Eric Clapton is the only three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, honored with the Yardbirds, Cream, and as a solo artist.
Clapton joined the Yardbirds in 1963, replacing Anthony “Top” Topham. His blues-based playing helped define the group’s early sound, although he left in 1965 because he disliked the band’s increasingly commercial direction. He then formed Cream in 1966 with bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker.
Cream’s brief career produced influential recordings such as “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room,” and “Crossroads.” The band was inducted in 1993, after its 1968 breakup. Clapton’s solo induction followed in 2000, recognizing his extensive work as a singer, guitarist, and songwriter.
A common mix-up is confusing Clapton’s three inductions with the many musicians inducted both individually and as members of groups. Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page were also Yardbirds members and major guitar figures, but neither has the same three-induction distinction. Clapton’s other important groups, Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominos, were not separate Rock Hall inductions.