Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton (1977) 5/13/22

Pattie Boyd was a supermodel, a photographer...and a wife to two legends. She was also quite a muse.

Pattie was married to George Harrison from 1966 to 1977, and inspired him to write songs like "Something (In the Way She Moves)."

She was married to Eric Clapton from 1979-1989, and inspired songs like "Layla" (which we have yet to highlight), and today's "Great Song of 1977:" "Wonderful Tonight."

Note the years. Eric wrote the song in '77 when Pattie was breaking up with his best friend, George. He wrote "Layla" even earlier, just so you get the idea of what was going on. (Side note: Through it all, the three of them remained friends.)

"Wonderful Tonight" was written as Eric was waiting for Pattie to get ready for a party at Paul McCartney's house.

One wonders how long it takes a supermodel to get ready if you can write an entire song while she's doing it! :-)

When it was released as a single from the album "Slowhand," "Billboard called it "one of Clapton's prettiest ballads." Cashbox was a little more specific: "Eric’s singing is superbly understated, and the guitar work is simple and evocative." They also praised "the gentle beat and organ accompaniment." (Trivia: Some of the background vocals were provided by Yvonne Elliman.)

Chartwise, it was a hit in 9 countries, reaching #1 in Japan. In North America, it peaked at #15 in Canada and #16 in the US. "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton: inspired by Pattie Boyd, and a "Great Song of 1977."