“ But you’ve probably never heard of them”
You have no clue about who or what I know. Music and aviation are right in my wheelhouse.
Then you should know that Clapton is not the best guitar player of all time.
Maybe he’s in the top 10 of most influential, but as far as musical skills, technique and innovation, there are at least 100 who could play circles around him. And he’d be the first to admit it. He called Tommy Emmanuel the best guitar player he’d ever heard. Have you even heard of him? Tommy Emmanuel said that Chet Atkins was the greatest guitar player he’d ever heard.
Most rock guitar players put Jimi Hendrix at #1.
As far as Blues, have you heard Robben Ford? He took the blues to a whole new level and continues to do it every time he releases a new album. And honestly, is Clapton even in the same league with Joe Bonnsmassa? Really?