Rocker Eric Clapton has recruited pals Willie Nelson, Tom Petty and John Mayer for tracks on a new tribute album to honour late singer/songwriter J.J. Cale.

The Wonderful Tonight hitmaker has arranged for an all-star line-up to lend their talents to Eric Clapton & Friends - The Breeze: An Appreciation of J.J. Cale, a project which features 16 of the celebrated musician's tracks reimagined by the guitar great.

Announcing plans for the album, Clapton reveals he wanted to shine the spotlight on Cale's work, saying, "I'm just the messenger."

The project will also feature contributions from Mark Knopfler, Derek Trucks and Don White and is due for release in July (14).

Cale, who penned Clapton's hits Cocaine and After Midnight, died from a heart attack in California last year (13).