Bobby Whitlock, co-founder of Derek & the Dominos, passed away at age 77.
His devastated manager, Carole Kaye, revealed the heartbreaking news that he passed away at his home in Texas at 1:20 a.m. after a brief fight with cancer, as reported by Variety.
The legendary rock figure, who contributed to three of rock’s most iconic albums — Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, All Things Must Pass, and Exile on Main Street — was surrounded by his loved ones during his final moments.
His wife, CoCo Carmel Whitlock, expressed in a statement to TMZ: ‘How can one capture the essence of a man who rose from great poverty in the south to unimaginable heights, all in just a few words?’
Continuing, she said, ‘My beloved Bobby saw life as an adventure, guiding me through a wondrous world that included music, poetry, and painting. I always feel his intensely expressive and warm hands on my face and back whenever I close my eyes; he remains with me,’ she added.
The couple wed on Christmas Eve in 2005 in Nashville, Tennessee, one year before making the move to Austin, Texas.
Bobby Whitlock, co-founder of Derek & the Dominos, passed away at age 77 (pictured in 1975)
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Whitlock’s musical journey began early.
As a young musician, he recorded with icons like Sam & Dave and Booker T. & the M.G.’s, breaking new ground as the first white artist to be signed to the renowned Stax Records.
His significant opportunity came in 1969 when he performed on Accept No Substitute with Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, later joining their famous touring ensemble, Delaney & Bonnie and Friends.
It was during that period that Whitlock forged pivotal connections with Eric Clapton and George Harrison, both of whom joined the Friends on the road.
Those relationships would lead to Whitlock and Clapton contributing to Harrison’s monumental 1970 album All Things Must Pass and to the formation of Derek and the Dominos.
With Carl Radle and Jim Gordon, the group recorded Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, a record that would become a cornerstone of rock history.
Whitlock co-wrote half the album’s tracks, including enduring classics Tell the Truth and Bell Bottom Blues.
After Derek and the Dominos disbanded in 1971, Whitlock embarked on a solo career, releasing two albums of his own and lending his talents, often without credit, to other landmark projects, including The Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main Street.
His ‘heartbroken’ manager, Carole Kaye, confirmed the devastating news that he died at home in Texas at 1:20 a.m., following a brief illness, to TMZ; seen with Eric Clapton Jim Gordon and Carl Radle
The legendary rock icon, whose fingerprints are all over three of rock’s most celebrated albums, was surrounded by loved ones as he took his last breath; seen in 2000
He also collaborated with artists such as Dr. John and Manassas.
In 2024, his hometown honored him with induction into Memphis’ Beale Street Walk of Fame.
In later years, Whitlock continued to record and tour, often alongside his wife and musical partner.
He is survived by his wife, his sister Debbie Wade, and his children Ashley Brown, Beau Whitlock, and Tim Whitlock Kelly.
Fans were quick to pay tribute to Whitlock on social media as they expressed their grief and marveled over his legacy.
‘We’ve lost two of the most unique voices in recent days: first, the incomparable Terry Reid, and now the brilliant Bobby Whitlock, who excelled in Derek & The Dominos. Little by little, we’re having to deal with a world without reference points, a world less musical,’ one tweeted.
Another wrote: ‘We’ve lost Bobby Whitlock. If you’re going to be remembered for one album, “Layla” is the one you want to be remembered for. Kind of like writing “To Kill a Mockingbird” or “Catcher in the Rye.” You only need one! RIP.’
‘The past year has been terrible for music greats,’ a third shared, alongside a photo of Whitlock on X.
