Bobby Whitlock, the keyboardist and vocalist who co-founded Derek and the Dominos with Eric Clapton and contributed to classic albums including George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, has died at the age of 77. His manager, Carol Kaye, confirmed to Variety that Whitlock died on Sunday morning after a brief battle with cancer.
Born in Memphis, Whitlock began his career signed to Stax Records, playing with acts such as Booker T. and the MG's and Sam & Dave. He later became a key member of Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, where he forged a musical partnership with Clapton. Whitlock worked on Harrison's landmark album, with his piano on 'Beware of Darkness' being one of the parts credited to him.
Derek and the Dominos, though short-lived, produced the acclaimed 1971 double LP Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, considered one of rock's greatest albums. Whitlock co-wrote seven tracks, including 'Bell Bottom Blues' and 'Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?' He later described the band as 'lightning in a bottle' and 'the very best band on the planet,' attributing their dissolution to drug and alcohol abuse and ego conflicts.
After the group's breakup, Whitlock released several solo albums in the 1970s, starting with his self-titled debut in 1972. He also made an uncredited appearance on the Rolling Stones' Exile on Main Street and claimed a co-writing credit for 'I Just Want to See His Face.' His other guest credits include albums by Eric Clapton, Doris Troy, Dr. John, and Stephen Stills.
Whitlock grew up as a minister's son in a difficult home environment, finding refuge in Memphis soul music. He was signed to Stax's Hip Records but left without releasing anything, feeling mismatched with the label's direction. After joining Delaney & Bonnie in California, he reunited with Clapton for the Harrison album and the formation of Derek and the Dominos. Despite the band's legacy, Whitlock notably disliked the famous coda of their hit 'Layla,' stating the song was complete without it.
