Layla (Zoo Version)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the rare gem "Layla (Zoo Version)" by Derek & The Dominos, a track from the Crossroads compilation, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its raw energy. This version, distinct from the iconic 1970 studio cut, captures the band's live intensity, likely drawing from their 1970 tour performances. Trivia about "Layla" reveals its chaotic yet magical creation. Eric Clapton, the band’s frontman, wrote the song inspired by his unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, then-wife of his friend George Harrison, drawing from the Persian poem Layla and Majnun. The song’s searing guitar riff, crafted by Duane Allman, was a sped-up nod to Albert King’s "As The Years Go Passing By." Bobby Whitlock, the band’s keyboardist, recalled in a 2013 interview that the sessions were fueled by heavy drug use, with the band recording live in Miami’s Criteria Studios, often in one or two takes. The piano coda, credited to drummer Jim Gordon, sparked controversy as Rita Coolidge claimed in her memoir Delta Lady that Gordon took her uncredited composition, a claim echoed in a 2022 X post by @60sPsychJukebox.

Another tidbit comes from Pattie Boyd herself, who shared on X in 2020 that she still loves the Layla album, with "Bell Bottom Blues" as her favorite track, highlighting the emotional depth of the record. The song’s live renditions, like the "Zoo Version," were rare, as Allman only guested with the band twice, including a Tampa show in 1970. Clapton reflected in a 1988 interview that he’s “incredibly proud” of "Layla," noting its personal weight. However, Whitlock controversially argued in a 2013 Uncut interview that Allman’s slide parts were out of tune, suggesting the song could’ve been just as great without him, a view that clashes with fans who revere Allman’s contribution.

Derek & The Dominos formed in 1970 as Eric Clapton sought a low-key outlet after the hype of his earlier bands, The Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream, and Blind Faith. Born in Ripley, England, on March 30, 1945, Clapton picked up the guitar at 13, inspired by blues legends like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. His early gigs with The Roosters in 1963 led to a stint with The Yardbirds, where his fiery playing earned him a cult following. By 1966, he joined John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, cementing his reputation as a blues-rock pioneer. Cream, formed in 1966 with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, skyrocketed him to fame with hits like "Sunshine of Your Love." After Blind Faith fizzled in 1969, Clapton joined Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, whose band members—Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, and Jim Gordon—became the core of Derek & The Dominos. The band’s name, a twist on “Eric & The Dynamos,” was chosen to keep Clapton’s celebrity in the background, letting the music shine.

You can follow Eric Clapton and the legacy of Derek & The Dominos on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Bobby Whitlock also maintains a presence on his website and Facebook. Fan communities thrive online, with the Eric Clapton Fan Club on Facebook and Where’s Eric!, a dedicated fan site offering news and tour updates. The Allman Brothers Band site honors Duane Allman’s contributions, with fan discussions active on Allman Brothers Band Family. These platforms keep the spirit of Derek & The Dominos alive for fans old and new.