Crossroads: The Life and Music of Eric Clapton

Schumacher (Dharma Lion: The Biography of Allen Ginsberg) here chronicles the life and career of the reclusive British blues performer. Brought up by his grandparents after his unwed mother deserted him, Clapton taught himself to play the guitar and by age 25 had toured the world with the Yardbirds, the Bluesbreakers, Cream and Blind Faith--and become a star. Then he began to drift in and out of the spotlight, spending long periods in seclusion while his management and his record company struggled to keep him in the public eye. Schumacher covers a tale of unhappy personal relationships, a failed marriage, drug and alcohol addiction and the tragic death of the performer's infant son, while giving full account of Clapton's significant accomplishments as guitarist and vocalist, his forays into rock and his performances and recordings. Clapton, now 50, seems to be making a comeback despite his depressing story. Photos not seen by PW. (Apr.)