Los Angeles, Aug 11 (V7N) — Bobby Whitlock, the influential singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and founding member of the legendary blues-rock group Derek and the Dominos, has passed away at the age of 77.
 
Whitlock died early Sunday morning, August 10, following a battle with cancer, his representative Carol Kaye confirmed to USA Today. The veteran rock musician was reportedly surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
 
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Whitlock began his musical journey in the soul-infused studios of Stax Records before rising to international prominence in the early 1970s. He is best known for his role as the keyboardist and co-vocalist in Derek and the Dominos, the band fronted by Eric Clapton. Together, they created the seminal 1970 album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, a critically acclaimed work that featured the iconic title track “Layla.”
 
In addition to his keyboard contributions, Whitlock co-wrote several of the album’s tracks and provided distinctive vocal harmonies that helped shape the group’s soulful sound. Though the band was short-lived, its influence on blues rock and classic rock is considered profound.
 
Clapton paid tribute to Whitlock in a heartfelt Facebook post, 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,” accompanied by a photo of Whitlock seated beside a keyboard.
 
Over the decades, Whitlock continued to record music both as a solo artist and in collaboration with his wife, CoCo Carmel. The duo released several independent albums and performed internationally, maintaining a loyal fan base drawn to their raw, emotional performances and authentic roots-rock sound.
 
Though never a household name, Bobby Whitlock’s contributions to the landscape of 20th-century rock music are enduring. His work with Derek and the Dominos remains a touchstone for fans of blues-infused rock and continues to inspire musicians to this day.
 
Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced. Tributes from across the music industry are expected to follow in the coming days.
 
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