Eric Clapton is the father of five children: Ruth, Julie Rose, Ella May, Sophie Belle, and the late Conor. Known as one of the most influential guitarists in rock history, Clapton’s musical legacy is complemented by his role as a father.
Clapton’s achievements in his decades-long career include 17 Grammy Awards and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times. But beyond his professional accolades, Clapton treasures his family deeply.
He fathered his first child, Ruth, with Yvonne Kelly in 1985 while still married to his first wife, Pattie Boyd. Ruth’s identity was kept a secret until after the tragic death of Clapton’s son, Conor, who died at the age of four in 1991. In his 2007 biography, Clapton: The Autobiography, Clapton credited Ruth with helping him navigate through his grief, stating, “Yvonne knew that [being close to Ruth] would help and it was true. I was able to hold a child again, and to be held by a child.”
Read on to learn more about the British guitarist’s five kids.
Ruth Clapton, 39
Ruth Clapton was born on January 12, 1985. Though she and Clapton were close during her childhood, they experienced a period of estrangement. They have since reconciled and were on good terms by the time Ruth divorced her husband, Dean Bartlett, in 2021.
Ruth, who has two children, Isaac Eric Owen and Theodore Ivan, with Bartlett, often shares moments from her life, including photos of her children, on Instagram.
Julie Rose Clapton, 22
Julie Rose, Clapton’s second child and first with his current wife, Melia McEnery, was born on June 13, 2001. A creative at heart, Julie studied fine arts at the Rhode Island School of Design and now lives in London.
Her work, which includes weaving, knitting, papermaking, and natural dyeing, is frequently showcased on her Instagram account.
Ella May Clapton, 21
Born on January 14, 2003, Ella May is the second daughter of Clapton and McEnery. She is currently pursuing a degree in sociology at The University of Newcastle, England. Her past work experience includes roles such as a waitress, receptionist, and junior associate at a PR and marketing firm.
Ella’s personal life includes a relationship with Jude Fry, an heir to the British chocolate company Fry’s. The couple frequently posts affectionate images and messages on Instagram.
Sophie Belle Clapton, 19
Born on February 1, 2005, Sophie Belle is the youngest of Clapton’s three daughters with McEnery. While she stays out of the public eye, her father’s song, “Three Little Girls,” which appears on his 2006 album with J.J. Cale, celebrates Sophie and her sisters.
The heartfelt lyrics, “Julie Rose and Ella May / Sophie Belle, you came to stay / You take my breath away / My three little girls,” reflect Clapton’s affection for his daughters.
Conor Clapton
Conor Clapton, born on August 21, 1986, was Clapton’s son with Italian television personality Lory Del Santo. Tragically, Conor passed away on March 20, 1991, in New York City after falling out of an open window.
Clapton has spoken in interviews about the harrowing experience, recounting the moment he was informed of the accident and the immediate aftermath.
Clapton’s song “Tears in Heaven” was inspired by Conor’s death and has become one of his most beloved and impactful songs, resonating deeply with fans worldwide.
Eric Clapton’s life has been marked by both remarkable achievements and personal tragedies, but his family remains a central pillar of strength and inspiration.
