Two versions have achieved chart success, the first in 1972 and the second 20 years later as an acoustic Unplugged performance by Clapton. 'Layla' has since its release experienced great critical and popular acclaim, and is often hailed as being among the greatest rock songs of all time. After Harrison and Boyd divorced, Clapton and Boyd eventually married. The song was further inspired by Clapton's secret love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of his friend and fellow musician George Harrison.
The book moved Clapton profoundly, because it was the tale of a young man who fell hopelessly in love with a beautiful young girl, went crazy and so could not marry her. The song was inspired by a love story that originated in 7th-century Persia and later formed the basis of The Story of Layla and Majnun by the 12th-century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi, a copy of which Ian Dallas had given to Clapton. The piano part has also been controversially credited to Rita Coolidge, Gordon's girlfriend at the time. Its contrasting movements were composed separately by Clapton and Gordon.
' Layla' is a song written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon, originally recorded with their band Derek and the Dominos, as the thirteenth track from their only studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970). 'Layla' by Derek and the Dominos on YouTube From the album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs
