Tragedy Inspires Eric Clapton's 'Tears in Heaven'
In 1991, following the death of his son, Conor, Eric Clapton collaborated with songwriter Will Jennings to write "Tears in Heaven." The song is a memorial to Conor, who at four years old, fell 50 stories to his death from a New York City apartment building. Horribly affected by the death of his son, Clapton went into reclusion for several months before returning to work on the soundtrack to the film Rush. Clapton recruited Jennings to help him finish the song for the soundtrack.
The song is one of Clapton's most famous, having reached the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1992. Later that same year, Clapton released Unplugged, his performance recorded for the MTV series of the same name. His acoustic version of "Tears in Heaven" garnered the song further attention and accolade. In 1993, Clapton won six Grammies, including Record and Song of the Year for "Tears in Heaven" and Album of the Year for Unplugged.
Clapton no longer plays "Tears in Heaven" live, having stated that he has moved past the emotional distress that inspired the song.
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!

“He was interested but said, ‘I gave the guitar away. I feel stupid buying it’”: Norman Harris almost sold John Fogerty back his iconic ACME Rickenbacker – years before he was eventually reunited with it

“Ozzy sang a bunch of songs and had a great time. It’s like, ‘I guess we’re gonna do another tour…’” Zakk Wylde is hoping for more Ozzy Osbourne shows – but he’s got his hands full with new Pantera music and upcoming Wylde Audio gear