Crossroads: The Life and Music [Paperback]

Michael Schumacher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2003

CROSSROADS is the story of Eric Clapton - the man, his magnificent music and his tragedy-marred life. Clapton is the million-selling Grammy-winning master of the blues guitar - and his popularity has hit new heights since his 'Unplugged' album sold over 6 million copies. However, beneath the acclaim has been a life full of heartbreak. This, the first full-scale, serious look at this history-making musician, captures it all. Heroin addiction in the 70s...alcoholism in the 80s...his divorce from Pattie Boyd - the inspiration for 'Layla'...the helicopter crash that killed his closest associates including Stevie Ray Vaughan...the accidental death of his four-year-old son...this book goes behind the headlines to reveal the depth of Clapton's pain and the roots of his musical power.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Schumacher (Dharma Lion: The Biography of Allen Ginsberg) here chronicles the life and career of the reclusive British blues performer. Brought up by his grandparents after his unwed mother deserted him, Clapton taught himself to play the guitar and by age 25 had toured the world with the Yardbirds, the Bluesbreakers, Cream and Blind Faith?and become a star. Then he began to drift in and out of the spotlight, spending long periods in seclusion while his management and his record company struggled to keep him in the public eye. Schumacher covers a tale of unhappy personal relationships, a failed marriage, drug and alcohol addiction and the tragic death of the performer's infant son, while giving full account of Clapton's significant accomplishments as guitarist and vocalist, his forays into rock and his performances and recordings. Clapton, now 50, seems to be making a comeback despite his depressing story. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Guitar hero, junkie, Beatle-wife-stealer, aggrieved father, born-again bluesman--Eric Clapton's career has had enough twists and turns for several rock stars. Schumacher examines Clapton's travails and chronicles their effects. Like many of his peers, Clapton expresses personal ups and downs in his music. For instance, Patti Harrison was the inspiration for the shimmering hit, "Layla" ; Schumacher examines that connection as well as the relationship with fellow guitar hero Duane Allman that made the recording possible. Schumacher also recounts Clapton's interactions with Howlin' Wolf, Delaney Bramlett, and the 1960s psychedelic scene. He makes the point that Clapton followed rather than set fashions: Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan inspired his frizzy sixties hairdo; the Beatles inspired the psychedelic art with which his supergroup Cream surrounded itself; and Dylan and the Band inspired the laid-back sound he adopted after Cream broke up. Eventually, Schumacher brings us up to date: Clapton, once hailed as God by London subway graffiti, has come a long way. This is a necessary addition to the pop-music library. Mike Tribby --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 420 pages
• Publisher: Citadel; Updated edition (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806524669
• ISBN-13: 978-0806524665
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,246,543 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most intimate portraits of Clapton ever written, May 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Crossroads: The Life and Music of Eric Clapton (Hardcover)

If you ever wanted to meet Eric Clapton in person. Have ever been inspired by his blues-roots licks or follwed his career from Cream, Blind Faith or Derek & The Dominos, you'll want to read this book. Schumacher spares us the drippy, glossed over fanzine approach to provide the reader with solid insights into the good, bad and ugly parts of Clapton's life and career. There are no holds barred. What I especially enjoyed about the book is the fact that Schumacher uses good solid story telling, to compell the reader to turn the page and find out more about Clapton, his victories, defeats and ressurection as a man, artist and rock icon. The book is well indexed, allowing you to search by subject, song title and person for specific information. This book is worth the search!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, July 5, 2006

By 

Nina Bennett "author of Forgotten Tears A Gra... (Newark DE) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Crossroads: The Life and Music (Paperback)

A fascinating journey into the life of Eric Clapton. As someone who has been an avid Clapton fan from the beginning, it was quite interesting to read about his growth and evolution as a musician over the years and with his different groups. I was fascinated to discover that he did not think he was lead guitar material and that he lacked confidence regarding his vocal abilities. This is a book which will stimulate discussion among friends and have you running to your music collection to listen to old songs yet once again, while eagerly awaiting a new Clapton release.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Comprehensive, September 8, 2001

By 

G. J Wiener (Westchester, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Crossroads: The Life and Music of Eric Clapton (Hardcover)

This biography is indeed very informative. The details on Eric's life are very complete. One can see how Eric's small stature and limited coordination stunted his confidence at the beginning of his music career. In the Yardbirds, Cream, and Blind Faith, Eric was content just to be a part of the band. I especially enjoyed Delaney Bramlett's influence on Eric's vocal development. And of course the Layla stories are always a joy to read. The feelings behind many of Eric's signature songs are a joy to read over and over again.

The only slight drawback in this book is the fact that the author discounts the There's One In Every Crowd CD. Truthfully, I find it an underatted gem. Otherwise, Michael Schumacher does an excellent job.