6. Eric Clapton Out Rocks Nirvana By Unplugging the Guitar
Sometimes you have to sit back and just wonder if the Grammys even know what the word “Rock” means in the context of music. Sure, the majority of the winners of Best Rock Song played guitars, but the first few weren’t even plugged in! The inaugural winner was Sting in 1992, and in 1993, Eric Clapton’s acoustic rendition of “Layla” was named the most rocking track of the year. Sting beat out Jane’s Addiction, Queensrÿche and Metallica, while Clapton was picked over Nirvana. Clapton’s Unplugged was also awarded Album of the Year.
It’s hard to knock Eric Clapton, who is truly a rock legend, but that isn’t the point. Clapton’s stripped down acoustic renditions of blues classics was nice, while Nirvana were redefining popular music as it was known at the time. They rocked out all the way to the top of the pop charts, proving hard alternative rock could be successful in the mainstream. Pearl Jam were also nominated for “Jeremy,” which would have been an equally solid choice over “Layla.”
