Eric Clapton's SAD Final Act.

[hlthe2b]

4. Two musicians who both were influenced by black blues musicians and both played with Muddy Waters...

One, the late Levon Helm was a Southerner through and through and was the only such member of his largely Canadian group, The Band. That said, there was never a racist bone in Levon's body. He was just genuinely a good guy and appreciative of the legacy left for him.

Then there was Eric Clapton, who likewise was highly influenced by these early African American blues musicians and likewise performed with Muddy Waters in the late 70s. How damned tragic that that is where the similarity to Levon Helm ends.

Truth be told, If I had to list my top ten rock songs of all time, Layla would surely be high on the list. I can credit Clapton for his musical contributions and incredible guitar ability (albeit, Layla would be nothing without the late Duane Allman's guitar contributions), but fully appreciate that Clapton is no hero.

Sad... really.