Say what you will about Clapton, but there is a reason just about every known axe out there puts him down as one of their inspirations. Was he the "greatest" in the modern era? Hell no. But if there was to be only one, as cited by both artists and the public at large (and when taking in one's entire body of work, plus the overall impact they had in their peak period), you would be hard pressed to come up with a name that would top his, Hendrix and others be damned. That's just the way it is.
It'd be like trying to take the title of King of Rock-n-Roll away from Elvis. See how far you get. Ha!
I definitely agree with you guys when assessing EC's extensive catalogue -- most of his latter day output was fairly inconsequential bordering on sappy and MOR, with a few hit and miss exceptions along the way. His early stuff, especially up to Derek & The Dominos, was fresh, and it definitely was turning heads (I'm tempted to including 461 Ocean Blvd, which wasn't bad as a comeback after his extended heroin setback, but it was also the harbinger of the increasingly "pop" and midland sound that would soon follow). Hendrix was also turning heads back during the psychedelic era. Problem with Jimi is he pulled daisies well before his time, so it's hard to assess where he may have gone, or where he rightfully stands.
Alvin Lee was an interesting package too. Fiery notes sprinkled all over the place, like graffiti in a tickertape parade. A little blues, boogie and rock n roll fused into a nice tight package. But like Mick Fleetwood once said, he basically riffed his way to fame, never having fully immersed himself in the blues genre like Peter tried to do. Add the good looks and fantastic stage presence - and man could Lee put on a show - and you can see why TYA rose above the crowd years ago. Revisit A Space In Time, Cricklewood Green, Live In Europe and In Flight - all done within a 3 or 4 year span - and tell me he never rose above second class material, or didn't pack an impressive range.
Slipkid:
Well Stevie Ray Vaughan did just that, in the nick of time. Then he's killed by something that was out of his hands.
Not sure about the Clapton bit either for the same reason you cite, but what a shame with SRV. And like you put it, right when he was finally getting his act together!
Doodyhead:
I am personally a fan of Michael, who left just a cupfull of good stuff and so much unfilled expectations.
That sums it up pretty nicely.
Doodyhead:
I like [Clapton] more now as an approachable person. Much better than the bitter arogant one.
Agreed. He cleaned himself up from the powder and booze, and now is making the most of his fabled status in reaching out to others - young and old hands alike. I'll give him chops there.