Eric Clapton releases “Moon River” cover featuring Jeff Beck

The late guitarist Jeff Beck replaced Eric Clapton in The Yardbirds in 1965 and the two musicians who knew each other remained friends over the decades. After Beck’s passing in the beginning of 2023 at the age of 78, Clapton announced two special tribute shows at the Royal Albert Hall and now released a cover for “Moon River” featuring the late musician and that was recorded not long before his death.

The song was written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer being originally performed by the actress Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 movie “Breakfast At Tiffany’s”.

Hear the Eric Clapton version for “Moon River” featuring the late Jeff Beck:

The longtime Clapton collaborator Simon Climie talked in an official statement about the song, saying: “In January 2022, Eric and I recorded a version which was more of a ballad – and naturally the guitar and vocals were brilliant. When we were happy with the track, Eric asked me to send it over to Jeff. Jeff loved it. And soon after that in the spring of 2022, Jeff added his unmistakable guitar part. It knocked us off our feet.”

After Jeff Beck’s passing, Eric Clapton made the decision to couple this new recording of “Moon River” on new song, “How Could We Know,” featuring Judith Hill, Simon Climie, and Daniel Santiago for this special 7-inch vinyl release.

“Over the years with the festivals and albums we’ve worked on, there have been many stunning collaborations,” Climie said.

Vinyl Credits:

SIDE A

“Moon River”

• Eric Clapton – Guitar & Vocals
• Jeff Beck – Electric Guitar

SIDE A

Feat. Judith Hill, Simon Climie & Daniel Santiago – “How Could We Know”

• Eric Clapton – Acoustic Guitar
• Daniel Santiago – Acoustic Guitar
• Judith Hill – Vocals
• Simon Climie – Vocals

Jeff Beck passed last January 10 at the age of 78, victim of bacterial meningitis. The tribute shows will happen next May 22 and 22 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Among the guests are Johnny Depp, Billy Gibbons, Rod Stewart, Derek Trucks and more.