When all the original blues guys are gone, you start to realize that someone has to tend to the tradition. I recognize that I have some responsibility to keep the music alive, and it's a pretty honorable position to be in.

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In 1988 Fender honoured Clapton with the introduction of his signature Eric Clapton Stratocaster. At the time owner Noll Uloth was trying to save the shop from closure and thought 'I will go and talk to my best client". In 2006 he invited Derek Trucks and Doyle Bramhall II to join his band for his 2006–2007 world tour.

He is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist and separately as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. Two of his most popular recordings were "Layla" recorded by Derek and the Dominos another band he formed and Robert Johnson's "Crossroads" recorded by Cream. J.