Eric Clapton Raises Country's Cool Factor
Watching Eric Clapton perform should be its own reward. But when he brought his über-cool Crossroads Guitar Festival to 28,000 people in Chicago on Saturday (7/28), his country covers cut through all the other stuff. For me, anyway. Like when Clapton and Sheryl Crow sang "Tulsa Time" into a single mic. Hearing his distinctively bluesy vocals and watching him coax sound out of his Stratocaster with a slide, I wondered how an English guitar god could’ve come to love such an authentic country classic. I’ve since found out.
The song belonged to the 1978 CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, Don Williams. With almost 20 No. 1’s under his belt, his string of hits kind of made him the Keith Urban of the 70s. And he had a fan in Clapton. His aggressive international touring schedule gave Williams the chance to catch the ear of Clapton while in the UK. Clapton went on to cover and eventually record “Tulsa Time” on his own 1978 album, Backless. Singing it with Crow was one of many country moments at the Crossroads. The deep bill also included some of Nashville's finest, like Vince Gill, Alison Krauss and Willie Nelson.
The fact that someone as cool as Clapton is into country gives me hope. And ammunition. So now when someone dares to put country music into that backwards hillbilly box, I can use the Clapton defense. As in, “You think country’s uncool? That’s weird, because Eric Clapton adores country. But whatever.” I’m not implying that Clapton’s joining the fan clubs and hanging by the merch table after shows. But isn't it nice to know that someone outside the stereotype is listening, too?
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Nina says:
Wish I could’ve been there. I was a Derek fan and Creem fan, but since I like country now (sortof) this would have been a true gift for me to see this. I didn’t know you could play a guitar like his with a slide. That must’ve sounded great. Slowhand reigns!
Bruce Robison Picks A Couple Of Songs From Latest EP He Hopes Get Covered — The 9513 says:
[...] Don Williams–Keith Urban of the 70s? Whoa. [...]
Dr Strangelove says:
I remember first hearing Clapton when I was in my teens and being mesmerized by his eloquent sound and sincere expression. It doesn’t make me surprised that he is a Country Aficionado. The Image of Country has taken a beating from the Billy Ray Cyrus types, but being the cultural soul of america it will always return to its roots and flourish.
Now go listen to some Lefty Frizzell!
Tim says:
Sounds very cool. Should be no surprise that EC has that country thing going. He’s always been enamored of US music that comes from south of the Mason-Dixon line. Evidence his devotion to Robert Johnson and his Layla-sessions collaboration with Duane Allman. The Dolly Parton tribute album is probably right around the corner.
Geoff Queen says:
Lets not forget the writer of Tulsa Time, Danny Flowers. He’s one of the most talented and soulful guitar player, singer, writer combinations in music today.
Judith says:
About 10+ years ago I remember reading that Eric Clapton had approached Travis Tritt at some awards show and complimented him on his music. On his own, apart from The Cream & Derek & the Dominoes, Clapton’s music is very rootsy. And he’s got great taste. Doesn’t surprise me at all that he knows and likes country. (the real thing, not necessarily the current top 40 radio fodder.)
Tim says:
Just wondering how much of his original interest in country might have been stimulated by his friendship with George Harrison. There is a lot rock-a-billy, Carl Perkins-type Harrison licks in pre-Revolver Beatles songs.
dr slide says:
Let’s not forget his “Promises” recording, a great country tune with a compelling slide line. How about the fact that the Seldom Scene did a version of Lay Down Sally, Clapton is simply a guitar master, treating himself to all the goodys he can get his hands onto.