Ok, first off, I am a BIG Clapton fan, and think he deserves all of the praise heaped upon him. Most of that praise comes from his early days, setting the tone for a new generation of players. Sure, he evoked the playing of Muddy, Robert Johnson, Buddy Guy, et al; but isn't that the pioint? Someone has to move it forward, after all. There is no denying that he influenced many a young lad, and lass, to pick up the guitar and play, or just listen and appreciate what they weren't being exposed to in the first place. For some, it stopped at Clapton, for others, they found the link through him to "where it all began." Either way, Clapton was hugely influential on a generation of players. Love him, or hate him; worship him or loathe him, there's no disputing that.
Now, to add a little thought to the process, I'd posit this: John Mayer is the current version of Eric Clapton. Now, before you get your undies in a bunch, think about it. They both are CAPABLE of blistering, soulful, laid back, over the top, behind the beat, etc. etc etc, but they both chose to follow the pop path to "success". Let me also say this; I am not saying that Mayer is as good as, or is GOD, or....or....or....I am also not saying that Clapton is any of those things either. From an observational standpoint, these are extremely gifted individuals who chose to follow an artistic vision with pop leanings while eschewing the virtuosity. Either way, I feel fortunate to have been around at the same time both of these artists were providing joy to those that were/are willing to listen.
Turn it up!
can somebody help me off my soapbox? That made me a little dizzy............