invited Clapton to his house in England to jam. Clapton brought along Baker, and they soon connected with bassist Ric Gretch to form Blind Faith. The band released its one and only album in August 1969.

Blind Faith topped the album charts in both the UK and United States and sold over a million copies within a month of its release. The effort is best known for the Winwood-led ballad "Can't Find My Way Home," that showed off a different and more subtle side of drummer Ginger Baker. Other classic tunes featured on the album include Clapton's spiritual song "Presence of the Lord," and the Winwood-penned tracks "Had to Cry Today" and "Sea of Joy." Ginger Baker contributed the epic 15-minute closing track "Do What You Like," which features every member of the band getting a solo over a psychedelic 5/4 groove.

The group went on one three-month tour in the summer of 69 to promote the album, but never really found a groove. The combination of not having enough original material to sustain a concert and attempting to steer away from the improvisational jam sounds of Cream weighed on the band. They added covers by The Rolling Stones and Buddy Holly to fill the time, and ended many shows with the Cream staple "Sunshine of Your Love." While the crowds were happy, Blind Faith were never fully satisfied with their live show and finally succumbed to the pressure of being labeled a "supergroup." When they returned to England following the tour, Clapton and Winwood called it quits. The two reunited for three sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City in early 2008 and went on a full-fledged tour in 2009, playing an incredible set that included the majority of their only album.

From the ashes of Blind Faith, comes Derek and the Dominos

In the wake of Blind Faith, Clapton joined Delaney and Bonnie, who opened for the group on their US tour. The collaboration was short-lived and Clapton went on to perform with many musicians, including Ringo Starr, Dave Mason, Billy Preston, Dr. John and Howlin' Wolf. In the spring of 1970, Slowhand formed Derek and the Dominos with keyboardist and vocalist Bobby Whitlock, bassist Carl Radle, and drummer Jim Gordon. Greatly inspired by The Band's Music From Big Pink, Derek and the Dominos album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs was released in November 1970.

The album, which was not an immediate smash, contains original songs and a few covers. It boasts iconic versions of Clapton staples including Jimmy Cox's "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing," Charlie Segar's "Key to the Highway" and the Billy Miles classic "Have You Ever Loved a Woman." It wasn't until nearly two years later that "Layla," one of Clapton's most iconic songs, became a hit. The searing tune inspired by Clapton's infatuation with George Harrison's wife, Patty Boyd, who he would later marry, features Allman Brothers Band guitarist Duane Allman. His legendary slide player can be heard all over the beautifully composed outro section of the song.

The album has some of the most vulnerable tunes in Clapton's arsenal, with "Bell Bottom Blues, "I Am Yours," and the inspired "Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad." Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs showcases Clapton's blistering guitar work and heartfelt vocals, which make it a true classic. The band went on to record songs for a second album that never came to fruition. Some of those tracks, "Mean Old Frisco," "Roll It Over," and "Snake Lake Blues," were released on Eric Clapton's Crossroads box back in 1988. Both Blind Faith and Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs both went on to inspire millions of fans and musicians. Each maintains its own significant place in music history.