Eric Clapton first entry into the Hall of Fame was in 1992 as part of the Yardbirds. Clapton had been a member of the band in their early years as they rose though the London club scene.
In 1965 the Yardbirds would secure their first hit with the single For Your Love
. Clapton, a blues purist was not happy with the pop
direction the band was taking and would announce his departure from the band on the day For Your Love
was released.
Clapton would make his second entry into the Rock Hall Of Fame in 1993 for his part in the psychedelic/blues infused, Cream.
Following his departure from the Yardbirds in 1965 Clapton would join the British Godfather of blues, John Mayalls Blues Breakers, featuring on the highly praised 1966 album Blues Breakers
, otherwise known as the Beano
album
After seeing a Buddy Guy performance Clapton was impressed by the three piece format and believed this should be his next band setup.
At the same time drummer Ginger Baker was looking to start his own musical project, and with the door open for Clapton, both musicians along with Jack Bruce on bass would form Cream.
Cream's music spanned many genres of rock music, including blues rock (Crossroads, Born Under a Bad Sign), psychedelic rock (Tales of Brave Ulysses, White Room), and hard rock (Sunshine of Your Love, SWLABR).
Throughout their career, Cream sold more than 15 million records worldwide, releasing four albums, Fresh Cream (1966), Disraeli Gears (1967), Wheels of Fire (1968), and Goodbye (1969).
Clapton would receive his third nomination in 2000, this time as a solo artist.
Cream would eventually split up in 1968 after constant arguments between all three members, especially Baker and Bruce.
At the time Clapton was influenced by The Band and other groups now coming out of America. Not yet convinced of his abilities as a solo artist Clapton would form his second supergroup, Blind Faith, joined once again by Baker on drums and Steve Winwood on vocals.
Blind Faith would form and breakup within one year leaving Clapton without a band.
In 1970 Clapton would begin working on his first solo release. However still lacking confidence Clapton would release his solo effort under the band name Derek And The Dominos, releasing Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs
.
Clapton would finally go solo with the 1970 album titled, Eric Clapton
. Since then Clapton would continue under his own name releasing a number of hits including Cocaine
, I Shot The Sheriff
and Tears In Heaven
.
While Clapton is the only artist to be inducted three times, several have been inducted twice, including all four members of The Beatles, all four members of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Stevie Nicks, Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, Jeff Beck, Dave Grohl and others.
Artists only become eligible for induction into the Hall Of Fame 25 years after releasing their debut record. To be inducted, an artist must be nominated by a committee that selects several candidates.