Rock ‘n’ Roll Trivia

Why Eric Clapton was raised by his grandparents

by John Robinson

Q: Did Eric Clapton have a bad childhood?
A: Clapton was the son of unwed parents: 16-year-old Patricia Molly Clapton and 24-year-old Canadian soldier Edward Fryer. Before Eric was born, Fryer was sent to war. Afterward, he returned to Canada, abandoning Eric and his mom. Eric was given his mother’s maiden name instead of Fryer’s and handed over to his grandparents to raise him while he was still a baby. Therefore, he grew up believing his grandparents were his real parents and that Patricia (his real mother) was his sister. (By the way, his grandparents’ last name was Clapp, which lead to the misconception that Clapp was Eric’s real last name.) Patricia wound up marrying a different Canadian soldier and moved to Canada. Now she had abandoned Eric, but not to his knowledge, he still thought of her as his sister. When Eric was 9 years old, he discovered the secret when Patricia and her 6-year-old son (Eric’s half brother) came for a visit. This changed his whole attitude. He began slacking off at school, became shy and lonely and emotionally shut out his family. His first job was as a mailman, but he eventually turned to the guitar for comfort.

Q: I know The Beatles didn’t release a single of “Fool On The Hill,” but I remember it as a single by someone else. Please tell me who.
A: That would be Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66, who released their version of “Fool On The Hill” (produced by Herb Alpert) in 1968. The Beatles’ original 1967 version of “Fool On The Hill” was the last song to be written and recorded for their television film, “Magical Mystery Tour.”

Q: I read in some liner notes that Toni Tennille was on Pink Floyd’s album “The Wall.” Is that the same Tennille from the Captain & Tennille?
A: Yup. Toni not only was busy making hits with the Captain, but she also was a very busy session vocalist. You can hear her voice on records by Elton John, The Beach Boys, Art Garfunkel and many others — including Pink Floyd. In a related story, Toni was attending a Pink Floyd concert in Los Angeles when some snotty kid sitting in front of her turned around and whined, “what are YOU doing here?” She told him she liked Pink Floyd and that she even sang on their “Wall” album. The snotty kid took off to get his friend, who just happened to bring his copy of “The Wall” to the concert (hoping to get it autographed). They both read the liner notes where Toni’s name was listed as a vocalist. The kid came back, dropped his snotty attitude and sheepishly asked for her autograph.

Q: Wasn’t “Cold Turkey” John Lennon’s first solo single?
A: Nope, it was his second. “Cold Turkey” was written by John Lennon and it was supposed to be recorded by The Beatles in 1969, but Paul McCartney refused. After The Beatles broke up, Lennon released his solo version in 1970. Lennon’s first solo single was “Give Peace A Chance” in 1969, with songwriting credits going to Lennon and McCartney. It was recorded live during John and Yoko’s “bed-in” for peace in Room 1742, Hotel La Reine, Elisabeth, Montreal, Canada, on June 1, 1969. Backing vocals include Tommy Smothers, Timothy Leary and deejay Murray the K; it also was the first solo single by a Beatle.

Q: I remember hearing a Spanish version of “Come A Little Bit Closer” a long time ago.
A: “Come A Little Bit Closer” was a Jay and the Americans hit single, written by Wes Farrell, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. The Spanish version I played also was by Jay and the Americans. While Jay Black was recording the lead vocals, he was reading them off a sheet of newspaper and only had one chance to sing it before they ran out of studio time. The producers told him that when the group came back from its tour, he could finish the vocals. When Jay came back from his tour, he was listening to the radio and heard the song being played. He angrily called the producers and was yelling “how DARE you release this!” They replied “it’s already on the charts” to which Jay responded “oh – then disregard this call.” The song peaked at No. 3 in 1964.

John Robinson grew up in Stockbridge and graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1969. He’s been an author, TV host, columnist, actor, producer, emcee and radio broadcaster.  Robinson’s favorite music of all time includes surf, psychedelia, garage bands, Motown and just plain ol’ good-time rock ‘n’ roll. To read more rock ‘n’ roll trivia, “Paranormal Michigan” stories, and lots more, check out Robinson’s books on his author page at facebook.com/johnrobinsonauthor.