Layla is a rock song by Derek and the Dominos written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon, from the 1970 album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. It tells the story of unrequited love inspired by Clapton’s feelings for Pattie Boyd and by the ancient Layla and Majnun tale. It was first released as a shortened single in March 1971, reaching number 51 on the US charts; a full-length seven-minute version with the piano exit was issued in 1972 and became a major hit in the UK and the US. The track features Duane Allman on slide guitar and is known for its two-movement structure, with a rock riff that leads into a piano-led coda. The piano part is credited to Jim Gordon, though Rita Coolidge has claimed involvement. Layla is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time and a high point of Clapton’s career, with an acclaimed Unplugged version in 1992 that won the Grammy for Best Rock Song in 1993.
