’70s Rock Rock Legend Passed Away At Age 77
Bobby Whitlock, co-founder of Derek and the Dominos alongside Eric Clapton, has died at 77. A singer-songwriter, keyboardist, and vocalist, Whitlock was a driving force in Derek and the Dominos, the legendary rock band best known for its 1971 classic album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.
His manager, Carol Kaye, confirmed to CBS News that Whitlock passed away Sunday morning in Texas after a battle with cancer, surrounded by his family.
In a statement to CBS News, Whitlock’s wife, CoCo Carmel Whitlock, reflected on his life, saying it was hard to sum up the greatness of a man who rose from deep poverty in the South to achieve unimaginable heights in such a short time.
“As he would always say: ‘Life is what you make it, so take it and make it beautiful.’ And he did,” she stated.
Bobby Whitlock was an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist best known as a founding member of the rock band Derek and the Dominos. Born on March 18, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, Whitlock grew up surrounded by the sounds of gospel, soul, and blues, which would shape his music career. In the late 1960s, he became the first white artist signed to Stax Records, where he worked with influential musicians and developed his soulful vocal style and keyboard skills.
Derek and the Dominos in 1970 (from left to right): Jim Gordon, Carl Radle, Whitlock and Eric Clapton
Whitlock’s life changed when he met guitarist Eric Clapton, and in 1970 the two formed Derek and the Dominos along with guitarist Duane Allman, bassist Carl Radle, and drummer Jim Gordon. The band released the now-classic album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, which blended blues, rock, and heartfelt ballads. Whitlock contributed vocals, keyboards, and songwriting to the project, co-writing several tracks, including “Bell Bottom Blues” and “Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?” Although the band broke up in 1971, their music became legendary and influenced generations of rock artists.
After Derek and the Dominos, Whitlock pursued a solo career, releasing several albums throughout the 1970s. While he never achieved the same commercial success as with the band, he maintained a loyal fan base and was respected for his deep, soulful voice and emotional songwriting. In later years, he often performed with his wife, singer CoCo Carmel, and continued recording and touring for devoted audiences. In his later years, Whitlock developed a passion for painting, adding visual art to his creative pursuits.