Bobby Whitlock, Derek and the Dominos founder and solo artist, dead at 77

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77-year-old Bobby Whitlock, a renowned keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and co-creator of the blues-rock band Derek and the Dominos, has passed away.

Carole Kaye, his manager, shared that with deep sorrow, Bobby Whitlock’s family announced his peaceful death at 1:20 a.m. on August 10th, following a short illness. His final moments were spent at his home in Texas, surrounded by loved ones.

Despite Derek and the Dominos primarily being recognized as the platform that catapulted Eric Clapton into solo fame, Whitlock played a pivotal role in their 1970 debut album “Layla and Other Love Songs,” and was also an influential session musician and songwriter, independently establishing his own reputation.

Born on March 18, 1948, in Millington, Tennessee – a modest town near Memphis that was marked by poverty – Whitlock began honing his piano and keyboard skills within the traditional music of Southern churches. His exceptional talent drew attention as he secretly listened to recording sessions at Stax Records’ studios. Impressed by his deeply soulful music style, Stax Records signed him onto their new label HIP, making Whitlock the first white artist among artists like Otis Redding and Sam & Dave on their roster.

His significant achievement occurred when he was invited to become part of Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, a highly regarded rock-soul ensemble known for working with influential artists across generations such as Duane and Gregg Allman, Leon Russell, George Harrison, and Eric Clapton.

Delaney & Bonnie’s band, accompanied by Friends, toured with the supergroup Blind Faith, led by Eric Clapton. During this tour, many members of Blind Faith were utilized for Clapton’s first solo album in 1970. Later on, he invited Bobby Whitlock to join him in a fresh collaboration (including bassist Carl Radle and drummer Jim Gordon), formed specifically to support George Harrison on “All Things Must Pass.” This new group became known as Derek and the Dominos.

In Harry Shapiro’s book “Eric Clapton: Lost in the Blues,” it is noted that a strong sense of empathy among the musicians was particularly evident in Bobby Whitlock, who emerged as an accomplished and understanding songwriting partner and backup vocalist for Eric Clapton.

In the album titled “Layla,” the band’s only studio LP, the musician Bobby Whitlock penned or collaborated on nearly half of the songs, such as “Bell Bottom Blues” and “Tell the Truth.” During a U.S. tour, Elton John served as the opening act, and in his autobiography, he shared that among the Dominos, it was Bobby Whitlock, the band’s keyboard player, whom he closely observed. Hailing from Memphis, Whitlock honed his skills around Stax Studios and played with a soulful, deep Southern gospel feel.

During internal conflicts and drug issues within the band, Whitlock decided to step out on his own in 1972 by releasing his first solo album, titled simply after his name. Later that year, he also put out “Raw Velvet” as a follow-up. Additionally, he lent his musical talents as a session player for the Rolling Stones’ “Exile on Main St.” and Dr. John’s “The Sun, Moon & Herbs.

Throughout the ’70s, he kept putting out solo work, reemerging in the ’90s. During this time, he frequently worked alongside his spouse and musical companion, Coco Carmel.

Carmel shared in a statement to The Times, “In just a few words, I struggle to convey the greatness of one individual who rose from humble beginnings in the south to unprecedented heights in such a short span. My beloved Bobby saw life as an exciting journey that guided me through a realm of enchantment, from music to poetry and art. He often said, ‘Life is what you shape it to be, so mold it into something beautiful.’ And indeed, he did.

Whitlock’s surviving family members include his wife, Ashley Faye Brown, sons Beau Elijah Whitlock and Tim Whitlock Kelly.

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2025-08-10 22:31