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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.
In short
- 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.
Explained simply
J.J. Cale was an American singer-songwriter known for his relaxed, understated style of blues and rock. His distinctive approach caught the attention of other musicians, most notably Eric Clapton, who has long credited him as a major influence on his own work.
The extent of Cale's influence on Clapton became clear through the songs Clapton chose to record and reshape as hits. Cale's compositions including 'After Midnight' and 'Cocaine' became key parts of Clapton's catalogue and helped shape Clapton's sound. Cale's minimalist songwriting and restrained performance style had a significant effect on how Clapton developed his own music.
Cale died in 2013 at the age of 74 after suffering a heart attack. His influence on musicians like Clapton has ensured he remains an important figure in rock and blues history.