Derek And The Domino's Co-Founder Dead At 77.
Bobby Whitlock — singer, keyboardist, songwriter, and co-founder of Derek & the Dominos — died August 10, 2025 at his home in Texas. He was 77. His manager Carole Kaye confirmed he died of cancer in the early morning hours, surrounded by family.
Key Facts (Artist Profile)
- Born: March 18, 1948 — Memphis, Tennessee
- Died: August 10, 2025 — Texas; age 77
- Cause: Cancer (per manager Carol Kaye)
- Known for: Co-founding Derek & the Dominos; key vocals/keys and co-writes on Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs; sessions for George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass
- Early Career: Became the first white artist signed to Stax Records before joining Delaney & Bonnie and Friends
- Later Years: Solo albums, acclaimed duo work with wife CoCo Carmel, and a prolific turn to painting; honored on Beale Street Walk of Fame (2024)
What Happened
News of Whitlock’s death was shared by his manager, Carol Kaye, who told reporters he died of cancer at home in Texas with family present. His wife and musical partner, CoCo Carmel, posted a tribute reflecting on their life and work together. Eric Clapton also shared condolences to CoCo and the family.
Why He Mattered
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Whitlock was a rare bridge between Memphis soul and British-American blues-rock. After cutting his teeth at Stax — where he made history as the label’s first white signee — he joined Delaney & Bonnie, crossing paths with Eric Clapton, Carl Radle, and Jim Gordon. Together they formed Derek & the Dominos in 1970 and built one of rock’s most emotionally raw landmarks, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. Whitlock’s grain and gospel in the harmonies, his Hammond swells, and his pen were the soul inside the ache.
He wasn’t just a sideman; he co-wrote cornerstones like “Bell Bottom Blues,” “Anyday,” “Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?,” and opener “I Looked Away,” and his church-bred vocals gave those songs a human bruise. Beyond the Dominos, he was a session spine on George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass and contributed to Clapton’s solo debut.
Rocktone Recommendations
Essential Whitlock Playlist (10 tracks):
- Derek & the Dominos — “Bell Bottom Blues”
- Derek & the Dominos — “Anyday”
- Derek & the Dominos — “Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?”
- Derek & the Dominos — “I Looked Away”
- Derek & the Dominos — “Tell the Truth”
- Derek & the Dominos — “Keep on Growing”
- George Harrison — “Awaiting on You All” (All Things Must Pass)
- George Harrison — “Wah-Wah” (All Things Must Pass)
- Bobby Whitlock — “Where There’s a Will”
- Bobby Whitlock — “A Day Without Jesus”
Tributes & Reactions
- Eric Clapton offered condolences to CoCo Carmel and the family, calling Whitlock a dear friend. CBS News
- Industry acknowledgments poured in across music press and social platforms as word spread.
Sources
- People — confirmation from manager Carol Kaye; CoCo Carmel tribute; late-life painting; Beale Street honor (2024). People.com
- CBS News — death confirmed by manager; location (Texas); family present; Clapton condolence post. CBS News
- Pitchfork — biographical arc; Stax “first white artist” detail; cancer confirmation via manager. Pitchfork
- Rolling Stone UK — time of passing (1:20 a.m.) and brief illness wording; Dominos credits/co-writes. Rolling Stone UK
- Entertainment Weekly — career overview and Stax signing. EW.com
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