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Eric Clapton Discusses His Early Career.

Rock guitarist Eric Clapton. His friends call him "Slowhand," his fans call him "God." Whatever name he goes by, Eric Clapton is at or near the top of any list of the greatest guitar players in rock history. Clapton started out playing blues with the Yardbirds (For Your Love) in the early 60s, then played with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers before forming Cream, one of the 60s most influential bands (Crossroads, White Room). Clapton's early years, his exposure to the blues, his work with the Yardbirds, with John Mayall, and with Cream are covered in today's interview segment. (Part I of the interview airs today. Part II airs tomorrow).

23:24
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Other segments from the episode on December 7, 1989

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, December 7, 1989: Interview with Eric Clapton, Part 1; Review of the Mekons' album "The Mekons Rock 'n' Roll"; Interview with Vincent Gardenia; Review of the films "The…
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06:21

The Mekons Remain Fresh on Their New Album.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new album from the Mekons (pronounced MEE-kons). The Mekons formed in England at the height of the punk movement. Their musical style embraces punk, country, reggae and just about everything else. The one unifying theme in their music is politics, particularity the politics of the music industry. The new album is called "The Mekons Rock 'n' Roll."

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03:54

Tales of Revenge and Love in Two New Comedies.

Film critic Owen Gleiberman reviews two new cynical comedies: "The War of the Roses." It stars Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas as the once-perfect couple going through the world's ugliest divorce, and Danny DeVito as divorce lawyer caught in middle. And "She-Devil" starring Meryl Streep, Roseanne Barr, and Ed Begley, Jr.

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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23:13

Eric Clapton Discusses His Later Career.

PART II: Rock guitarist Eric Clapton. His friends call him "Slowhand," his fans call him "God." Whatever name he goes by, Eric Clapton is at or near the top of any list of the greatest guitar players in rock history. In the 60's Clapton started playing the blues with the Yardbirds (For Your Love) and then played with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers before forming Cream, one of the 60's most influential bands (Crossroads, White Room).

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08:39

Jimi Hendrix, Before He Was Famous

Hendrix spent years recording with whomever he could before being discovered and whisked off to London. A new Legacy box set, West Coast Seattle Boy, showcases Jimi Hendrix as sideman to a number of musicians. Rock historian Ed Ward takes a look at it today.

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