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

Rock legend Bobby Whitlock passed away at the age of 77 on August 10, 2025, early in the morning at 1:20 AM. He died at his home in Texas, and his family was with him. The reports by TMZ mentioned that Bobby was ill for a short time before he died. His most famous works include Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, with his band Derek and the Dominos.

His manager, Carol Keye, said he feels "heartbroken," and also that Bobby's family is very upset. His wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock, spoke in a statement about how he rose from extreme poverty in the American South to great things in a short time. She said he made life an adventure, full of music, poetry, and painting. She also 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's music and career

As a teenager, Bobby Whitlock played music at the Stax Records studio and worked with soul legends like Sam & Dave and Booker T. & the M.G.’s. He was the first white artist signed to Stax.

In 1969, he joined Delaney & Bonnie and Friends. There he met Eric Clapton, Carl Radle, and Jim Gordon. Together, they formed Derek and the Dominos in 1970. Bobby Whitlock co-wrote many songs on their album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. He helped write tracks like “Bell Bottom Blues” and “Tell the Truth.”

He also played on George Harrison’s album All Things Must Pass. Later, he played uncredited on The Rolling Stones’ album Exile on Main Street. After the band's end in 1971, he made solo albums. He worked with his wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock, on his music. In 2024, he was inducted into Memphis’ Beale Street Walk of Fame.

Bobby Whitlock's legacy

Bobby Whitlock wrote a memoir called A Rock ’n’ Roll Autobiography, published in 2010. Eric Clapton wrote the foreword. In his last years, Bobby found a new passion - painting. Since 2018, he has created over 1,800 paintings. His art was said to show what he felt inside. Bobby leaves behind his wife, Coco, his three children, and his sister, Debbie.

Bobby Whitlock lived from humble beginnings and reached remarkable heights. He helped make music that fans still love today. He played with the giants of rock and later found peace in painting. His life shows how one person can spark joy through many forms of art. May he rest in peace.

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