#22 Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is the only person inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame three times. Before going solo, Clapton was a member of the blues based “Yardbirds.” He left the band when they went commercial. He then joined the super group “Cream” which broke apart as egos clashed. Clapton then went solo after a brief stint in Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominoes.

Clapton’s music has always been blues based. However, he was always willing to incorporate other styles including pop and reggae. Next to Hendrix, Clapton is rock's greatest guitarist. Fans compared him to god and some considered him god. Despite major substance abuse problems, Clapton’s career has been steadily successful from the 1970s through today. It’s his ability to both originate and incorporate while sticking to his blues roots that makes Clapton so successful.

Rock n Roll Moment: Clapton’s memory blanked while under the influence. He does not remember doing TV commercials as well as other events in his life. As a result, he opened a rehab clinic of his own.

Essential Clapton:

Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970)- w/Derek and the Dominoes
461 Ocean Blvd (1974)
Slowhand (1977)
Crossroads (1988)- Box Set
Journeyman (1989)
Unplugged (1992)
From the Cradle (1994)
Me and Mr. Johnson (2004)

Clapton’s Top 10:

Layla (With Derek and the Dominoes)
I Shot the Sheriff
After Midnight
Cocaine
Lay Down Sally
Wonderful Tonight
Promises
Pretending
Let it Rain
It’s in the Way that You Use It

#31 Bo Diddley

Bo Diddley only had a few hits, but his influence is immense. His “Bo Diddley Beat” is integral to rock music. It has been used by the Stones, Buddy Holly, and the Strangeloves’ hit “I Want Candy.” The latter is best known as an early 1980's Bow Wow Wow hit. His songs rival anyone in music’s. Unfortunately, his halcyon days were over by the time The Beatles hit America. However, he continued to perform live until 2007 and is known for his appearance in Bo Jackson‘s “Bo Knows“ commercial in the late 1980s. He died in 2008.

Rock n Roll Moment: The Bo Diddley Beat is highly influential and important to rock. As such, he is considered a founder father of the genre.

Essential Bo Diddley:

Bo Diddley (1958)
Go Bo Diddley (1959)
Have Guitar Will Travel (1960)

Bo Diddley’s Top 10:

Bo Diddley
I’m a Man
Before You Accuse Me
Who Do You Love?
Hey! Bo Diddley
Cadillac
Love Is Strange
Road Runner
Mona
Memphis, Tennessee

#32 B.B. King

B.B. King essentially influenced every blues and blues based guitarist that followed him. After a failed trip to Memphis, King decided to learn music. His hard work paid off. In 1949, he earned a recording contract. By the 50s, King was one of the most important R&B artists. His biggest hit came in 1968 with “The Thrill is Gone.” King continued to work throughout the 70s. He recorded less frequently by the 1980s. However, in 1988, he recorded “When Love Comes To Town” with U2. It was a smash. Today, he occasionally performs at festivals. In 2008, he performed at the Kennedy Center Honors in honor of Morgan Freeman.

Rock n Roll Moment: He named his guitar “Lucille.”

Essential King:

Singing The Blues (1956)
Indianola Mississippi Seeds (1970)
The Ultimate Collection (2005)

BB King’s Top 10:

Three O’Clock Blues
When Love Comes to Town (with U2)
Worried Life
The Thrill is Gone
Paying the Cost to be the Boss
Please Love Me
You Upset Me Baby
Don’t Answer The Door
Sweet Sixteen (part 1 and 2)
Chains and Things

#46 Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin incorporated blues music and a hippie vibe to become the most dynamic female singer of all time. She broke out at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and her bandmates grew jealous of her fame. She eventually dumped Big Brother and the Holding Company to go solo. She died in 1970 at 27. In her short career, she influenced many women to go into rock including Stevie Nicks and Melissa Ethridge.

Rock n Roll Moment: She refused to sign her record contract until she slept with the fellow that signed her.

Essential Janis:

Cheap Thrills (1968)
Pearl (1971)

Janis Joplin’s Top 10:

Piece of My Heart
Me and Bobby McGee
Ball and Chain
What Good Can Drinkin’ Do
Down On Me
Summertime
Mercedes Benz
Little Girl
Blue
Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)
Cry Baby