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Eric Clapton Admits He Likes 'Old Man's Voice'
- Posted on Feb 22nd 2010 8:16AM by Luke Slater
Blues maestro Eric Clapton has revealed he's finally comfortable with his "old man" singing voice, 48 years after starting out as a musician. Clapton, who was a founding member, guitarist and vocalist for blues-rock supergroup Cream, told Rolling Stone magazine, "It's taken me to be an older guy, an old man, to have an old man's voice," he explained. "I only liked old men's voices. As a kid, I didn't like pip-squeaked singers.""It was always someone with authority. And for a singer to have authority, they have to have some kind of social standing. Otherwise it's fake," he added.
Clapton, who released his latest album, 'The Road to Escondido', with JJ Cale back in 2006, also told Rolling Stone that he chose to sing at a higher range due to it being "easier."
He added, "I also suffered from a delusion that a lot of people share, from what I can see. Which is, if you sing at the top of your range, it's more expressive," he said.
"So I figured out how high I could sing. Then I sang in that key. It's a cop-out, because i's easier to pitch -- you just stretch. To sing in a lower key is harder work. You have to use your diaphragm more. All of these things come into play."
Elsewhere in the interview, conducted alongside collaborator and fellow guitarist Jeff Beck, Clapton explains that when he started singing for Cream, his guitar playing ultimately suffered, admitting that "some kind of prioritizing" has to go on.
- Filed under: News
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Suz
Saw Clapton & Beck at Madison Square Garden on 2/18. My first time and certainly WILL NOT be my last. What a performance they both put on. Beck was so energetic and Clapton was more laid back but definitely fantastic. His guitar playing and voice were impeccable. And like a fine wine Clapton just keeps getting better!!!! Keep it up Eric, we love you!
February 22 2010 at 4:11 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Barb
Simply~~~he is the best there is. Yesterday, today and whenever he wants to quit.
February 22 2010 at 3:53 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Truth
It is a shame that so many people have never heard his work with Mayall. "Have You Heard" is brilliant, and one of the best recordings he, or any other blues guitarist has ever made. I had so wished he would have played it the concert we saw him at in Madison, Wi.
He had to be rushed to the hospital right after the concert for a perforated ulcer, but even with the pain in his stomach, the concert was excellent. He is the consumate musician.
James
who would have ever thought such sounds could come from that guy reading beano comics, and appearing to enjoy them very much. i have always thought performing with John Mayall brought the best out of Mr. Clapton and his guitar.the Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton's live version of "they call it stormy monday" has always been a favorite of mine.
February 22 2010 at 1:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
pnut166
1 reply to pnut166's comment
I don`t know why Clapton is being so down on his singing voice. He has one of the most recognizable, unique, and mezmerizing voices in rock histoy. A true gift. And, as he says, it just gets better with age. Seeing him 2/28 in Birmingham - 6th row. My one concert of the year, probably. Very few acts out there today are worth the price of good seats, anymore. Can`t wait !!!
February 22 2010 at 1:16 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
don
Good for you!!!!! if you spend big dollars for a concert ticket, Eric is the one ENJOY!!!!!!!
February 22 2010 at 2:53 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
bigwheel1469
CLAPTON IS GOD!!!!
SAVE ME!!!!
Armando
Eric Clampton sings with his guitar and thats enough said
February 22 2010 at 12:57 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Tom
Clapton is one of the GREATEST of all time, although we are blessed with a few others. He is a real man's man and he will always be a Forgever Man!!
February 22 2010 at 12:39 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
maria
Eric Clapton is awesome.....I wouldn't care what kind of voice he has....when he plays that guitar, it takes me to a better place. I will admit I love his voice as well. I see him every time he comes to town and I have been doing that for years. I will always be one of his biggest fans. I have never ever been disappointed with his performance. Keep on Eric......we love you
February 22 2010 at 12:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
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