Eric Clapton – August

By the time Eric Clapton launched his solo career with the release of his self-titled debut album in mid-1970, he was long established as one of the world's major rock stars due to his group affiliations – the Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream and Blind Faith – which had demonstrated his claim to being the best rock guitarist of his generation. Clapton has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo performer and as a member of the bands the Yardbirds and Cream. He is the only person ever to be inducted three times. In his 40-year-plus career, Eric Clapton has received a total of 18 Grammys.