Pattie Boyd: The Woman Behind Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight"
In 1976, while waiting for his future wife Pattie Boyd to finish dressing for a party, Eric Clapton wrote "Wonderful Tonight."
The song was recorded for Clapton's 1977 release, Slowhand. Along with "Cocaine" and "Lay Down Sally," "Wonderful Tonight" helped makeSlowhand a commercial and critical success after its relatively unsuccessful predecessor, No Reason to Cry.
Though a modest hit in the U.S. when released, "Wonderful Tonight" has gone on to become one of the most popular ballads in modern music history, regularly played at high school proms and weddings. The song is also a staple of Clapton's live set.
Clapton and Boyd married in 1979, only to divorce 10 years later. Boyd was previously married to George Harrison before beginning her relationship with Clapton. In addition to "Wonderful Tonight," the songs "Bell Bottom Blues," "Forever Man," and "Layla" are said to have been inspired by Boyd.
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**
Join now for unlimited access
US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year
UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year
Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
“When he saw the guitars, he goes, ‘John’s going back to the Chili Peppers.’ I said, ‘No way is he ever going back’”: John Frusciante’s former guitar tech on the moment he realized the guitarist could be rejoining the Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Push comes to shove, then some guys pulls a knife. They arrested him – but that was my introduction to Dave’s band”: Alex Van Halen on the first time he and Eddie met David Lee Roth at a show that nearly ended in violence