The death of Bobby Whitlock at the age of 77, has sent a shockwave through the rock and roll music industry. He wasn’t just a musician but also an inspiration for many, who rose from his humble beginnings to establish his name in the world. Bobby was also the founder of the band, Derek and the Dominos, who could create only one music album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. However, with this one album, the band had one of the best hits of the ’70s.
On August 10, 2025 an official statement revealed that Bobby Whitlock had passed away. As his fans pour condolences and reminisce about his artistry as a musician, here’s a look at the legacy of Bobby Whitlock.
Bobby Whitlock was born to a preacher father in Memphis
Bobby Whitlock was born on March 18, 1948, in Memphis, U.S.A. As a son of a preacher, he would quietly sneak away from his father’s service. Demonstrating a love for music from a young age, Bobby would listen to the lively choir music coming from a nearby Black American church. By his teens, Bobby already had a great expertise with the piano. He also became a regular at the Stax Studios and contributed through singles.
Bobby Whitlock’s time with Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett
After learning all about R & B (Rhythm and Blues) from the maestros at Strax Studios, Bobby left Memphis with the husband and wife music duo, Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. As a result, he became the first member of the couple’s touring band, Delaney and Bonnie and Friends. This was a turning point in his life, since as a part of this band Bobby met musicians that he would continue to work with all through the ’70s.
Bobby was the keyboardist of the band and also provided vocals. The bassist was Carl Radle, Jim Keltner and Jim Gordon for the drums and a horn section comprising Bobby Keys and Jim Price. Eric Clapton later joined them as a lead guitarist. The band had a successful run, however, after the success, the co-founders, Delaney and Bonnie, started considering themselves ‘big stars’ as per reports. After arguments over money, the ‘Friends’ left the band.
Derek and the Dominos band finally emerged
After the group was disbanded, Bobby Whitlock and Eric Clapton stayed together at the latter’s house. To form another band, they roped in their former Delaney and Bonnie and Friends members. Carl Radle for bass, Jim Gordon for drums, Eric Clapton as lead guitarist and Bobby Whitlock for keyboard. Thus, the Derek and the Dominos band was finally formed. They played for George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, then went to Miami to record their only album, Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs.
However, soon after the success of the album, the band parted ways. In a 2017 interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Bobby Whitlock recalled the day when the ‘dominos fell’. He stated that they were all doing ‘too much alcohol and drugs’ and amidst that, their Jim Gordon and Eric Clapton got into a tiff. The latter said to the drummer, ‘I’ll never play with you ever again’ and left. Bobby said that Eric actually never again played with Jim until for his solo record. Talking about why the band broke up, the keyboardist said:
“Well, Jim and Eric were having kind of a war and we were all doing too much alcohol and drugs.”
Bobby Whitlock and his wife and music partner, Coco Carmel
Bobby Whitlock tied the knot with Coco Carmel in 2005, after being together for almost six years. They were not just life-partners, but were also bound by their love for music. The musician husband and wife duo wrote, composed and performed songs together. After 11 years of their marriage, Bobby and Coco also renewed their wedding vows in Kerala, India. The couple also had a YouTube channel, Bobby Whitlock & CoCo Carmel where they would post candid videos of themselves. The last video in the channel was posted a year ago and is titled, “Bobby Whitlock receiving His Brass Note on Beale Street Memphis”.
Bobby Whitlock passed away in 77 due to ‘a brief illness’
Bobby Whitlock’s manager confirmed with an official statement to TMZ that the 77-year-old musician passed away after ‘a brief illness’ in his home in Texas while surrounded by family. His wife, Coco, emotionally shared with the media portal how exceptional her husband was and said:
“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? 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.”
Condolences to all the loved ones of Bobby Whitlock.
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