How Pattie Boyd Inspired George Harrison and Eric Clapton to Write Some of the Greatest Songs Ever
Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be the muse of two legendary rock stars? To inspire some of the most iconic songs in rock history? To be part of one of the most famous love triangles in music history? If so, then you might want to read the autobiography of Pattie Boyd, titled Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me. In this book, she tells her story of being married to George Harrison of The Beatles, then leaving him for his best friend Eric Clapton, and living through the highs and lows of their turbulent relationships. In this article, we will explore the fascinating story of Pattie Boyd, George Harrison, and Eric Clapton, and how their love affair shaped the history of rock music and culture.
Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me
The Beatles and the Birth of a Love Triangle
Pattie Boyd was born in 1944 in Somerset, England. She grew up in a wealthy family, but her childhood was marred by her parents' divorce and her mother's remarriage to a violent alcoholic. She escaped her unhappy home by becoming a model, and soon became one of the most sought-after faces in London's swinging 1960s. She appeared on the covers of magazines like Vogue and Elle, and starred in commercials and movies.
One of her first movie roles was in A Hard Day's Night, the 1964 comedy film featuring The Beatles. She played a schoolgirl who catches the eye of John Lennon, but in real life, it was George Harrison who fell for her. He asked her out on a date, and she accepted, despite having a boyfriend at the time. They soon became inseparable, and got married in 1966. Pattie Boyd became the first wife of a Beatle, and entered a world of fame, fortune, and frenzy.
She also became friends with the other Beatles and their wives, especially John Lennon and his wife Cynthia. She witnessed the rise and fall of The Beatles, their experiments with drugs and spirituality, their creative clashes and personal dramas. She was there when they met the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India, when they recorded the White Album and Abbey Road, when they performed their last concert on the rooftop of Apple Corps.
But she was not the only one who admired George Harrison. His best friend and fellow guitarist Eric Clapton also developed a crush on her, and became obsessed with her. He first met her in 1965, when he was part of the Yardbirds, and later formed Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. He was impressed by her beauty, intelligence, and sense of humor, and felt a connection with her that he did not have with his own girlfriend at the time, Alice Ormsby-Gore.
He tried to hide his feelings for Pattie Boyd, but they became evident in his music. He wrote songs like "Badge" and "Layla" for her, hoping that she would notice his love and leave George Harrison for him. He even confessed his love to her in 1970, when he invited her to his home and played her the song "Layla". She was shocked and flattered, but also loyal to George Harrison. She told him that she loved him as a friend, but nothing more.
Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs
Eric Clapton was heartbroken by Pattie Boyd's rejection, but he did not give up on her. He continued to write songs for her, and formed a new band called Derek and the Dominos with Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, and Jim Gordon. He also invited Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band to join them as a guest guitarist. Together, they recorded one of the most acclaimed albums in rock history: Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.
The album was released in 1970, and featured songs like "Bell Bottom Blues", "Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?", "I Am Yours", and of course, "Layla". The song "Layla" was inspired by a Persian poem called The Story of Layla and Majnun, which tells the tale of a man who goes mad with love for an unattainable woman. Eric Clapton related to the story, and used it as a metaphor for his own situation with Pattie Boyd.
The song "Layla" is divided into two parts: the first part is a fast-paced rock song with fiery guitar riffs and passionate vocals by Eric Clapton; the second part is a slow-paced piano coda with an orchestral arrangement by Jim Gordon. The contrast between the two parts reflects the contrast between Eric Clapton's intense love and Pattie Boyd's indifference.
The song "Layla" became a hit single, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1972. It also became one of Eric Clapton's signature songs, and one of the greatest rock songs of all time. It has been covered by many artists, such as Rod Stewart, Elton John, Mark Knopfler, Neil Young, Santana, Pearl Jam, Ed Sheeran, and more.
The Concert for Bangladesh
In 1971, a humanitarian crisis erupted in Bangladesh, which was then part of Pakistan. A civil war broke out between the Pakistani army and the Bengali nationalists, who wanted independence. The war resulted in a genocide of millions of Bengalis, and a mass exodus of refugees to India. The situation caught the attention of George Harrison, who had a close friend from Bangladesh: Ravi Shankar, the famous sitar player and teacher.
George Harrison decided to organize a benefit concert for the relief of the Bangladeshi people, and invited his friends from the music industry to join him. He also invited Eric Clapton, despite knowing about his feelings for Pattie Boyd. He hoped that by playing music together, they could heal their friendship and help a good cause.
The Concert for Bangladesh took place on August 1, 1971, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It was the first major charity concert of its kind, and featured performers like Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, Badfinger, and of course, George Harrison and Eric Clapton. The concert was a huge success, raising over $12 million for UNICEF and drawing attention to the plight of the Bangladeshi people.
The concert also marked a rare reunion of George Harrison and Eric Clapton on stage. They played songs like "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", "Here Comes the Sun", "Something", and "Wah-Wah". They also played "Layla", which was awkward for both of them and Pattie Boyd, who was in the audience. Eric Clapton later said that he felt guilty for playing "Layla" in front of George Harrison, but he also felt proud that he had written such a powerful song.
The Concert for Bangladesh was recorded and released as a live album and a documentary film. It won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1973, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1996. It also inspired other charity concerts in the future, such as Live Aid, Farm Aid, and Live 8.
The End of a Marriage and the Beginning of a New One
After the Concert for Bangladesh, George Harrison and Pattie Boyd's marriage began to deteriorate. George Harrison became more involved with his spiritual pursuits, and less interested in his wife. He also had affairs with other women, such as Maureen Starkey (Ringo Starr's wife) and Krissie Wood (Ronnie Wood's wife). He even asked Pattie Boyd if she would be willing to share him with other women, as part of his spiritual quest. She refused.
Pattie Boyd also became unhappy with her role as a rock star's wife. She felt neglected and bored by George Harrison's lifestyle. She wanted to have children, but he did not. She also wanted to pursue her own career as a photographer, but he did not support her. She felt trapped and lonely in their mansion in Friar Park.
Meanwhile, Eric Clapton was still in love with Pattie Boyd, and continued to woo her with letters, phone calls, and gifts. He also cleaned up his act, quitting heroin and alcohol. He convinced Pattie Boyd that he had changed for the better, and that he could make her happy. He also told her that he was going to marry Alice Ormsby-Gore if she did not leave George Harrison for him.
Wonderful Tonight
Eric Clapton and Pattie Boyd's marriage seemed to be a happy one at first. They lived in a country estate in Surrey, and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle. They also inspired each other's creativity. Eric Clapton wrote songs like "She's Waiting", "Forever Man", and "It's in the Way That You Use It" for Pattie Boyd. Pattie Boyd took photographs of Eric Clapton and his bandmates, and became a respected photographer in her own right.
But the most famous song that Eric Clapton wrote for Pattie Boyd was "Wonderful Tonight". He wrote it in 1976, when they were getting ready to attend a party hosted by Paul and Linda McCartney. Pattie Boyd took a long time to dress up, and Eric Clapton got impatient. He asked her, "Do I look alright?" She replied, "You look wonderful tonight." He was touched by her compliment, and started to play some chords on his guitar. He came up with the lyrics and melody of "Wonderful Tonight" on the spot.
The song "Wonderful Tonight" is a simple but sweet ballad, with a soft guitar riff and a tender vocal by Eric Clapton. It expresses his love and admiration for Pattie Boyd, and how she makes him feel. It also has a hint of sadness, as he wonders if she knows how much he loves her, and if she will stay with him.
The song "Wonderful Tonight" was released in 1977, as part of Eric Clapton's album Slowhand. It became a hit single, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978. It also became one of Eric Clapton's signature songs, and one of the most romantic songs of all time. It has been covered by many artists, such as David Kersh, Michael Bublé, Shania Twain, Rod Stewart, Babyface, and more.
Pattie Boyd loved the song "Wonderful Tonight", and felt honored that Eric Clapton wrote it for her. She said that it was the most beautiful song that anyone ever wrote for her. She also said that it made her cry every time she heard it.
The Dark Side of Love
Unfortunately, Eric Clapton and Pattie Boyd's marriage was not as wonderful as the song. Eric Clapton soon fell back into his old habits of drug addiction, alcoholism, and infidelity. He became abusive and violent towards Pattie Boyd, and cheated on her with numerous women. He even fathered two children with two different women while he was still married to Pattie Boyd.
Pattie Boyd tried to save their marriage, but she also suffered from depression and low self-esteem. She felt betrayed and humiliated by Eric Clapton's behavior, and blamed herself for his unhappiness. She also developed an eating disorder and a drinking problem. She became isolated and unhappy in their home.
They tried to seek counseling and therapy, but it did not help. They also tried to have children of their own, but they failed. They had several miscarriages, which added to their grief and frustration.
Tears in Heaven
In 1986, Eric Clapton met Lory Del Santo, an Italian model and actress. He had an affair with her, and she became pregnant with his child. He did not tell Pattie Boyd about this until after the child was born. The child was a boy named Conor, who was born on August 21, 1986.
Eric Clapton was initially reluctant to accept his paternity of Conor, but he soon grew to love him. He developed a close bond with Conor, and spent more time with him than with Pattie Boyd. He also started to clean up his act again, quitting drugs and alcohol. He said that Conor gave him a new purpose in life.
and died instantly. He was only four years old.
Eric Clapton was devastated by Conor's death. He blamed himself for not being there to protect him, and for not being a good father to him. He also felt guilty for hurting Pattie Boyd and Lory Del Santo. He fell into a deep depression, and contemplated suicide.
He found solace in music, and wrote a song for Conor called "Tears in Heaven". He wrote it with Will Jennings, who had also lost a son in an accident. The song "Tears in Heaven" is a poignant and heartfelt ballad, with a gentle guitar melody and a soft vocal by Eric Clapton. It expresses his grief and sorrow for losing Conor, and his hope of seeing him again in heaven.
The song "Tears in Heaven" was released in 1992, as part of the soundtrack for the movie Rush, which Eric Clapton also composed. It became a hit single, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1992. It also became one of Eric Clapton's most popular and acclaimed songs, winning three Grammy Awards in 1993: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. It has been covered by many artists, such as Josh Groban, Westlife, Kelly Clarkson, Boyz II Men, and more.
Pattie Boyd was moved by the song "Tears in Heaven", and felt sorry for Eric Clapton's loss. She said that it was the most honest and sincere song that he ever wrote. She also said that it made her cry every time she heard it.
The Final Breakup and the Aftermath
After Conor's death, Eric Clapton and Pattie Boyd's marriage was beyond repair. They decided to divorce in 1988, after 10 years of marriage. They remained friends, but they also moved on with their lives.
Eric Clapton married Melia McEnery, a graphic artist, in 2002. They have three daughters: Julie Rose, Ella May, and Sophie Belle. He also has another daughter named Ruth Kelly from a previous relationship with Yvonne Kelly. He continues to make music, and has released albums like Unplugged, From the Cradle, Pilgrim, Riding with the King, Me and Mr. Johnson, Back Home, The Road to Escondido, Clapton, Old Sock, I Still Do, and Happy Xmas. He has also collaborated with artists like B.B. King, J.J. Cale, Wynton Marsalis, Mark Knopfler, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, and more. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Pattie Boyd married Rod Weston, a property developer, in 2015. She has no children of her own, but she is close to her stepchildren from her previous marriages. She also pursued her career as a photographer, and published books like Through the Eye of a Muse and Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me. She has also exhibited her photographs in galleries around the world. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential muses of rock music.
The Legacy of a Love Story
lifestyle, and attitude of rock fans and musicians. Here are some of the ways that their love story left a mark on rock culture.
The Songs That Made History
One of the most obvious ways that their love story influenced rock culture is through the songs that they inspired. George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Pattie Boyd were all talented musicians and songwriters, and they used their music as a way of expressing their emotions and experiences. They wrote songs that captured the essence of their love, their pain, their joy, and their sorrow. They also wrote songs that became classics and icons of rock music. Here are some of the songs that they inspired:
Something
George Harrison wrote "Something" for Pattie Boyd in 1969, when they were still happily married. He said that he was inspired by her beauty and grace, and that he wanted to write a simple but sincere love song for her. He also said that he was influenced by a song by James Taylor called "Something in the Way She Moves".
The song "Something" is a slow and romantic ballad, with a smooth guitar melody and a warm vocal by George Harrison. It expresses his admiration and affection for Pattie Boyd, and how she makes him feel. It also has a hint of doubt, as he wonders if she will stay with him.
The song "Something" was released in 1969, as part of The Beatles' album Abbey Road. It was also released as a single, with "Come Together" as the B-side. It became a hit single, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969. It also became one of The Beatles' most popular and acclaimed songs, winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1970. It has been covered by many artists, such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Shirley Bassey, James Brown, Norah Jones, and more.
Layla
Eric Clapton wrote "Layla" for Pattie Boyd in 1970, when he was madly in love with her but she was still married to George Harrison. He said that he was inspired by a Persian poem called The Story of Layla and Majnun, which tells the tale of a man who goes mad with love for an unattainable woman. He also said that he was influenced by the guitar playing of Duane Allman, who joined him on the recording.
The song "Layla" is divided into two parts: the first part is a fast-paced rock song with fiery guitar riffs and passionate vocals by Eric Clapton; the second part is a slow-paced piano coda with an orchestral arrangement by Jim Gordon. The contrast between the two parts reflects the contrast between Eric Clapton's intense love and Pattie Boyd's indifference.
such as Rod Stewart, Elton John, Mark Knopfler, Neil Young, Santana, Pearl Jam, Ed Sheeran, and more.
Wonderful Tonight
Eric Clapton wrote "Wonderful Tonight" for Pattie Boyd in 1976, when they were living together but not yet married. He said that he was inspired by a compliment that she gave him, when they were getting ready to attend a party hosted by Paul and Linda McCartney. He also said that he wanted to write a simple but sweet love song for her.
The song "Wonderful Tonight" is a soft and romantic ballad, with a gentle guitar riff and a tender vocal by Eric Clapton. It expresses his love and admiration for Pattie Boyd, and how she makes him feel. It also has a hint of sadness, as he wonders if she knows how much he loves her, and if she will stay with him.
The song "Wonderful Tonight" was released in 1977, as part of Eric Clapton's album Slowhand. It was also released as a single, with "Peaches and Diesel" as the B-side. It became a hit single, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978. It also became one of Eric Clapton's signature songs, and one of the most romantic songs of all time. It has been covered by many artists, such as David Kersh, Michael Bublé, Shania Twain, Rod Stewart, Babyface, and more.
The Impact on Rock Culture
Another way that their love story influenced rock culture is through the impact that they had on the fashion, lifestyle, and attitude of rock fans and musicians. George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Pattie Boyd were all trendsetters and icons of rock culture. They influenced the way that people dressed, behaved, and thought. Here are some of the ways that they impacted rock culture:
The Mod Look
Pattie Boyd became a style icon for her mod look in the 1960s. She wore mini skirts, shift dresses, geometric prints, bright colors, and boots. She also had a pixie haircut, long eyelashes, and pale lipstick. She epitomized the youthful and glamorous look of London's swinging 1960s. She inspired many women to copy her style, and many designers to create clothes for her.
collared shirts, and Chelsea boots. They also had mop-top haircuts, sideburns, and sunglasses. They epitomized the cool and sophisticated look of the British Invasion. They inspired many men to copy their style, and many bands to emulate their sound.
The Hippie Movement
George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Pattie Boyd embraced the hippie movement in the 1970s. They wore long hair, beards, mustaches, and glasses. They also wore denim, leather, flannel, and fur. They accessorized with scarves, hats, jewelry, and badges. They epitomized the casual and bohemian look of the counterculture. They inspired many peo