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Omaha Steve

(106,833 posts)
Sun Aug 10, 2025, 09:31 PM Aug 10

Bobby Whitlock, Co-Founder of Derek and the Dominos, Dies at 77

Source: Billboard

He also performed on classic albums such as George Harrison's All Things Must Pass.

By Mitchell Peters

Bobby Whitlock, the keyboardist, singer-songwriter and co-founder of the blues-rock band Derek and the Dominos, has died at the age of 77.

Whitlock passed away early Sunday morning (Aug. 10) at 1:20 a.m. following a brief battle with cancer, his manager Carol Kaye confirmed to Variety. He died at his home in Texas, surrounded by family.

Whitlock’s wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock, honored his extraordinary life in a statement to TMZ.

“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 said. “My love Bobby looked at life as an adventure taking me by the hand leading me through a world of wonderment from music to poetry and painting. I feel his hands that were so intensely expressive and warm on my face and the small of my back whenever I close my eyes, he is there.”



Bobby Whitlock poses for a portrait in front of an old car next to a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne holding an acoustic guitar in circa 1975.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images


Read more: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bobby-whitlock-death-derek-and-the-dominos-co-founder-dies-1236040251/

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Bobby Whitlock, Co-Founder of Derek and the Dominos, Dies at 77 (Original Post) Omaha Steve Aug 10 OP
Aw damn. calimary Aug 10 #1
He was honest. He agreed that the Dominos lifted Rita Coolidge's string composition for use in "Layla." John1956PA Aug 10 #2
... progressoid Aug 10 #3
You might like this video from Professor of Rock about the story iscooterliberally Aug 11 #9
Thanks. progressoid Aug 11 #11
She wrote it as strings first? Proving again you can't trust anyone in that biz... Bengus81 Aug 11 #10
One of the greats yourmovemonkey Aug 11 #4
amazing that he could even make a fascist sound somewhat bearable cadoman Aug 11 #5
Yeah, I was never a fan of Clapton, and when I found out about his politics, etc C Moon Aug 11 #7
I really liked his videos talking about moniss Aug 11 #6
... 2naSalit Aug 11 #8
Really Good Singer ProfessorGAC Aug 11 #12
In his early days VGNonly Aug 12 #13

Bengus81

(9,247 posts)
10. She wrote it as strings first? Proving again you can't trust anyone in that biz...
Mon Aug 11, 2025, 08:06 AM
Aug 11

Those artists--at least back then thought they were all brothers and sisters in that art.

 

cadoman

(1,617 posts)
5. amazing that he could even make a fascist sound somewhat bearable
Mon Aug 11, 2025, 12:20 AM
Aug 11

RIP Bobby. I'm sure you were one of the good ones.

C Moon

(13,128 posts)
7. Yeah, I was never a fan of Clapton, and when I found out about his politics, etc
Mon Aug 11, 2025, 02:02 AM
Aug 11

it only emphasized that not-a-fan.
I love that Bobby Whitlock played on All Things Must Pass. One of my favorite albums.

Rest In Peace.

VGNonly

(8,239 posts)
13. In his early days
Tue Aug 12, 2025, 10:27 AM
Aug 12

he was part of the Stax sound, with Booker T. and the MGs and Sam and Dave. He was the 1st white act to sign with Stax.

A soulful singer and great keyboardist.

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