Eric Clapton emerged from the British blues revival scene to help pioneer blues-rock guitar techniques through his work with the Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, and most notably as lead guitarist of Cream from 1966 to 1968. During Cream's brief but pivotal run, Clapton recorded cornerstone albums including Fresh Cream, Disraeli Gears, and Wheels of Fire, establishing new frameworks for rock improvisation and guitar-driven power trios. The band's innovative mix of blues, psychedelia, and heavy rock helped define the sound of late 1960s British rock. Following Cream's dissolution, Clapton formed Blind Faith with Steve Winwood and continued evolving musically through Derek and the Dominos, recording the seminal album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. His solo career launched with his self-titled 1970 album, spanning multiple decades and styles from blues to pop rock. Clapton's technical approach combines traditional blues phrasing with amplified rock tones, developing signature techniques like controlled feedback and "woman tone." The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has inducted Clapton three times - as a member of the Yardbirds, as a member of Cream, and as a solo artist. His catalog includes over 20 solo studio albums, multiple live recordings, and collaborations with artists ranging from Bob Dylan to B.B. King. Beyond commercial success, Clapton's integration of American blues with British rock helped establish enduring templates for guitar-based popular music.