Bobby Whitlock, the Memphis-born singer-songwriter and keyboardist, has died at the age of 77. His manager, Carol Kaye, confirmed that he passed away at home in Texas on August 10 after a brief battle with cancer.
Whitlock is best known for his work in the early ’70s with Derek and the Dominos, a band he co-founded with Eric Clapton. Their only album, 1970’s *Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs*, features the iconic track “Layla” and other favorites like “Bell Bottom Blues,” which Whitlock wrote and sang.
Whitlock began his music career in the late 1960s in Memphis. He was the first white artist signed to the famous Stax Records, performing with R&B legends like Sam & Dave and Booker T. & the M.G.’s. In 1969, he joined Delaney & Bonnie, contributing keyboards and vocals to their albums. It was during this time that he met Clapton, who later invited him to play on his 1970 self-titled album.
Whitlock also worked with George Harrison on the classic *All Things Must Pass*. He played on albums by artists like Dr. John and the Rolling Stones, making an uncredited appearance on *Exile on Main Street*.
After Derek and the Dominos disbanded, Whitlock launched a solo career in 1972 with two albums. He took a break from music in the ’80s and ’90s, living on a farm in Mississippi. He returned in 1999 with *It’s About Time*, starting a new chapter in his career. He and his wife, CoCo Carmel, released several albums together over the next decade.
