On Elvis And Eric Clapton

[Unchained Melody]

We Rented the theatre basically every night of the week to watch movies. And one night Jerry Schilling, a really neat guy who worked with Elvis for years, brought over Eric Clapton, who was in town doing a concert. When Clapton came into the theatre, Elvis got up and shook his hand. Clapton said, "I'm Eric Clapton." And Elvis said, "What do you do". Clapton replied, "I'm a musician, what do you play ? I honestly think Elvis didn't know. Elvis simply was not plugged into current american music. He never, ever listened to the radio. "Guitar" Clapton answered. Well elvis said back, if you would like some lessons, my guitarist James Burton could give you some. Now, my brother Rick and I are looking for a rock to hide under. oh Elvis, your not offering Guitar lessons to Eric Clapton. But Clapton was pure class, not a bit offended. I'd give anything to sit in on a session with Elvis Presley and play guitar with James Burton.

Clapton and Elvis and Burton never did have that sessions. It was Elvis' loss. He just didn't know who Clapton was. And thats a shame because if he'd heard him play, he would've loved him.

That is from David Stanley, and his book elvis the enyclopedia.
I know many dislike him but the book has great stories in it like the above.
Isn't it ashame Elvis didn't even know who Clapton was, I mean, didn't in the early days elvis keep tuned into what people were listening to and stuff.

[ehollier]

I've heard ths story about Elvis meeting Eric Clapton and the most amazing part of the whole thing was that he didn't know who Clapton was. Of course, again, hindsight is always 20/20. Today we know of Clapton's and his music is a testament to his talent, but in the early 70's, it was difficult to determine who would stand the test of time and who would fade as quickly as they rose.

[SatninLove]

Your right...I think Elvis would have liked Clapton if he would have ever been given the oppurtunity to hear his work....
-SatninLove

[Unchained Melody]

Just think Elvis could've had a jam sessions with the beatles, the night they came over to his place, and Eric Clapton aswell. My god that upsets me that nothing ever went down. :mad:

Another quick question, any idea the date this meeting between Clapton and Elvis happened?

[jon_burrows]

Here's another version (from Jerry Schilling) of the meeting between Elvis and Eric Clapton.

Eric Clapton (http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/eric_clapton.shtml)

I think the meeting could've taken place on June 17 1975. Clapton performed at the Mid South Coliseum on June 18 1975.

[elvispresleytheking]

Any pictures from this event?

[Unchained Melody]

I've read about Jerry introducing the two in his book..thanks though(y)

[pearldrummer]

Love Eric Clapton too.Great story this.Why are there no pictures of Elvis with Clapton,Zeppelin,Elton John etc.Would have loved to hear Elvis sing Further on up the Road,Badge or Crossroads.All amazing classics and why didn't Elvis go to Claptons Memphis show? he would have loved it.