Eric Clapton has been known as a "guitar god" since the mid-1960's. That nickname "guitar-god" came about after Clapton's years with the Yardbirds. Later he added to that legend while playing with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream and Blind Faith. As awe inspiring as he has been as a musician, it is surprising that it took so long for Clapton to have a #1 hit. And, actually, when one realizes the source of that #1 hit material, it is a stranger story still. Clapton has been, first and foremost, a bluesman and a rocker. That is the style of music that he has been known for. I was working in rock radio when this soon to be #1 song was released. It was 1974, two years after he had had a good-sized hit with his classic Layla. So, you might wonder, what was the big surprise here when this tune hit the top of the charts? The answer is simple: This chart giant was not typical Clapton -- it was reggae. To this day, that is still Eric Clapton's biggest chart hit. He is a legend as a blues and rock guitar player, but a reggae flavored tune remains his biggest chart triumph. Many Clapton fans, and those who follow music, probably know that Clapton did not write this famous song. This was a cover. It was not a cover of just any old artist however. It was a cover of one of the best songs from the late reggae legend Bob Marley and his group the Wailers. Clapton's I Shot the Sheriff sounded like reggae and smelled like Jamaica because it was Jamaican inspired reggae.
Footnote: While this is an accepted song in most circles, there is some negative public sentiment about the theme of the song -- the shooting of a law enforcement official! I remember once, an RCMP friend of mine was indignant when the orignal Marley version came on the stereo during a backyard party at my home. I guess, and it makes sense, that there is not much room for humor when you are the cop who might get shot.
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Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspections
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