The story behind Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s legendary guitars

Blues Rock Review recently had the opportunity to attend Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in Los Angeles. At the festival, Guitar Center had a tent featuring some of the world’s most legendary and valuable guitars.

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Lenny”

One of those guitars on display was Stevie Ray Vaughan’s famous “Lenny.” Stevie discovered the 1965 Fender Stratocaster in a Texas pawnshop in 1980. His wife, Lenore, pooled together money for it, so it was named “Lenny,” which was Lenore’s nickname.

After Stevie’s passing the guitar was donated to Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Centre Auction in 2004 by Stevie’s brother Jimmie Vaughan to raise money for addiction treatment.

Guitar Center bought the guitar for a whopping $623,500 at the Crossroads Guitar auction.

Eric Clapton’s “Cream”

Eric Clapton’s Cherry Red Gibson ES-335 is known as the “Cream” guitar. Clapton bought it in 1964 and played the guitar with The Yardbirds, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Cream, and Blind Faith.

He played the guitar on multiple songs for Cream’s Goodbye album as well as the band’s farewell tour. Clapton also played the guitar for his Live in Hyde Park album recorded in 1996.

Guitar Center purchased the guitar at the 2004 Crossroads Guitar Auction in New York for $847,500.

Eric Clapton’s “Blackie“

Eric Clapton’s “Blackie” Fender Stratocaster is one of the world’s most iconic guitars. “Blackie” was built using the best parts of three Fender Strats Clapton bought at Nashville’s Sho-Bud Guitar shop in 1970. It was a tribute to Leo Fender’s modular concept bringing multiple guitars into one instrument tailored for Clapton.

The “Blackie” guitar appeared on album covers for Clapton’s Slowhand and Backless. Clapton retired the guitar after decades of playing and touring.

Guitar Center bought the guitar for a staggering $959,500 at the Crossroads auction in 2004.