All of the following information is from celebritywonder.com, where people post intresting comments, fact and trivia. Here is some great information on Eric Clapton:

• Canceled Rock & Roll Hall of Fame appearance due to a medical treatment for gall stones. (October 2009)
• Is to hold benefit concert in Illinois this summer for his Crossroads Rehab Center. (March 30, 2007)
• Received a letter from his dead son just hours after the four-year-old’s funeral in 1991. His son Conor had written his first letter to Clapton days before his tragic death. It was posted in London by his mother Lory Del Santo.
• Wept as he thanked fans for waiting more than 36 years for his band Cream’s reunion at London’s Royal Albert Hall on May 2, 2005.
• Became a dad for the fifth time at the age of 59 after his wife Melia, 29, gave birth to a baby girl in a London hospital on February 1, 2005.
• Clapton and other stars drew more than 60,000 people to a charity concert at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales that raised $2.3 million for Asian tsunami relief. The concert was the UK’s biggest charity concert since Live Aid in July 1985. (January 25, 2005)
• 2001: Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
• His maternal grandparents, who brought him up, had the surname of Clapp. His grandmother had previously been married to a man called Clapton though, and during this time gave birth to Eric’s mother. This is where the confusion about Eric’s real surname comes from, but therefore is, in fact, Clapton.
• His son Conor, with Lory Del Santo, died in a fall from a 53rd-floor apartment in 1991. Clapton’s Grammy-winning hit song Tears in Heaven was dedicated to the memory of his son.
• Was a member of The Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, Derek and the Dominoes.
• Played the guitar solo on George Harrison’s While My Guitar Gently Weeps creating a precedent. No other outside musician had ever had such a privilege.
• Axes of choice include a Fender Stratocaster and a Gibson Les Paul Standard.
• Played guitar along with original ‘Bond’ guitarist Vic Flick on Michael Kamen’s theme for LICENCE TO KILL (1989). The duo were filmed playing in various London locations for the expected video. However, the producers decided to opt for a song, sung by Gladys Knight, and the Clapton/Flick instrumental has never been released.
• He is the only artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times: as a member of The Yardbirds (1992); as a member of Cream (1993); and as a solo performer (2000).
• Voted the South East’s best guitarist in Total Guitar Magazine’s poll of the greatest 12 British guitarists. (July 2001)
• Stephen Stills asked him to join Crosby Stills & Nash so that he could help beef up their sound in concert. He refused due to the fact that he was in the middle of forming Blind Faith with Stevie Winwood.
• He was also on the short list of guitarists to replace Brian Jones in The Rolling Stones.
• Quit The Yardbirds after the band decided to do the more pop sounding song For Your Love, which was a departure from the more traditional blues songs they had been doing.
• Has an office in Chelsea.
• His current backing band involves people like guitarist Andy Fairweather-Low (ex-Amen Corner) and bassist Nathan East (Fourplay).
• Has owned a string of Ferraris.
• Played guitar on Phil Collins’ hit I Wish It Would Rain Down.
• Created his own band, Derek and the Dominoes, after the break-up of Cream.
• Was very good friends with Duane Allman, and they held a great deal of respect for each other. Allman played guitar on the Derek and the Dominos song Layla.
• He was voted the 53rd Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Artist of all time by Rolling Stone.
  Reunited with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce for a Cream reunion concert. (May 2005)
• While performing Further On Up the Road in The Last Waltz (1978), his guitar strap came undone. To cover for him while he fixed it, Robbie Robertson of The Band improvised a guitar solo.
• Once while playing a Cream concert, he suddenly stopped playing, and neither Ginger Baker nor Jack Bruce noticed.
• He owned and played a Gibson Byrdland guitar designed by famous guitarists Hank Garland and Billy Byrd.
• While many people believe his nickname Slow Hand(s) is because his fingers are slow on the guitar, it is actually because once during a concert he played his guitar so hard that one of its strings broke, and he took time out to re-string it. As he did, the fans in attendance began a slow hand clap.
• Before the formation of Cream in 1966, he was all but unknown in the United States, having left The Yardbirds before For Your Love hit the American Top Ten.
  Upon returning to England after recording the Derek & The Dominos album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, he was supporting a £1,000-per-week heroin addiction.
• Before becoming a musician, he designed stained glass windows.
• Played two farewell concerts on 26th November: Cream’s Farewell Concert (1969) in 1968, and The Last Waltz (1978) in 1976. Ironically, it was partially because of The Band’s music that he decided to leave Cream in the first place.
• Mentioned in the song Life Is a Rock But the Radio Rolled Me by Reunion.
• Shortly after the formation of Cream in 1966, the trio got a chance to jam with Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix was a fan of Clapton, and wanted a chance to play with him on stage.
• Enjoys Mixed Martial Arts.
• Was the guest of honor at the MMA event Pride Grand Prix 2000 Tournament, and awarded the winner, Mark The Hammer Coleman, with the First Prize Trophy.
• Has ties to both of the Allman Brothers. With Duane Allman’s help, Clapton recorded the album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs in 1970. In 1991, Clapton wrote the score to the film RUSH (1991), which featured Duane’s brother, Gregg Allman.
• Became the first artist to have a Fender Stratocaster signature model. (1988)
• When Clapton appeared at Live Aid in Philadelphia, one of his backing drummers was Phil Collins. Hours before, Collins had appeared at Live Aid’s London concert at Wembley Stadium.
• Awarded an OBE in 1994.
• Received a CBE from British Princess Royal for his services to music in 2004.
  Was banned from driving in France and had his British license confiscated after being clocked driving at 216 kilometres-per-hour on a French motorway. (2004)
• Helped save a historical gentlemen’s clothing establishment, Cordings, on London’s famous Piccadilly, by buying a 50% share. (August 3, 2004)
• Blackie, one of his tresured guitars set a world record for a guitar, fetching $959,500 at auction in New York. (June 28, 2004)
• Host Crossroads Guitar Festival, a three-day event on June 4 - 6, 2004 at Dallas Fair Park and Cotton Bowl Stadium, featuring 60 guitarists.
• Designed a special charity T-shirt for the Crossroads Center, the drug treatment center he founded in 1997. (March 13, 2004)
• Auctioned off 56 guitars from his collection on June 24, 2004 at Christie’s in New York.
• Couldn’t perform his songs Tears in Heaven and My Father’s Eyes, which deal with the loss of his son, during a series of concerts in Japan, citing he would feel conflicted to sing the songs at a time when he’s happy. (March 2, 2004)
• Received Commanders of the Order of the British Empire on December 31, 2003.
• Donated songs to a new compilation aimed at raising funds for Save the Children. (November 5, 2003)
• An anguished lament of unrequited love, Layla was inspired by a difficult love triangle between Clapton, his close friend George Harrison, and Harrison’s wife Pattie (she and Clapton eventually married in 1979 and divorced in 1988).
• Aside from his two daugthers, he had a son, Conor, with Italian actress Lori Del Santo who died at the age of four after falling out of Clapton’s New York high-rise apartment 11 years ago.
• Clapton wrote the Grammy-winning hit song Tears in Heaven in his son’s honor.
  Following the advice of the Who’s Pete Townsend, he underwent a controversial but effective electro-acupuncture treatment and was fully rehabilitated.
• Through the emotional truth of his music, he has sought refuge and release from the suffering of drug and alcohol addiction, personal relationships gone awry, and the deaths of several loved ones.
• Young Ricky (that’s what his grandparent’s called him) was a quiet and polite child, an above average student with an aptitude for art. He was raised believing that his grandparents were his parents and his mother was his sister, to shield him the stigma that illegitimacy carried with it.
• Nigel Tufnel’s name is a joke on Eric Clapton, derived from dull name and location in London. Eric became Nigel, and Clapton Pond became Tufnel Park: Nigel Tufnel (THIS IS THE SPINAL TAP (1984)).
• Trademark: Fender Stratocaster
• Nickname: Slow Hand / God
• Also credited as: Cream / Derek and the Dominoes / The Yardbirds
• Nominated for Best Movie Song at MTV Movie Awards for PHENOMENON (1997)
• Nominated for Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television at Grammy Awards for RUSH (1993)
• Nominated for Best Movie Song at MTV Movie Awards for LETHAL WEAPON 3 (1993)
• Nominated for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television at Grammy Awards for RUSH (1993)
• Nominated for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television for at Grammy Awards LETHAL WEAPON 3 (1993)
  Nominated for Best Movie Song at MTV Movie Awards for RUSH (1992)
• Nominated for Best Original Song - Motion Picture at Golden Globe Awards for RUSH (1992)
• Nominated for Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special at Grammy Awards for BACK TO THE FUTURE (1986)

(Facts and trivia from celebritywonder.com)

Boca Raton, FL – It was almost 39 years ago that the “Fight of the Century” took place between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. American Royal Arts is now offering hand-signed limited edition artwork featuring one of the most famous images from this historic event signed by both Ali and Smokin’ Joe, announced company President Jerry Gladstone.

Boxing promoters called the bout between both undefeated Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier that took place on March 8, 1971, at New York’s Madison Square Garden ”The Fight of the Century.” The image shows Ali, light on his feet, escaping one of Frazier’s mighty left hooks. The officials called the fight after the 14th round, declaring Frazier the winner. The two would meet two more times.

The signed canvas fine art edition, measures 30″ x 40″ and is limited to only 30 pieces. Each is individually hand-numbered and framed using museum quality framing. The artwork comes with Certificates of Authenticity from both Muhammad Ali Signatures and Superstar Greetings, the company that authenticates for Frazier. Each signing was done in the presence of representatives for either Muhammad Ali or Joe Frazier.

“It is important that both signings were done with their agents present,” added Jerry Gladstone. ”It gives the collector an added sense of security that the signatures on their artwork are one hundred percent authentic.”

With its headquarters in Boca Raton and retail galleries located throughout Florida, American Royal Arts Corp., celebrating its 24th year in business, is one of the leading publisher’s of Entertainment Fine Art in the world specializing in the Art of Rock & Roll and Pop Culture.

Founded in 1986 by Jerry Gladstone, American Royal Arts holds many publishing and distribution rights, including Elvis Presley Enterprises, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, Joe Petruccio, one of the world’s premier pop culture artists, The Paradise Collection of Dan Mackin and legendary musician Brian Wilson, Jefferson Airplane’s Marty Balin, The Classic Rock and Beatles portfolios of both The Hulton|Archive and The Archive of the London Daily Mirror, The Led Zeppelin Collection from James Fortune, The Grateful Dead and Bob Marley Archives of Peter Simon, and the Michael Ochs Collections of Rock and Jazz.

To see the artwork or learn more about American Royal Arts or Jerry Gladstone, contact 561-869-0600 or visit www.signedrock.com.

January 15, 2010 - Boca Raton, FL – In conjunction with the company’s launch of signed Muhammad Ali artwork titled “The Scotsdale Collection,” American Royal Arts President Jerry Gladstone announced that a portion of the proceeds from the collection sale would be donated to the Haitian relief effort through the American Red Cross.

“We are saddened by the news reports of the devastation in Haiti,” said Gladstone. “This is the least we can do to help in the relief effort. Our hearts go out to all of the people affected by this tragedy in Haiti and here in the U.S.” He went on to say, “With Ali’s history, we are hoping to sell a lot of artwork,” added Gladstone. “What better way to raise money for a very worthy and much needed cause.”

American Royal Arts had a signing session with the boxing champ in October during which Ali signed several pieces for the company, including limited edition photograph giclees, robes, boxing trunks, and art by premier pop culture artist Joe Petruccio.

American Royal Arts Corp. features retail galleries located throughout FLorida, and is celebrating its 24th year in business. ARA is one of the leading publisher’s of Entertainment Fine Art in the world specializing in the Art of Rock & Roll and Pop Culture.

Founded in 1986 by Jerry Gladstone, American Royal Arts holds many publishing and distribution rights, including Elvis Presley Enterprises, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, Joe Petruccio, one of the world’s premier pop culture artists, The Paradise Collection of Dan Mackin and legendary musician Brian Wilson, Jefferson Airplane’s Marty Balin, The Classic Rock and Beatles portfolios of both The Hulton|Archive and The Archive of the London Daily Mirror, The Led Zeppelin Collection from James Fortune, The Grateful Dead and Bob Marley Archives of Peter Simon, and the Michael Ochs Collections of Rock and Jazz.

Boca Raton, FL - “The Art of Frank Sinatra,” a never-before-seen collection featuring more than 100 pieces of the life and times of Mr. Frank Sinatra, opened on January 5, 2010, at the American Royal Arts Entertainment Fine Art Galleries at 250 East Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach and 808A Las Olas Blvd. in downtown Fort Lauderdale, announced company president Jerry Gladstone.

“The ongoing exhibit celebrates features more than 100 never-before-seen pieces of Frank Sinatra-inspired artwork,” said Gladstone. “The collection includes photos from the Sinatra Family Archives, rare theatrical movie one sheets from Sinatra’s films, art by noted entertainment fine artist Mr. Joe Petruccio, vintage “Rat Pack-style” Vegas ads, and fine art created from Mr. Sinatra’s original artwork.”

American Royal Arts will be hosting special guest Charles Pignone, vice president of Frank Sinatra Enterprises, will be on hand to meet with Sinatra fans. Having traveled with Frank Sinatra to over 500 concerts, Mr. Pignone is the foremost authority on Frank Sinatra. He is also the author of Sinatra Treasures and The Sinatra Family Album, as well as the producer for both the “Frank Sinatra Live in Las Vegas” and “Frank Sinatra in New York” box sets.

“We are pleased to have Mr. Pignone appearing in our galleries,” said Gladstone. “His knowledge of Frank Sinatra, both the man and his music, is extraordinary. This event is a must for any Sinatra fan.”

Mr. Pignone will meet with fans and talk about his work with Frank Sinatra, as well as his work today as vice president of Frank Sinatra Enterprises, making appearances at the ARA Gallery in Delray Beach on Tuesday, January 5, from 8 to 10 p.m., and on Thursday, January 7, from 7 to 10 p.m., and at the ARA Gallery in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Friday and Saturday, January 8 and 9, from 7 to 10 p.m.

According to Gladstone, there is no charge for admission to the American Royal Arts Sinatra exhibits. Information on “The Art of Sinatra” exhibit can be obtained by calling (561) 455-0700 or (954) 767-0117.

With its headquarters in Boca Raton and retail galleries located throughout Florida, American Royal Arts Corp., celebrating its 24th year in business, is one of the leading publisher’s of Entertainment Fine Art in the world specializing in the Art of Rock & Roll and Pop Culture.
Founded in 1986 by Jerry Gladstone, American Royal Arts holds many publishing and distribution rights, including Elvis Presley Enterprises, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, Joe Petruccio, one of the world’s premier pop culture artists, The Paradise Collection of Dan Mackin and legendary musician Brian Wilson, Jefferson Airplane’s Marty Balin, The Classic Rock and Beatles portfolios of both The Hulton|Archive and The Archive of the London Daily Mirror, The Led Zeppelin Collection from James Fortune, The Grateful Dead and Bob Marley Archives of Peter Simon, and the Michael Ochs Collections of Rock and Jazz.
To learn more about American Royal Arts or Jerry Gladstone, contact 561-869-0600 or visit http://www.signedrock.com.

Boca Raton, FL – American Royal Arts just released its new catalog for 2010. With more than 100 pages of breathtaking artwork, there is something for everyone. A free copy of the catalog can be obtained by calling 1-877-601-ROCK.

“Whether you are a music lover, sports fan or animation collector, I’m sure you will find the perfect piece to begin or add to your collection,” said Jerry Gladstone, American Royal Arts president. “From Frank Sinatra and the Beatles to Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods, and even Mickey Mouse, there is something guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.”

The catalog features a great variety of new artwork from premier artist Joe Petruccio; photographers Alfred Wertheimer (Elvis Presley), Peter Simon (Grateful Dead and Bob Marley), James Fortune (Led Zeppelin); as well as sports pieces signed through Upper Deck Authentication and rock and roll memorabilia signed at the famous Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp and so much more.

“We are pleased to be able to offer collectors such a wide array of licensed merchandise from the artists and studios we represent,” added Gladstone. “American Royal Arts prides itself on offering only the very best in original and limited edition fine art.”

With its headquarters in Boca Raton and five retail galleries located throughout Florida, American Royal Arts Corp., celebrating its 24th year in business is the leading publisher of Entertainment Fine Art in the world specializing in the Art of Rock & Roll and Pop Culture.

Founded by Jerry Gladstone in 1986, American Royal Arts holds many worldwide publishing and distribution rights including Elvis Presley Enterprises, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, artist Joe Petruccio, the Dan Mackin-Brian Wilson Collection, Rock and Roll Photographers James Fortune and Peter Simon, Elvis Presley photographer Alfred Wertheimer, Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, the Hulton|Archive, MirrorPix, and more.

For additional information on American Royal Arts or Jerry Gladstone, call 561-869-0600.