Bobby Whitlock, the acclaimed singer-songwriter and keyboardist who helped shape the sound of Derek & the Dominos, passed away peacefully at his home in Texas on August 10, 2025, at the age of 77. His manager, Carol Kaye, confirmed that he had succumbed to a brief battle with cancer and was surrounded by family at the time.
Roots in Soul, Rise to Blues-Rock
Born in Memphis on March 18, 1948, Whitlock’s early musical career began at Stax Records, where he absorbed the soulful energy of legends like Sam & Dave and Booker T. & the M.G.’s. In 1968, he joined Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, a pivotal move that introduced him to Eric Clapton, leading to lifelong musical collaborations.
Derek & the Dominos and Layla
In 1970, Whitlock co-founded the blues-rock band Derek & the Dominos, alongside Clapton, bassist Carl Radle, and drummer Jim Gordon. The group went on to record the legendary album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, celebrated for its emotional depth and timeless tracks. Whitlock co-wrote seven of the album’s fourteen songs, including classics like “Bell Bottom Blues,” “Tell the Truth,” and “Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?”
Beyond the Dominos — Musical Evolution
After the band dissolved in 1971, Whitlock pursued a solo career and released several albums during the 1970s, including Bobby Whitlock (1972), Raw Velvet (1972), One of a Kind (1975), and Rock Your Sox Off (1976). He briefly stepped away from music but returned in 1999 with It’s About Time, and often collaborated musically with his wife, CoCo Carmel, producing live and studio albums together.
Legacy & Artistic Contributions
Whitlock’s influence wasn’t limited to his own albums. He also played on George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass and contributed uncredited work on the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main Street. In recent years, he explored painting—some of his artwork was showcased in galleries—and was honored with induction into the Beale Street Walk of Fame in Memphis in 2024.
Loved and Remembered
Deeply respected by peers, Whitlock’s death marks the passing of a rock era. Eric Clapton is now the last surviving member of Derek & the Dominos. Family members, including his wife CoCo Carmel, sister Debbie Wade, and children Ashley Brown, Beau Whitlock, and Tim Whitlock Kelly, survive him.
CoCo’s tribute captures his spirit:
“How do you express in but a few words the grandness of one man who came from abject poverty in the South to heights unimagined… My love Bobby looked at life as an adventure … leading me through music to poetry and painting…Close my eyes, he is there.”
Why His Passing Resonates
- Musical Impact: Whitlock’s songs and artistry shaped rock and blues music in transformative ways.
- Iconic Collaborations: He was instrumental to Derek & the Dominos’ brief but powerful run.
- Creative Return: His post-Dominos career and artistic rebirth with CoCo demonstrate a lasting legacy of reinvention.
- Cultural Recognition: Induction into the Memphis Walk of Fame highlights his deep connection to his roots and enduring influence.
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