Jim Gordon, drummer and co-writer Eric ClaptonThe 1971 hit “Laila” has passed away at the age of 77.
The drummer died of natural causes on Monday, March 13 at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, California. Gordon has spent decades in prison after being convicted of his mother’s murder in 1983 and repeatedly failing to appear for his hearings. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
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The drummer is best known for his work with Eric Clapton in Derek and the Dominos. The pair co-wrote “Layla”, which appeared as the 13th track on the group’s 1970 album. Laila And Other Mixed Love Songs, The song was famously written about Clapton’s forbidden love for his friend and wife of Beatles member George Harrison, Pattie Boyd.
“Layla” initially peaked at number 51. Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1971 but when it was re-released the following year it became a Top 10 hit. clapton’s mtv unplugged The track’s version went to No. 12 on the Hot 100 in 1992.
In addition to being a member of Derek and the Dominos, Gordon was also a member of the session musician group Wrecking Crew, in which he was able to earn spots by playing drums on tracks such as The Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache,” Steely Dan’s “Ricky,” and more. Don’t Lose That Number,” Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” and John Lennon’s “Power to the People”, as well as The Beach Boys pet soundGeorge Harrison all things Must PassTom Waits’ heart of saturday night and other tracks by Cher, Alice Cooper, the Carpenters, Joan Baez and more.
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