God doesn't need to know what time it is.

Tylermunns, would you like to own a painting of Caravaggio or Dali? Or perhaps one from Picasso? 

By all means, they were not nicest people, but what that says about thier art? I have never met Clapton, do not belive that you have either. I guess, if you are superficial enough, you might find 'something' on anybody that you dont like. As long as their deeds does not affect the lives of other people, their personal traits are just that, personal thing. I am not even the fan of his music, but when you mention blues or players that he 'ripped off', at least he brought some attention to some of them or their art, which inspate of having tremendous historical and artistic value is not appreciated in thier own country, as many of them could not make living of it. Just read some biography (almost any) of  big jazz protagonists of the past, there is almost no 'happy' stories, not to mention that until recently they could not share the same space with folks of different color.

I strongly believe that these are far more important things to understand or 'make the stand' about, than the personality of some rock star and even the notorius one.

As for the likings of watches or jewlery or anything overly expensive, a song comes to mind...

Or perhaps this one...

...or perhaps this one...

Pat Boone was cultural appropriation.  Elvis?  You could make an argument.  EC really dug and respected the blues.

Mr. Clapton is scheduled to play several shows is Russia in June.  He should cancel.

Clapton developed a psychedelic aspect to the electric blues, along with a few others and to me, that is what he is best known for---- in the period between Mayall and Cream. 

He also paid Skip James for the right to adapt "I'm so Glad"--fairly generously for the time, without arm-twisting as I recall.  

I don't know about the moral high ground here. I do know there is a degree of presentism in judging the past by today's standards. If you are talking about current stuff, that does not take away from his historical significance as a player. 

@secretguy:  You and I agree on many things but sadly you are way off on Clapton.  Most of the great respected guitarists of all time (Albert Lee, Yngwee Malmsteen, Joe Bonamassa etc) all say Clapton is a fabulous improvisational talent and blues player--Yngwe saying Clapton's guitar on John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers album defines blues playing.  Is he the best of all time--no---is he a great guitar player--yes.  Would love to know what successful trained musician  thinks he's a "hack" ?  Oh and don't mention Ritchie Blackmore--his jealousy of Clapton is well known.  For the record Clapton thinks Albert Lee is the best.

Not sure what to say about this. No one you mentioned qualifies and an excellent musician. But that's one of the pitfalls of civilians talking about music.,