The song was popularized by Eric Clapton after his version was released on the 1977 album Slowhand.

Personnel Glyn Johns produced the Clapton recording, which was released on the 1977 album Slowhand.

A live version of "Cocaine" from the album Just One Night charted on the Billboard Hot 100 as the B-side of "Tulsa Time", which was a No.

"Cocaine" was one of several of Cale's songs recorded by Clapton, including "After Midnight" and "Travelin' Light".

[10][11] A live version of the song does appear on Clapton's 1982 hits compilation Time Pieces.