A young Eric Clapton was given his first guitar as a birthday present from his grandparents when he turned 13. This simple gift sparked a long and legendary career, from which we've collected ...

His hair is cut short, with a bristle of beard rising from his face. In a T-shirt and jeans, Clapton is unpretentious and open -- reflective in one instant, laughing in the next.

Clapton, 47, better have a pretty good seat Wednesday night in the Shrine Auditorium, because he’ll be coming up early and often for his awards, in just about every category in which he’s ...