Let It Rain

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning a classic today with Eric Clapton's "Let It Rain" from his 1970 debut solo album, Eric Clapton. This track’s got a wild story behind it. Originally called "She Rides" with different lyrics, it was reworked into the soft-rock gem we know today, co-written with Bonnie Bramlett. The song came together while Clapton was touring with Blind Faith in 1969, and the Bramletts’ group, Delaney & Bonnie, was their opening act. Legend has it that Derek and the Dominos, Clapton’s band formed after the album, once stretched the song into a 19-minute jam during a Live at the Fillmore show, featuring a nine-and-a-half-minute drum solo by Jim Gordon just to mess with him for always begging for a solo. Talk about a power move! Stephen Stills laid down the iconic guitar solo in the bridge, and Clapton himself said the song was inspired by Stills’ Buffalo Springfield track "Questions." The tune’s got that laid-back vibe with gospel and R&B flourishes, and it hit #48 on the Billboard Hot 100 when it dropped as a single in 1972.

Now, let’s talk about the man himself, Eric Clapton. Born March 30, 1945, in Ripley, Surrey, England, Clapton grew up with music in his blood. Raised by his grandparents, he got his first guitar at 13 and was hooked. By his teens, he was busking and soaking up blues records by legends like Robert Johnson and B.B. King. His big break came in 1963 when he joined The Yardbirds, cutting his teeth on electric blues. After a stint with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, he co-founded Cream in 1966, where his fiery guitar work earned him the nickname "God" among fans. Cream’s psychedelic blues-rock made him a legend, and after its breakup, he formed Blind Faith before going solo. His 1970 debut album, featuring "Let It Rain," marked his shift to a smoother, song-focused style. Clapton’s raw talent and soulful playing made him the only three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—as a solo artist, with Cream, and with The Yardbirds.

Wanna keep up with Slowhand? Check out his official website for tour dates and merch. He’s active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, sharing updates and throwbacks. Fans go wild on the Eric Clapton Fans Facebook group, swapping stories and rare pics. For deep dives, hit up Where’s Eric!, the ultimate fan site with news, setlists, and song backstories. So, crank up "Let It Rain," Zoo Freaks, and let Clapton’s love rain down on ya!