Bobby Whitlock, the forceful pianist, guitarist, and songwriter of some of rock’s most iconic albums, has died aged 77.
Renowned for his soul deep roots and inimitable touch on albums such as Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, All Things Must Pass, and Exile on Main Street, Whitlock died on August 10 at 1:20 a.m. following a short illness. His manager, Carole Kaye, confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his home in Texas, but surrounded by his family.
A native of Memphis, Whitlock’s professional life started early and took off in a hurry when he became the first white artist signed to Stax Records. As a teenager, he worked with R&B legends Sam & Dave and Booker T. & the M.G.’s, laying the ground for a lifetime of innovative music. By 1969, he was working on Accept No Substitute with Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett and was a member of their touring band, Delaney & Bonnie and Friends.
It was within that circle that Whitlock met Eric Clapton. Both rock legends would subsequently guest as “Friends” with Delaney & Bonnie, ultimately leading to Whitlock and Clapton contributing their skills to Harrison’s epic 1970 solo album All Things Must Pass. It was this collaboration that sparked the idea of Derek and the Dominos, created by Whitlock, Clapton, bassist Carl Radle, and drummer Jim Gordon.
During the band’s brief but fiery career, Whitlock shared songwriting credits for half of the songs on Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, including such standouts as “Tell the Truth” and the heart-wrenching ballad “Bell Bottom Blues.” The album would become one of the era’s defining works, and help secure Whitlock’s place in rock lore.
Following the breakup of Derek and the Dominos in 1971, Whitlock went solo, releasing two solo albums that featured his raw vocal strength and soulful songwriting. He also appeared on Exile on Main Street, the 1972 classic of The Rolling Stones, making uncredited contributions. His session work did not abate, he sat in on records for Dr. John and Stephen Stills’ band Manassas, demonstrating that his range was a good deal bigger than one genre or flash.
Whitlock’s musical contributions were at last recognized in 2024 when he was added to Memphis’ Beale Street Walk of Fame, a recognition of his beginnings and of the lasting impact he made. Never did he cease making music even in his later years. Together with his wife, CoCo Carmel Whitlock, he still released music and toured, mixing blues, rock, and soul in a style only he could accomplish.
Whitlock is survived by his wife CoCo Carmel Whitlock, his sister Debbie Wade, and his children Ashley Brown, Beau Whitlock, and Tim Whitlock Kelly. His death brings an end to an chapter in a career that spanned all corners of rock music, but his voice, his songs, and his spirit will continue to play on turntables and in playlists for generations.
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