The music world mourns the loss of Bobby Whitlock, the talented keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and co-founder of the iconic blues-rock band Derek and the Dominos, who has sadly passed away at the age of 77.
Whitlock’s departure occurred early Sunday morning, August 10, at 1:20 a.m., following a courageous and brief battle with cancer. His manager, Carol Kaye, confirmed the news to Variety. He spent his final moments at his home in Texas, surrounded by his loving family, who provided him comfort during this challenging time.
To celebrate and honor her husband’s remarkable legacy, Whitlock’s wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock, released a heartfelt statement to TMZ, sharing her feelings and memories of their life together.
“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 reflected. “My love Bobby looked at life as an adventure, taking me by the hand and leading me through a world of wonderment, from music to poetry and painting. I can still feel his hands, so intensely expressive and warm, on my face and the small of my back whenever I close my eyes; he is always there.”
Bobby Whitlock was born on March 18, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee. He achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first white artist signed to Stax Records as a teenager in the mid-1960s. During his time at this legendary record label, he had the honor of performing alongside soul legends like Booker T. & the MG’s and Sam & Dave, which greatly influenced his musical career.
In 1968, Whitlock joined Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, a group that included future members of Derek and the Dominos: Eric Clapton, Carl Radle, and Jim Gordon. During this exciting period, he contributed to Clapton’s self-titled debut album released in 1970 and played organ and piano on George Harrison’s</b groundbreaking album, All Things Must Pass, which showcased his remarkable talent.
Later that same year, the dynamic quartet of Clapton, Whitlock, Radle, and Gordon formed Derek and the Dominos. Whitlock played a pivotal role as a co-writer for half of the tracks on the band’s celebrated album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, which includes classics like “Bell Bottom Blues” and “Tell the Truth.” The band embarked on a U.S. tour to support the album, with Elton John opening for them, marking a significant moment in rock history.
“It was their keyboard player Bobby Whitlock that I watched like a hawk,” John recalled in his autobiography, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. “He was from Memphis, learned his craft hanging around Stax Studios, and played with that soulful, deep Southern gospel feel,” highlighting the profound impact Whitlock had on fellow musicians.
Unfortunately, amidst a backdrop of escalating drug use and personal tensions within the group, Derek and the Dominos disbanded in 1971 while they were still recording their much-anticipated sophomore album. Following the split, Whitlock pursued a solo career, releasing a series of albums in the 1970s, starting with his self-titled debut that featured contributions from all the members of Derek and the Dominos and Harrison. He followed this with the album Raw Velvet, showcasing his evolving artistry.
As a sought-after session musician, Whitlock contributed his talents to several notable projects, including the Rolling Stones acclaimed album Exile on Main St., Dr. John’s The Sun, Moon & Herbs, and Stephen Stills & Manassas’ Down the Road, further solidifying his reputation as an accomplished musician in the industry.
Whitlock continued to release solo music throughout the 1970s and made a noteworthy return in the 1990s. His work often included collaborations with his musical partner and future wife, CoCo Carmel, whom he married in December 2005, showcasing their creative synergy and love for music.
Whitlock leaves behind a loving legacy, survived by his beloved wife, CoCo Carmel, and his children: Ashley Faye Brown, Beau Elijah Whitlock, and Tim Whitlock Kelly, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, ensuring that his spirit and contributions to music will endure through his family.
