For more than half a century, Eric Clapton has stood as one of rock’s most influential guitarists. From his groundbreaking work with The Yardbirds and Cream to the raw emotion of Derek and the Dominos, Clapton’s playing reshaped the sound of modern guitar music. His career has been filled with highs, lows, and plenty of controversy, but there’s no denying that his musical ear and artistry are second to none.
Like all great musicians, Clapton has his heroes. While his roots lie deep in the American blues tradition, one particular solo made him stop in his tracks and changed the course of his career. Surprisingly, it didn’t come from a blues master or a British contemporary—but from a young Southern guitarist who was just beginning to make a name for himself: Duane Allman.
A Life-Changing First Listen
In late 1968, Wilson Pickett arrived at Rick Hall’s legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, without a clear song choice to record. That’s when a 22-year-old session guitarist named Duane Allman suggested covering The Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” At first, the idea was dismissed as ridiculous—how could an R&B artist compete with the most famous band in the world? But Allman persisted, and Pickett eventually agreed.
What followed was nothing short of groundbreaking. Allman delivered a fiery, soul-stirring guitar solo that transformed the familiar Beatles tune into something entirely new. His passionate playing cut through the track with the intensity of rock while staying true to Pickett’s R&B roots.
When Clapton first heard the recording, he was floored. “I remember hearing ‘Hey Jude’ by Wilson Pickett and calling either Ahmet Ertegun or Tom Dowd and saying, ‘Who’s that guitar player?’” Clapton recalled. “To this day, I’ve never heard better rock guitar playing on an R&B record. It’s the best.”
From Admiration to Collaboration
That solo not only established Duane Allman as a force to be reckoned with—it also sparked one of rock’s most iconic collaborations. Clapton sought Allman out, and their meeting would lead to the creation of “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” with Derek and the Dominos. Tracks like “Layla” and “Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?” showcased the electrifying chemistry between Clapton’s melodic phrasing and Allman’s slide guitar brilliance.
Their partnership was tragically short-lived, with Allman’s death just three years later, but the music they created together remains timeless. For Clapton, Allman wasn’t just a gifted guitarist—he was an artist who elevated rock music by bringing soul, fire, and authenticity to every note.
A Defining Musical Moment
Looking back, Clapton’s admiration for Allman’s “Hey Jude” solo underscores how great musicians are inspired not only by established legends but also by bold, fresh voices willing to take risks. That Muscle Shoals recording session—born from a wild idea that almost didn’t happen—helped launch Allman’s career, gave Clapton a new creative spark, and even played a role in shaping the rise of Southern rock.
More than five decades later, Clapton’s words still ring true: Duane Allman’s solo on “Hey Jude” isn’t just great guitar playing—it’s one of those rare moments where music feels like pure magic.
