Music is about collaboration. In some ways, you could make the case that music is the supreme art form because it can always welcome another person into the fold—another voice for the choir, another violin for the symphony.
Here below, we wanted to highlight three incredible collaborations in classic rock music history—three times artists from separate worlds came together to blow audiences’ minds. Indeed, these are three mind-bending classic rock collaborations from the 1960s.
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“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles from ‘The Beatles’ (1968)
One of the most famous and beloved songs from The Beatles, this track, written by George Harrison, is all about the sadness that comes from being alive (and observant). Life is hard; there are plenty of reasons for you (and your guitar) to shed a few tears. But beyond the excellent writing, this song features the iconic British-born six-string player Eric Clapton on lead. Harrison and Clapton were close friends (and part of one of the most famous love triangles in music history), and on this tune, they brought their talents together for transcendence.
“Whole Lotta Yoko” by The Dirty Mac from ‘The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus’ (1968)
In 1968, The Rolling Stones hosted a variety show called The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus. And it featured a number of big-name guests. But perhaps most notable was the John Lennon-led one-off supergroup called The Dirty Mac, which featured Lennon (with the nom de plume Winston Leg-Thigh), Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Mitch Mitchell. The band played a few songs, including The Beatles’ track “Yer Blues” and the improvised (strange) jam “Whole Lotta Yoko”.
“Badge” by Cream from ‘Goodbye’ (1968)
Above, we mentioned the close friendship between George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Well, it showed up yet again here on this track from the British-born rock band Cream. The two composed this song, which was recorded and released by the famed rock band Cream. Fun fact: Harrison (for contractual reasons) is listed with the name L’Angelo Misterioso on the recording liner notes.
Photo by Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
More The List
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From left to right, Gary Moore, Phil Lynott (1949 – 1986) and Brian Downey of Irish rock band Thin Lizzy in London, 1973. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images) -
LONDON – MAY 19: (L-R) English musician, singer, songwriter and guitarist George Harrison (1943-2001), English musician, singer and drummer Ringo Starr, English singer, songwriter and guitarist John Lennon (1940-1980), and English singer, songwriter and bassist Paul McCartney of the Beatles attend a press party at the home of manager Brian Epstein supporting the release of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, May 19, 1967 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jeff Hochberg/Getty Images) -
The Beatles rehearse at the ABC Theatre, Blackpool for the group's bill-topping appearance on ABC TV's Blackpool Night Out, 1 August 1965. Left to right: George Harrison, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr. (Photo by Daily Mirror/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty Images) -
The pop group 'Pilot' pictured here beside the famous supersonic airliner Concorde at RAF Fairford near Bristol January 1975. (Photo Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images) -
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1980: Photo of Dead Kennedys (Photo by Anne Fishbein/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
CANADA – OCTOBER 13: It was a family affair at Massey Hall Saturday night when Kris Kristofferson and his wife Rita Coolidge brought on a deluge of applause from the 2;716 people in the audience. Peter Goddard says everyone felt a part of the process. (Photo by Ron Bull/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
