Many girls dream of capturing the heart of a rockstar. One model not only won over a member of the Beatles but also caused the great Eric Clapton to go weak in the knees. Pattie Boyd reached new heights of fame as the adored wife of guitarist George Harrison. During their relationship, she inspired him to write some of the most romantic songs of the Beatles. All the while, Eric Clapton dealt with his helpless love for a taken woman with his music. Read on to see how this love triangle resulted in timeless hits about the same lovely lady.
Pattie Boyd Was Taken When George Harrison Met Her
Pattie Boyd emerged in the sixties as an international model, gracing the pages of major fashion magazines including Vogue and Vanity Fair. Given her industry, it's suiting that she embarked on a relationship with a photographer, Eric Swayne.
Despite her relationship status, The Beatles guitarist George Harrison couldn't help but ask her on a date the first time they met. The band was filming A Hard Day's Night, and Pattie was one of the extras. Though she declined his offer, Pattie would soon reveal that the feelings were mutual.
Pattie Left Her Boyfriend Days After Meeting George
A matter of days passed between the time George asked Pattie to dinner and her ending the relationship with her then-boyfriend. It seemed clear that her feelings for George were already beginning to emerge, or at least that he helped her realize that her current relationship wasn't going to work out.
Either way, George was ecstatic, especially after Pattie accepted his offer to go on a date. He took her out to the Garrick Club, a gentlemen's club in London that dates all the way back to the 1800s.
Both Their Careers Made It Challenging To Date
The stereotypical difficulties that come along with dating a rockstar proved to be a challenge in Pattie and George's early days of dating. The year was 1964, and The Beatles were just emerging as one of the biggest rock groups in the world.
Their tours had George completely booked as the band travelled internationally. Fortunately, Pattie was just as busy with her modeling, so she could relate to the feeling of having a demanding career.
George And Pattie Moved In Together
George bought a deluxe bungalow in Surrey, England. He chose a place out of the city to get away from fans and experience life away from the rockstar hype every once in a while. The quiet home appealed to Pattie, as well.
The pair had met in March and George purchased the house in July. Though they had only been dating a few months, it didn't take long for Pattie to move in with him.
They Got Engaged On Christmas
The happy couple finally had some time alone together. As they got to know one another better, they grew deeply in love. After less than two years of dating, George proposed marriage and Pattie said yes.
Even more endearing was that they got engaged on Christmas Day in 1965. The famous couple married only weeks later, on January 21, 1966. They didn't need much time to prepare because the ceremony was small and took place at a nearby register office.
They Influenced One Another Spiritually
One of the things that created such a tight bond between the newlyweds was the way they influenced one another's outlook on life. George stated years later that Pattie helped expand his mind to new ideas.
On the other hand, George influenced Pattie by exposing her to his spiritual beliefs, which led to her interest in Eastern mysticism. The couple spent several weeks in India where they practiced yoga, vegetarianism, and studied instruments. George refined his ability to play the sitar while Pattie took up the dilruba.
George Became Pattie's Photography Subject
Though Pattie was known for her modeling, she also had an interest in photography and eventually became a member of the Royal Photographic Society. She began taking photos of her husband, which revealed a more personal look at the rockstar.
These photos were of large interest to fans. The couple was so sought-after that they lived on houseboats on Dal Lake in Kashmir while on vacation just to escape the press and all of the crowds of fans.
George Wrote "Something" About Pattie
George didn't only inspire Pattie in her photography, but she also became George's muse. He wrote multiple Beatles songs about his lovely wife, including "I Need You," "Love You Too," and "For You Blue."
Based on the song titles alone, it's clear that George was deeply in love with Pattie. One of his more revered songs about her, though, was simply called "Something." The 1969 hit cemented George as one of the best songwriters of the time.
The Couple Started To Grow Apart
The new decade marked an end to the seemingly blissful start of George and Pattie's marriage. The two began to differ in their beliefs which lead to clashes that they couldn't avoid. Pattie responded by melding deeper into her modeling career.
Meanwhile, George became more devoted than ever to Indian spirituality. The two were no longer growing together, instead, growing apart. It was only a matter of time before things came to a head.
Eric Clapton Had Loved Pattie For Years
A few years into George and Pattie's marriage, another musician fell hard for the model. Eric Clapton and Pattie had formed a relationship at the end of the '60s and even wrote music together. Like George, Eric couldn't help but fall hard for Pattie.
He dated Pattie's sister, Paula, in an attempt to curb his feelings for the married woman, but it didn't work. The only thing that Eric could do was pour his feelings into his music.
Eric Wrote An Album For Patti
Eric poured all of his feelings for Pattie in the 1970 album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. The collection was based on The Story of Layla and Majnun, wherein a seventh-century poet goes mad over his love for an unattainable woman.
The song "Layla" was especially popular and clearly articulated his torment over Pattie. Though the hit has been recognized as a masterpiece, it failed to win over the doe-eyed model. As a result, Eric spent the next few years in a deep depression.
Pattie And George's Relationship Went Downhill
Though Pattie stuck by George's side while Eric professed his love for her, their marriage began to get rocky. The Beatles rocker had multiple affairs, and Pattie even strayed from their relationship with Faces guitarist Ronnie Wood.
Pattie later stated that George's affair with his fellow bandmate Ringo Starr's wife was the final straw. The couple that so many fans had fallen in love with parted ways in 1974, though their divorce wasn't finalized until 1977.
Eric Finally Got A Shot With His Dream Girl
After years of isolation and substance abuse, Eric climbed out of his dark hole to once again pursue a relationship with Pattie. This time, the musician was successful. The same year that the model left George, she began a relationship with Eric.
Over the next five years, Pattie and Eric fell for one another. In 1977, Eric finally had a positive song to write about his beautiful partner: "Wonderful Tonight." The pair wed in 1979, though things proved to be shakier than the public initially thought.
George And Eric Became Surprisingly Cordial
In 1973, George and Eric were still bitter about their love triangle with Pattie, resulting in George's hit "So Sad," and Eric's "Bell Bottom Blues." Over the year, their distain melted away and was replaced by a surprising comraderie.
George even started calling Eric his "husband-in-law." Though he and Pattie's divorce was heartbreaking, they handled it quite well. Pattie's solicitor commented on it stating, "There was no overreacting, no greed or playing with each other's emotions – I wish all divorces were so well handled."
Pattie And Eric Started Having Struggles
Though George was handling Pattie's new marriage well, the same couldn't be said about the model and photographer. Eric continued to struggle with substance abuse and Pattie soon followed suit.
The couple's relationship became volatile and Eric later admitted to being the source of domestic violence in their home. To make things worse, Pattie started reliving the nightmare she experienced in her first marriage in that Eric would not remain faithful. One of his affairs was reportedly with Italian actress Lory Del Santo.
They Were Unsuccessful At Having Children
Another struggle that Pattie started to relive with Eric was having a hard time conceiving a child. When she couldn't have children with George, the pair couldn't see eye-to-eye on adoption.
With Eric, they decided to instead go the route of in vitro fertilization. Unfortunately, the procedures didn't pan out, and served to only build the tension between Eric and Pattie. Though the couple fought to remain together for years, it became increasingly clear that they were falling apart.
Eric And Pattie Divorced After A Decade Of Marriage
Though Pattie's relationship with Eric outlasted her time with George, it still fell apart just as tragically. After 15 years together, including a decade of marriage, the couple divorced in 1989. The split occurred on the grounds of "infidelity and unreasonable behavior."
Though Pattie was a profound inspiration in both musicians' lives, not even she could pull them out of the stereotypical rocker lifestyle. One good thing that came out of the failed marriages was Pattie's memoir, which a literary reviewer claimed, "gives more insight into the weirdness of rock-star life than anything I have ever read."
Pattie Took Her Time With The Third Relationship
After two marriages that didn't work out, Pattie was slower than ever with her third major relationship. This time, she was sure to stay far from the rockstar lifestyle. Instead, she fell for property developer Rod Weston.
The two met in 1994, several years after her divorce from Eric Clapton. Though things were going splendidly, they didn't rush into marriage. This time, Pattie had to be absolutely sure that this man was the person she'd spend the rest of her life with.
The Third One Was The Charm
After more than two decades of dating, Pattie and Rod finally tied the knot in 2015 at a Register Office in London. Rod joked, "It's almost our silver anniversary, so we thought we had better get on with it."
Though their relationship might not be full of all the hype that comes with a rockstar marriage, Pattie and Rod have been happily married ever since. Pattie told The Syndey Morning Herald that she and Rod, "have a nice relationship that's warm and friendly, with no pressure. That is a relief."
Pattie Is Deemed A "Legendary Rock Muse"
Though Pattie's relationships with George Harrison and Eric Clapton weren't always the most pleasant, they lead to Rolling Stone deeming her a "legendary rock muse." The numerous songs written about Pattie still touch the hearts of rock fans today.
Pattie later claimed that Eric "only wanted what George had" and was infatuated with her for that reason. When asked which of the musicians had a more considerable influence on her, Pattie replied, "That is so difficult, but I would say George. He will always stay with me."
The Young Linda Thompson
Born to a low-income family in Memphis, Tennessee, Linda Thompson was raised with a Southern Baptist faith. The people around her noticed her beauty, and it wouldn't take long for high-profile celebrities to do the same.
She might’ve lived a simple life, but everyone couldn’t help but see how stunning she was. She won homecoming queen in high school, but that would only be the beginning of all the crowns she would wear in her life…
Her Looks Paid For College
Thompson's looks were so sensational; she won Miss Liberty Bowl, Miss Tennessee, Miss Shelby County, and a few others that would end up helping her pay for schooling. After joining one beauty pageant, it all started to click.
Thompson would attend Memphis State University, where she double-majored in English and Drama. Growing up very modest, Thompson focused on her faith and traditional values. That wouldn’t stop her from shining bright, though.
Hello There, Elvis
In 1972, Thompson not only won a few pageants, but it was also the year she met her first love. Due to living such a strict and faith-fueled life early on, Thompson didn't worry or have the time to fall in love in high school or college.
Her first lover was someone special. How many can say their early romantic interest was the King of anything? Elvis Presley and Thompson fell for each other, but Presley had deep feelings for someone else not long before meeting Thompson.
Seven Months Before Thompson…
While Thompson's first love was Elvis, the musician had loved someone else before her. He met Priscilla Presley when he was 24 and she was only 14, thus making their relationship highly unique.
The two practically had a love at first sight type of romance between them. One year after meeting, she would move to Graceland. Soon after, the two would have a baby girl together named Lisa Marie, and it all seemed like things were great.
Priscilla Knew Something Thompson Didn't…
It didn't take long for Priscilla to learn the dark side of fame after she began living with Elvis. He was always exhausted throughout the relationship because his career was his life.
The busy schedule and lack of sleep led him to start abusing substances. The King’s way of living grew into something Priscilla couldn’t handle, and she filed for a divorce. Thompson would understand Priscilla’s despair, but not before falling in love herself.
Falling For A Sweet Southern Girl
It was no secret that Elvis was a lady's man. He had the reputation that a faith-driven girl had no business getting involved with romantically. Still, since Elvis was such a mega-star, it was hard for Linda Thompson to pass him up.
The whole situation enticed Thompson, and she became smitten. After all, he was The King of Rock and Roll, so who wouldn’t at least give it a try? He had his eyes set on her, and it was only a matter of time until he made his move.
Thompson Gets An Invite
Thompson was only 22 when she met Elvis. One day, Elvis rented out a movie theater for a few of his friends to enjoy. After he heard Miss Tennessee was in town, he promptly sent her an invite.
They would end up sitting next to each other, and Elvis instantly knew he would have another shot at love. Would the romance last forever? In the moment, that was the last thing either of the two were thinking of.
They Didn't Watch The Movie
When you're clicking with someone new, it can be hard paying attention to the movie screen. Thompson and Elvis hardly knew one another, but the chemistry was there, and they kissed throughout the entire double-feature.
Shocked, Thompson couldn’t believe what transpired. It felt surreal to her. It must have felt like she was in the movie herself. Nothing could’ve prepared Thompson for how that night unraveled, but it’s safe to say not a soul would’ve been ready for that.
He Should've Married A Southern Girl
Elvis kept it classy when it came to making a move on women. Thompson revealed in an interview that Elvis pulled the classic "yawn and stretch" before putting his arm around her.
She assumed he was still committed to Priscilla, but at one point, he told her, “you know I'm not married anymore.” Thompson responded with, “I didn’t know that, and I’m sorry it didn’t work out, but you should have married a southern girl.” She gave Elvis her number at the end of the night, not expecting him to call her back.
Together In Graceland
Not long after arriving home from the movies, Thompson received a phone call. Her aunt answered and heard Elvis speaking, asking to talk to Thompson. He said it was an urgent call.
Elvis then told Thompson, "I just want you to know how happy I am that I met you. Can you come over tomorrow to Graceland and meet my father?" She didn't hesitate to accept this invitation. Once there, she met a few others as well. The pageant winner described that day as a dream.
It's Time For Vegas
Thompson would then go to Alabama for vacation, but she failed to leave Elvis a number to contact her. She only told him she'd be back and hoped to see him once again.
Upon her arrival, she got a call from Elvis, and he had a request. "You don’t just disappear from my life, who do you think I am? I’m going to Vegas tonight, and I want you to come with me," he told Linda. He told her not to worry about luggage, just to bring a toothbrush.
Putting Her Life On Hold
This was when Elvis took priority in Thompson's life. She halted everything to be with The King. She had plans of modeling in New York, but her goals weren’t on her mind with Elvis around.
He loved her so much and enjoyed showing her off. Elvis made the relationship public almost immediately. She followed him around everywhere and was madly in love with him. Over the next four years, they were a hot item, but would they ever marry?
Meet The Parents
Elvis was a generous man, especially with his loved ones. Thompson told Larry King in an interview: "Living with Elvis was like living with Santa Clause," because he would purchase her gifts all the time.
His generosity went beyond only material things. He would spend his precious time with good friends and those he had love for too. Elvis adored Thompson soo much and helped her in many ways. It was a match made in heaven.
They Were Always Together
Thompson stopped everything to be with Elvis, so she went with him everywhere. It could've been karate practice, tour, or rehearsal, and she was there. Thompson said that the first year of being together was a loyal one.
Sadly, rumors began spreading that he wasn’t that faithful to Thompson. She attempted to block out all the negative noise and even forgave him after her own suspicions arose, but the pressure began to mount between the two.
Why They Didn't Get Married
At the start, Thompson felt she wanted to get married, but Elvis wasn't on the same page. As the years passed by, her desire to tie the knot faded away.
Starting her day at nine at night and ending it around two in the afternoon the next day wasn’t her cup of tea. She imagined living a regular life. Thompson began to notice what Priscilla experienced, and it wasn’t pretty. When Elvis finally got around to considering marriage, Thompson crossed that option off the list.
Helping Her Call It Off
The time came for the couple to call it off. They both felt the love failing, but neither wanted to do anything about it. The turning point was after Elvis flew in a different girl and asked if Thompson wanted to go home for a while.
She agreed and wrote him a letter detailing why she had to end things with him. She might've loved him, but she knew if she continued, it wouldn’t be beneficial for herself.
Elvis Shares Thoughts On Thompson's Future Husband
Before the end of their relationship, Elvis and Thompson enjoyed the Olympics together. They saw Bruce Jenner cross the finish line, winning the gold medal in the decathlon. Who knew that would be such a critical moment?
In Thompson's book, she wrote, "Elvis remarked, “Damn if that guy is not handsome! I’m not gay, but [expletive], he’s good-looking!" Soon after splitting with The King, the beautiful Thompson would go on to date and marry Jenner.
Bruce Jenner Arrives
When describing how it was when Thompson met Bruce Jenner, she says, "He was the classic jock." Jenner would always wear athletic attire and flip-flops. Many athletes do this, and he was no different.
Thompson became attracted to the athlete, saying that she loved his masculinity. She had no clue that underneath this tough exterior was an interior struggle with gender dysphoria. Things would quickly become interesting, as Thompson found herself in another whirlwind romance.
Meeting At The Playboy Mansion
Much like with Elvis, Thompson and Jenner hit it off quickly. They met in 1979 at a celebrity tennis tournament held at the Playboy Mansion. Jenner lived there for a while after breaking up with his first wife, Chrystie.
Linda received an invite to the awards ceremony where she would hand out trophies. Sure enough, Jenner ended up winning the tournament, and Thompson fell for the athlete, and he fell in love with her just as fast.
Jenner Didn't Want Miss Out On Thompson
After the two met, Jenner and Thompson spent the whole time talking. Jenner didn't want to leave her alone. He even stayed in his tennis clothes to ensure she wouldn’t leave his sights.
After telling her he didn’t want others to have a chance, Jenner asked Thompson out to dinner, and she agreed. This turned into an exciting, new phase for Thompson after sticking around Elvis for all those years.
Back To Red Carpets
Once again, Thompson found herself on red carpets, but with Jenner this time. The limelight didn't want to leave Thompson alone, the difference now was she was a mother and a wife.
Finally, Thompson felt a sense of fulfillment. Today, she says it was "too good to be true." Hindsight would make her correct, but she had no way of seeing how things would play out with all the twists and turns.
Elvis Was There In Spirit
These two didn't waste any time and decided to tie the knot. It turned out to be a classic story of the jock marrying the homecoming queen. The wedding took place in Hawaii, where Thompson always wanted it to be.
As she walked down the aisle, she chose to do it to an Elvis song. Jenner didn’t mind as it was Thompson’s favorite song, so he understood that the decision didn’t mean anything. The happy couple would go on to have two sons, Brandon and Brody.
Brody And Bruce Jenner
Before their marriage, Jenner already had two kids. Thompson says she loves his children as her own and still keeps close with them today. Jenner and Thompson's sons grew up to be incredibly handsome men.
Now, Brody spends his time in Hollywood, while Brandon makes music. You might’ve caught Brody on the reality TV show, Laguna Beach and The Hills. Both of the sons inherited their parent’s good looks and amazing personalities, which is beyond a blessing.
Thompson Learns The Truth
It took some time, but Jenner would eventually spill the beans. Seven months after the birth of their second child, Jenner told Thompson he had something to share. Still remembering the ways of Elvis, she thought he had an affair.
She braced herself for news like that but had no idea what to expect. That's when Jenner told her, "Its time you know the truth about me." The fantastic athlete revealed he identified as a woman and living as a male was miserable.
How Do You React To This News?
Not everyone receives news like this from their spouse. It's rare, so Thompson had shock written all over her face. She said after a few moments, her heart began aching for him.
The one she loved was in pain, and together they went to a gender dysphoria specialist. They found out Jenner’s struggles would never go away. Thompson had to figure out if she would remain with him in his hardest days.
Jenner Kept It A Secret
Even though it was shocking news, Thompson was happy that Jenner didn't tell her until after having their sons. Thompson gets asked often if she wishes she knew about it before committing so many years of her life to him, but Thompson says she’s thankful she was unaware for so long.
Thompson would’ve remained friends with him, but wouldn’t have married Jenner because she wanted to marry a male. If Jenner would’ve told earlier on, they would’ve never had kids.
Seeing Caitlyn For The First Time
Once Jenner told Thompson the truth, the two separated. One evening, he called Thompson and said, "It's time you come to see your husband." Her thoughts raced as she began to play with the idea of Jenner having a change of heart.
Upon arrival, it wasn’t Bruce who answered the door, but Caitlyn. He had become a she. Thompson told Larry King she fell to the floor due to all the shock. It was this moment that helped Thompson move on from the situation.
On To David Foster
Not long after Jenner, Thompson met David Foster, the music producer. The two would bond over music and spend time in the studio together. They ended up getting married in 1991, and Thompson felt this time things would be better.
Well, she was wrong. The two ended up having different views with marriage, as Foster worked long hours so he could provide for both of them. Thompson wanted to work still and do things she was talented in as well. Thompson decided things were about to go down a similar path, so she ended the marriage in 2005.
Focusing On Her Career
Thompson is single, but that doesn't mean she isn’t looking. She hopes to find someone low-key and not in the entertainment industry. She hasn’t been in a relationship since 2005, so that gave her time to write her tell-all book, Little Thing Called Life: From Elvis’s Graceland to Bruce Jenner’s Caitlyn & Songs in Between.
These days, Thompson enjoys tennis, the beach, hiking, and, most importantly, her blended family. She’s happier than ever before doing things solo.
