Layla : Rolling Stone

Written by: Eric Clapton, Jim Gordon
Produced by: Tom Dowd and the Dominos
Released: Nov. '70 on Atco
Charts: 15 weeks
Top spot: No. 10

Embroiled in a love triangle with George and Patti Boyd Harrison, Clapton took the title for his greatest song from the Persian love story "Layla and Majnoun." Recorded by Derek and the Dominos -- a short-lived ensemble that matched Clapton with members of Delaney and Bonnie's band -- "Layla" storms with aching vocals and crosscutting riffs from Clapton and contributing guitarist Duane Allman, then dissolves into a serene, piano-based coda. "It was the heaviest thing going on at the time," Clapton told ROLLING STONE in 1974. "That's what I wanted to write about most of all."

Appears on: Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (Polydor)

Next: Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay

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