Top 10 Covers Of Eric Clapton Songs

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Eric Clapton’s songs present a daunting challenge for any artist willing to take them on. These ten covers succeed by honoring the spirit of the originals while bringing distinctive voices, arrangements, and guitar styles to some of the most recognizable music in Clapton’s catalog.

Feature Photo: A.RICARDO / Shutterstock.com

It was very interesting digging into the music of Eric Clapton and the artists who have attempted to cover his songs. After spending a lot of time on the research, it became clear that Clapton is not an artist who is often covered. The reasons seem pretty obvious. Clapton stands as one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Not many musicians can go toe-to-toe with Clapton to cover his music. His playing was just too iconic. If you’re going to cover a Clapton tune, you’re going to have to bring it big time. Of course, some artists could get around that by picking the right songs and adding their original flair to the music. Yet, if you’re a guitar slinger looking to cover a Clapton track, good luck. We found a few who were up to it, but we had to go through many tracks to pick them. It’s important to recognize one fact here, some of these songs are not actually songs that Eric Clapton wrote, but are songs that Clapton made more famous than the originals. So in some instances, Eric Clapton is actually the cover artist. But because Clapton made the song more famous, we included it here just to showcase a little history behind the song itself.

# 10 – Lay Down Sally – Melanie

We open our list with a great cover by Melanie. Most people remember Melanie from her 1970 hit “Brand New Key.” However, Melanie had a very long career in the music business. She consistently toured and released close to thirty studio albums throughout her career. Sadly, she passed away in January 2024. Her cover of Eric Clapton’s “Lay Down Sally” was done in her unique, sweet style that showcased the reasons why so many people loved her music. This is how you cover a Clapton song if you’re not a guitar slinger.

Read More: Top 10 Melanie Songs

# 9 – Layla – Eric Gales

“Layla” was originally recorded by Derek and the Dominos and released in 1970 on their album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. The song was co-written by Clapton and Jim Gordon. It was all about Clapton’s love for Pattie Boyd, the then-wife of his friend and fellow musician George Harrison. This is a song that most artists have stayed away from because the original version is just so iconic. Nonetheless, Eric Gales put it all on the line and delivered a smoking version of the tune. Listen to Gales’ guitar solo in this one. It will knock you off your rock and roll feet.

# 8 – Tears In Heaven – Joshua Redman

Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” is one of the most covered songs in his catalog. This one was not about fiery guitar playing; it was a sad tribute to his son Conor, who fell from a New York apartment building in 1991. Released in 1992, the song was featured on the soundtrack for the movie Rush and also appeared on Clapton’s Unplugged album. It received critical acclaim and won several Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. We decided that the best way to pay tribute to this sad song was to showcase this loving jazz instrumental performed by the great Joshua Redman from his Wish album.

# 7 – Forever Man – Yngwie Malmsteen

Well, if you’re going to take on Clapton and his guitar playing, why not take it to the extreme? And if we’re talking about extreme guitar playing, we’re talking about Yngwie Malmsteen. There aren’t many people who can play guitar like Yngwie. While he might not be everyone’s cup of coffee, he definitely has a huge following and is regarded as one of the greatest of all time. Listen to how he tears this one up; it’s simply phenomenal.

# 6 – Double Crossing Time – Joe Bonamassa

Okay, now you’re talking. If there is one player out there who can stand next to Clapton and go head-to-head, note for note, it’s the smoking Joe Bonamassa. It’s one of the reasons why we feature him twice in this Clapton covers article. Joe is one of the most respected players in the music business. When we recently interviewed Carmine Appice, he raved about Joe nonstop. Make sure you listen to this one.

# 5 – Before You Accuse Me – Bo Diddley

Long before there was Eric Clapton, there was Bo Diddley. The great Bo Diddley not only inspired millions of guitar players, but he also created the Bo Diddley beat, which has been utilized thousands of times by all types of musicians. The legend takes on Clapton’s “Before You Accuse Me” and lights it up like only Bo could.

# 4 – Comin’ Home – Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band w/ Warren Haynes

Once again, we turn to some all-star guitar players covering an Eric Clapton tune. This time, it’s not just one. Keeping blues music and the sound and feel of bands like the Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead, and all those great ’70s rock bands alive are Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi with the great Tedeschi Trucks Band. On this track, we also have Derek Trucks’ former bandmate from the Allman Brothers Band, Warren Haynes. Three sensational guitar players taking on the legendary Clapton song; it doesn’t get much better than this.

Read More: Top 10 Tedeschi Trucks Band Songs

# 3 – Blues Power – Rick Derringer

“Blues Power” is a song by Eric Clapton that appeared on his 1970 album, Eric Clapton. The song was co-written with Leon Russell. Rick Derringer took the song on and delivered a magnificent version filled with classic Derringer guitar licks. The song was released on Rick Derringer’s Blues Deluxe album, which was issued in 1998.

# 2 – Pretending – Joe Bonamassa

Once again, we return to the guitar god Joe Bonamassa and his killer cover of Eric Clapton’s “Pretending.” “Pretending” was originally released as part of Clapton’s 1989 album Journeyman. The song was written by Jerry Lynn Williams, who contributed several pieces to Clapton’s late ’80s and early ’90s repertoire.

# 1 – Let It Rain – The Doobie Brothers with Peter Frampton

We close it out with this mesmerizing cover by The Doobie Brothers and Peter Frampton, with Bill Payne on piano. This song was recorded during the COVID lockdown. Musicians were going crazy during that time because nobody could perform, all concerts were canceled, and everyone was just stuck at home. What a nightmare that was. Nonetheless, The Doobie Brothers did a lot of at-home performances, and this one with Peter Frampton was one of the best. Just listening to Tom Johnston and Peter Frampton exchanging guitar riffs is unbelievable.