There are few musicians who manage to build and sustain a career that spans decades – but Eric Clapton is one such musician whose music has endured for more than thirty years. Despite the ever-changing sound and preference of music fans, Clapton has managed to win fans in each new generation, truly making him a music legend.

After spending years in other bands – most notably The Yardbirds and Cream – in which he became an international star, Clapton finally struck out on his own in 1970 with the release of his debut solo album, “Eric Clapton,” which included the hit single “After Midnight.”

Instead of sailing on the momentum of his debut album, Clapton disappeared into the shadows, struck by an addiction to heroin. His next studio album wasn’t released for four years with 1974’s “461 Ocean Boulevard.” His sophomore solo effort included the instant classic and hit single “I Shot the Sheriff.”

While “461 Ocean Boulevard,” enjoyed success, Clapton wouldn’t have such luck with his next three albums: 1975’s “There’s One In Every Crowd” and “Eric Clapton was here,” and 1976’s “No Reason to Cry.”

Clapton’s luck turned with 1977’s “Slowhand,” which featured several hit singles, including “Wonderful Tonight,” “Lay Down Sally,” and “Cocaine.” The album went on to sell more than a million copies worldwide. From then on, Clapton was on fire, and sales of Eric Clapton concert tickets sizzled. He followed “Slowhand” with “Backless” in 1978 which spawned the hit single “Promises.”

The dawn of the new decade saw Clapton release several more albums, among them “Another Ticket” (1981), “Behind the Sun” (1985), and “August” (1986). After the 1989 release of “Journeyman,” Clapton decided he need time to recharge and went on a break that would span five years.

When Clapton returned in 1992 with the album, “MTV Unplugged,” his good fortune had returned, and the album went on to become his biggest success ever. In 1994, Clapton released, “From the Cradle,” another mega-hit. He spent the rest of the 1990s recording and releasing albums, including “The Cream of Clapton” (1995), “Beginnings” (1996), and “Pilgrim” (1998).

Despite having spent the majority of his life in front of fans, Clapton was more energized than ever, and he proved that by continuing to produce albums and embarking on worldwide tours. Clapton’s latest effort, “Back Home,” was released in 2005, and the album focuses on his experiences as a dad.