The “beautiful” singer that left Eric Clapton brokenhearted: “A lovely man”
Eric Clapton was reportedly left heartbroken by the death of American singer-songwriter J.J. Cale, whom he regarded as a major musical influence and described as “a lovely man”. Cale’s understated style helped shape Clapton’s sound, particularly through songs such as ‘After Midnight’ and ‘Cocaine’, which Clapton turned into prominent hits.
Cale died in 2013 aged 74 after suffering a heart attack. Clapton had long praised his relaxed, rootsy approach to blues and rock, and later coordinated the tribute album *The Breeze: An Appreciation of JJ Cale*, featuring artists including Tom Petty, Mark Knopfler and Willie Nelson.
- J.J. Cale’s death deeply affected longtime admirer Eric Clapton.
- Cale wrote ‘After Midnight’ and ‘Cocaine’, later popularised by Clapton.
- Clapton organised a star-studded tribute album after Cale died.