James Marshall Hendrix, more commonly known as Jimi Hendrix was an ultra talented guitarist, singer and songwriter. He is actually one of the most celebrated guitarists in recent history. He was influential in developing the amplifier feedback technique that gained popularity. And Rolling Stone named three of his albums to their list of 100 greatest albums of all time.
Eric Clapton is also a musician and singer/songwriter. He is also one of the most influential guitarists of all time. He was a three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was named fourth on Gibson's list of 50 Greatest Guitarists of all time.
Neither man has a very shabby resume when it comes to music. However, when Eric Clapton first heard Hendrix play, he was blown away. In fact, he was quoted as saying "you never told me he was THAT good!"