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

Renowned keyboardist, singer-songwriter and Derek and the Dominos co-founder Bobby Whitlock died on August 10, 2025, at 1:20 a.m. He was 77. According to his manager Carol Kaye, Whitlock succumbed to a brief battle with cancer at his Texas home, surrounded by family Variety.

In a heartfelt tribute, his wife Coco Carmel Whitlock reflected on his extraordinary journey, telling TMZ, “How can a few words capture the grandeur of a man who rose from deep Southern poverty to dizzying heights so swiftly? Bobby led me by the hand through a wondrous world—his music, his poetry, his paintings. His expressive hands, warm against my face and back, remain with me whenever I close my eyes.”

Born March 18, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, Whitlock made history in the mid-1960s as Stax Records’ first white signee. As a teenager he performed alongside Booker T. & the M.G.’s and Sam & Dave, absorbing the soulful roots that would shape his own artistry.

In 1968, he joined Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, collaborating with future Dominos members Eric Clapton, Carl Radle and Jim Gordon. That same era saw Whitlock contribute to Clapton’s 1970 debut and lend organ and piano to George Harrison’s triple-album opus All Things Must Pass.

Later in 1970, Whitlock reunited with Clapton, Radle and Gordon to form Derek and the Dominos. He co-wrote half the tracks on their sole studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, including “Bell Bottom Blues” and “Tell the Truth.” The group’s U.S. tour featured Elton John as opening act—“I watched their keyboard player Bobby Whitlock like a hawk,” John recalled in his autobiography, praising Whitlock’s “soulful, deep Southern gospel feel” Los Angeles Times.

By 1971, personal tensions and substance issues led to the Dominos’ dissolution amid sessions for a follow-up album. Whitlock then embarked on a prolific solo career, releasing his self-titled debut—featuring all Dominos members and Harrison—and later Raw Velvet that same year.

An in-demand session musician, he also appears on the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main St., Dr. John’s The Sun, Moon & Herbs and Stephen Stills & Manassas’ Down the Road. Whitlock continued issuing solo work throughout the ’70s and made a notable comeback in the ’90s alongside his creative partner and future wife, CoCo Carmel, whom he married in December 2005.

He is survived by his wife, CoCo Carmel Whitlock, and his children Ashley Faye Brown, Beau Elijah Whitlock and Tim Whitlock Kelly.

Source