I listened to King Oliver and I listened to Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Archie Shepp... I listened to everything I could that came from that place that they call the blues but, in formality, isn't necessarily the blues.
Eric ClaptonThe blues are what I've turned to, what has given me inspiration and relief in all the trials of my life.
Eric ClaptonGiven the choice between accomplishing something and just lying around, I'd rather lie around. No contest.
Eric ClaptonOne summer I remember, I got exposed to Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly and Buddy Holly was a very very big, made a very big impression on me. Because of a lot of things, you know, the way he looked and his charisma.
Eric Clapton