Bobby Whitlock, the celebrated musician and co-founder of Derek and the Dominos, has passed away at the age of 77. His manager, Carol Kaye, confirmed his death to CBS News, revealing that Whitlock died Sunday morning from cancer while surrounded by his family in Texas.
Whitlock was widely recognized as the keyboard player and vocalist for Derek and the Dominos, the iconic rock band that released the seminal 1971 album, “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs”. The album, which featured collaborations with Eric Clapton, is celebrated for its enduring impact on rock music.
A Life Well-Lived
In a statement to CBS News, Whitlock’s wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock, paid tribute to her late husband, reflecting on his extraordinary journey.
“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 in such a short time?” she wrote. She quoted her husband’s words: “Life is what you make it, so take it and make it beautiful. And he did.”
She concluded with a heartfelt message: “Farewell my Love, I’ll see you in my dreams.“
Whitlock is survived by his wife and three children: Ashley Faye Brown, Beau Elijah Whitlock, and Tim Whitlock Kelly.
Tributes from Friends and Fellow Musicians
Fellow musician and longtime collaborator, Eric Clapton, shared his condolences on social media, writing, “Our dear friend Bobby Whitlock, has passed away at 77, our sincere condolences to Bobby’s wife CoCo and his family on this sad day…. RIP Bobby xxx.”
John Fusco, a filmmaker and Whitlock’s longtime friend, also shared his memories of the musician, calling him a rock ‘n’ roll legend and major influence in the world of music.
Fusco fondly recalled Whitlock’s storytelling abilities and highlighted his artistic talents later in life. “In his later years, Bobby became a prolific artist,” Fusco noted. “I will be forever honored that he painted an original work for me as the cover art of my ‘John the Revelator’ CD.”
Whitlock’s paintings were showcased in a 2022 exhibit at the Crockett County Museum in Ozona, Texas, celebrating his creative contributions beyond music.
Musical Legacy
Whitlock’s work with Derek and the Dominos remains a significant part of rock history. He co-wrote several iconic tracks on the “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” album alongside Eric Clapton, including “Tell the Truth,” “Bell Bottom Blues,” and “Why Does Love Have to be So Sad?” These tracks continue to be celebrated by music lovers worldwide.
In the years following his music career, Whitlock’s life was marked by both artistic expression and personal reflection, with his wife sharing glimpses of their life together through YouTube videos, in which they discussed his artwork and musical journey.
A Lasting Impact
Bobby Whitlock’s musical and artistic contributions have left an indelible mark on both the world of rock and the broader creative community. His influence will continue to resonate with fans, fellow musicians, and artists for years to come.
