album, recorded in 1970, produced by De- laney. In his autobiography, Eric Clapton had this
to say. “Delaney had brought out something in me that I didn't know I had. My solo career really began there. I'll never be able to repay Delaney for his belief in me." In the book, Clapton also expounds upon
his love of D&B and Friends: "For me, going on [with Blind Faith] after Delaney and Bon- nie was really, really tough, because I thought they were miles better than us." Just weeks before
his passing in 2008, I became the last writer to conduct an inter- view with Delaney. It was a great feeling getting to speak with him. After all, I had so much respect for him, bordering on hero worship. But when we got together on the phone, he im- midiately put me at ease. I felt like I’d known him my entire life. One of the things I asked him about was working with Clapton. “The way I got to be friends with Eric was
and jammed a little bit? I’ve kind of got your songs down.” I said “Not at all!” Delaney was also quick to let me know just
how much he thought of the late George Har- rison. “Oh, he was pure. People ask me questions
and they want me to say something nasty about George, but I couldn’t even if I made it up. George was constantly seeking the Lord. He was a very, very religious man. He could never find a place where he was happy
Eric Clapton, Bonnie, Delaney and George Harrison.
when we opened a tour for Blind Faith. He and Steve Winwood were not getting along, and neither was Eric and Ginger Baker. They wouldn’t even fly on the same plane. Of course we just bussed it everywhere. (Laughs) We partied and had a good time. So one night Eric said “Can I ride the bus with y’all?” I said “Yeah!” So we’d just get in the back of the bus where it was bigger and we’d just sit and write songs. Then one night he said, “Would you mind, when y’all are playing, if I came out
though, but he was always seeking God. And that’s why he asked me at Albert Hall after a concert if I’d teach him to play slide the old Mississippi blues way. I said “George, you ain’t a bad guitar player. You’ve done pretty good with that little ol’ group you just left.” (Both of us laughing) I said, “You don’t stink as a guitar player.” He said no but I don’t know how to play that stuff you play." He said “I want to know and would you show me how to write a gospel song where it just praises the Lord?” And I said that I sure would. He’s heard a lot of my gospel stuff and he wanted
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