Bobby Whitlock, the acclaimed musician and co-founder of Derek and the Dominos alongside Eric Clapton, has died at the age of 77. His manager, Carol Kaye, confirmed that Whitlock passed away Sunday morning in Texas after a battle with cancer, surrounded by his family.
Whitlock, a gifted singer-songwriter, keyboardist, and vocalist, helped define the sound of Derek and the Dominos — the rock group best known for their legendary 1971 album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.
A Life of Music and Inspiration
In a statement to CBS News, Whitlock’s wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock, reflected on his extraordinary life:
"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? As he would always say: 'Life is what you make it, so take it and make it beautiful.' And he did."
She added a heartfelt farewell: "Farewell my Love, I’ll see you in my dreams."
Whitlock leaves behind his wife, as well as three children — Ashley Faye Brown, Beau Elijah Whitlock, and Tim Whitlock Kelly.
Tributes from the Music World
Eric Clapton paid tribute 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."
Filmmaker and longtime friend John Fusco described Whitlock as “a rock ’n’ roll legend, a storyteller, and a major influence.”
Together with Clapton, Whitlock co-wrote several iconic tracks from the Layla album, including "Tell the Truth," "Bell Bottom Blues," and "Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?"
An Artist Beyond the Stage
In later years, Whitlock turned his creativity toward painting, becoming a prolific visual artist. His works were featured in 2022 at the Crockett County Museum in Ozona, Texas.
Many of his paintings appeared in videos uploaded by Coco Carmel on YouTube, where the couple often discussed music, life, and art. Filmmaker Fusco shared that Whitlock created an original painting for the cover of his John the Revelator CD, calling it a treasured honor.
Legacy
From humble beginnings in the American South to rock stardom with Derek and the Dominos, Bobby Whitlock’s career spanned decades of musical innovation and artistic exploration. His influence can still be felt in classic rock history, and his artistry — both in music and painting — leaves behind a lasting imprint.
Whitlock’s story remains a testament to passion, resilience, and the pursuit of beauty in life.
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