Bobby Whitlock, co-founder of Derek & the Dominos, passed away at age 77.
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.
The legendary rock icon, whose fingerprints are all over three of rock’s most celebrated albums — Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, All Things Must Pass, and Exile on Main Street — was surrounded by loved ones as he took his last breath.
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Whitlock’s musical journey began early.
As a teenager, he recorded with legends like Sam & Dave and Booker T. & the M.G.’s, and broke barriers as the first white artist signed to the storied Stax Records.
His big break came in 1969, when he played on Accept No Substitute with Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett before joining their renowned touring group, Delaney & Bonnie and Friends.
Bobby Whitlock, co-founder of Derek & the Dominos, passed away at age 77
It was during that period that Whitlock forged pivotal connections with Eric Clapton and George Harrison, both of whom briefly 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.
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, CoCo Carmel Whitlock.
He is survived by Carmel Whitlock, his sister Debbie Wade, and his children Ashley Brown, Beau Whitlock, and Tim Whitlock Kelly.
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
