The East London Gospel Choir Performs an INCREDIBLE Duet of “Holy Mother” by Eric Clapton and Luciano Pavarotti

In 1986, Eric Clapton included the rather obscure pop-rock ballad “Holy Mother” on his brand-new album “August.” The song had a magnificent gospel edge and was about prayer and salvation. In the following decade, Eric’s stunning live duet of the album track with renowned opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti would garner 12.8 million views on YouTube—millions more than the original upload!—and permanently establish Clapton’s track in the popular mind.

The opening section of the song was performed solo by Eric, who was 51 years old at the time, preserving its original wash of clarity while the East London Gospel Choir swayed and provided gentle supporting vocals. In contrast to the traditional rock ballad, Luciano Pavarotti’s daring operatic vocals—added to a lush Italian accent—completely transformed the song into an extraordinarily emotional hymn during the second verse.

 

Eric Clapton, Luciano Pavarotti, East London Gospel Choir - Holy Mother (Live)

 

When the song initially starts, Luciano’s voice is jarring because it doesn’t fit the style and sounds weird next to Eric’s verse. A strong sense of togetherness emerged, however, after Luciano (who was 61 years old at the time) took charge and Eric Clapton’s dazzling guitar solo sounded fantastic with the Gospel Choir’s sumptuous accompaniment. Even Luciano appears astounded by the music being created on stage by the conclusion of the popular film!

After a groundbreaking performance at the 1990 FIFA World Cup with operatic supergroup The Three Tenors, Luciano Pavarotti—who was born in Modena, Italy—broke the pattern for opera singers, moving from the classical niche to mainstream prominence. “The Essential Pavarotti,” Luciano’s most recent album, became the first classical album to reach number one on the UK album charts that same year, solidifying his legend.

Related Posts

“IT FELT LIKE COMING HOME” — Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton STUN Fans With Emotional On-Stage Reunion After Years Apart, Buried Feud Rumors Resurface!

Nashville, TN — No one saw it coming. And maybe that’s what made it hit even harder. At the 2025 Country Music Celebration, just as the stage lights dimmed…

“We all lost a special person today…” Blake Shelton shared a heartfelt tribute to Joe Bonsall, remembering his infectious joy and unmatched passion for music. “I’ve never seen Joe without a smile,” he wrote, recalling their unforgettable 2016 performance together. As prayers pour in for Joe’s family and The Oak Ridge Boys, Shelton’s words echo what so many feel: the stage will never be the same without him

Blake Shelton is mourning the loss of Joe Bonsall. After a spokesperson for his family confirmed Tuesday that Bonsall passed away on Tuesday, July 9 at the age of…

Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins took the stage at the Wells Fargo Center and unleashed a performance that had the whole arena howling with laughter. The Asshole Song—a fan favorite that never made it onto an album—brought out their legendary chemistry, packed with playful jabs and good ol’ country charm. The crowd ate it up, proving that sometimes, the best music isn’t just about the notes—it’s about the kind of friendship where you can dish it out, take it, and laugh ‘til your sides hurt. Now that’s the kind of bond we all need!

On March 17, 2018, during the final show of the Country Music Freaks Tour at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center, country music stars Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins delivered a…

Blake Shelton & Kelly Clarkson Cry After Craig Morgan Sings ‘The Father, My Son, And The Holy Ghost’

In the summer of 2016, country singer Craig Morgan found himself in the middle of every parent’s worst nightmare. His 19-year-old son, Jerry, passed away following a…

“I’LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!” Miranda Lambert’s Emotional Tribute to Blake Shelton Leaves ACM Awards in Tears

I’LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!” Miranda Lambert’s Tearful Tribute to Blake Shelton Stuns ACM Awards!  It was a night meant to celebrate country music’s brightest stars—but no one…

Adam Levine Gently Takes Gwen Stefani’s Hand—Then All Eyes Turn to Blake Shelton. In a Grammy moment no one saw coming, Adam Levine stepped forward with a tender smile, escorting Gwen Stefani onstage.

It was time for a lover’s ballad at the 2015 Grammys, and the sharply-dressed pair of Maroon 5’s Adam Levine and Gwen Stefani fit the bill. It…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *