Bobby Whitlock, the beloved founder of Derek & the Dominos, has passed away at the age of 77, as confirmed by TMZ. His manager, Carol Kaye, shared the heartbreaking news that Whitlock died early Sunday morning at 1:20 AM after a brief illness. He took his last breath in the comfort of his home in Texas, surrounded by his loving family.
In honor of his legacy, Whitlock's family is currently working to identify a charity where fans can send donations in his memory. Kaye emphasized the importance of celebrating Whitlock's remarkable journey and contributions to music.
Whitlock's wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock, expressed her deep sorrow and admiration for her husband in a touching statement to TMZ. She reflected on his extraordinary life, asking, "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?"
Coco continued, "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." She shared her profound connection with him, stating, "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." Coco concluded her heartfelt tribute with a quote that Bobby lived by: "Life is what you make it, so take it and make it beautiful."
Bobby Whitlock is best remembered for co-founding the iconic blues rock band Derek & the Dominos alongside Eric Clapton in 1970. His significant contributions to the band's acclaimed album, Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs, solidified his place in music history. However, Whitlock's influence in the music industry began long before his time with the band.
According to his All Music biography, Whitlock was a regular musician in recording sessions at the legendary Stax Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, during his teenage years. Notably, he became the first white artist signed to Stax Records, a label renowned for its role in shaping the Memphis Sound and promoting soul music in the 1960s.
Whitlock's extensive career also included collaborations with notable artists such as George Harrison of The Beatles, with whom he worked on the solo project All Things Must Pass. Additionally, he lent his talents to the Rolling Stones' iconic 1972 album, Exile on Main Street, although he remained uncredited.
In the later years of his life, Bobby Whitlock discovered a new passion for painting, completing an impressive 1,800 artworks since 2018. His website notes, "If anyone could paint how they feel, it is Bobby. He has managed to tap into that inner something that expresses on canvas what he is feeling."
Whitlock's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a musical legend serves as an inspiration to many. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through his music, art, and the memories cherished by his family, friends, and fans.
