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Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
George Harrison and Eric Clapton collaborator Bobby Whitlock dies aged 77
Musician Bobby Whitlock, who co-founded the band Derek and the Dominos, has died aged 77. The keyboard player and vocalist was best known for forming the blues rock band with Eric Clapton in 1970, however they only ever released one album and broke up after a year. Whitlock also worked with The Beatles star George Harrison, playing on his 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass. This week it was announced that he had died. ABC Audio reported Whitlock's death, quoting manager Carol Kaye as saying: 'With profound sadness, the family of Bobby Whitlock announces his passing at 1:20am on Aug. 10 after a brief illness. He passed in his home in Texas, surrounded by family.' Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Whitlock was signed to Stax Records as a teenager, also becoming the first white artist signed to the label. His first recording credit came in 1967 when he supplied handclaps on Sam & Dave's single I Thank You. Between 1965 and 1968, he performed regularly in the Memphis area, playing organ with local soul band the Short Cuts before forming the Counts. Although there had been plans for him to work on a pop album, he instead decided to leave his home city and join a soul-revue band being forming in Los Angeles – Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, who accompanied the duo Delaney & Bonnie on their tours. Another member of the group was Clapton, however after disagreements, the band members that had been brought on board quit and instead went on to work on Harrison's album. Soon after they formed blues-rock band Derek and the Dominos – releasing their debut and only album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs in 1970, which has been considered by many as one of the greatest rock albums of all time. But after the album tanked commercially and failed to chart in the UK – as well as the band being wrapped up in drug consumption and personal conflicts – it fell apart after a year. After this Whitlock went on to forge a career as a solo artist, releasing his self-titled album in 1972, which also featured all members of his recently dissolved band. It was followed by Raw Velvet the same year and One of a Kind in 1975, however after this release he withdrew from the music industry. Whitlock previously said the decision was due to him having 'problems to deal with'. More Trending Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Whitlock lived on a farm in Mississippi, raising his children and doing occasional session work. He also had his own television show with Steve Cropper. In 1999 he resumed his solo career with the album It's About Time and in 2003 teamed up with his partner and musician CoCo Carmel to release a live album of the Dominos' songs. The couple later moved to Austin, Texas, and continued releasing music together. Other than his wife, Whitlock is also survived by his three children – Ashley Brown, Beau Whitlock and Tim Whitlock Kelly. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: British TV legend Ray Brooks, best known as voice of Mr Benn, dies aged 86 MORE: Influencer Emilie Kiser's husband 'placed sports bet' before toddler son Trigg's drowning MORE: Rapper T-Hood, 33, dies after being shot at home
Business Upturn
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Bobby Whitlock passes away at 77: A look back at his life and career
On August 10, 2025, the music world mourned the loss of Bobby Whitlock, who passed away at 77 in his Texas home after a brief illness, as confirmed by his manager, Carol Kaye. Best known as a co-founder of Derek and the Dominos, Whitlock's soulful contributions as a pianist, guitarist, singer, and songwriter left an enduring mark on rock and soul music. This article reflects on his remarkable career, from his Memphis roots to his work on iconic albums like Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs . Memphis Beginnings and Stax Records Born on March 18, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, Bobby Whitlock grew up steeped in the city's vibrant soul and blues scene. As a teenager, he became the first white artist signed to Stax Records, a label synonymous with soul music. At Stax, Whitlock honed his craft, playing organ and contributing handclaps to Sam & Dave's 1967 hit 'I Thank You.' His early exposure to legends like Steve Cropper and Booker T. Jones shaped his distinctive, gospel-infused style. Whitlock's raw talent and Southern roots—his family background included 'River Rats, Moonshiners, Whores, and a Southern Baptist preacher' father—gave him a unique musical authenticity. Joining Delaney & Bonnie and Meeting Clapton In 1968, Whitlock joined Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, a soul-revue band where he played keyboards and sang. His dynamic performances caught the eye of Eric Clapton, who joined the band as a guest guitarist. Clapton later praised Whitlock's energy, noting he was 'the most energetic sideman I had ever seen.' This collaboration led to Whitlock's involvement in sessions for Doris Troy's 1970 Apple Records album and a performance at John Lennon's 'Peace for Christmas' concert. These experiences connected him with George Harrison, setting the stage for his most iconic contributions. Derek and the Dominos: A Rock Masterpiece In 1970, Whitlock co-founded Derek and the Dominos with Eric Clapton, bassist Carl Radle, and drummer Jim Gordon. Their only studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970), is a rock classic. Whitlock co-wrote seven tracks, including 'Bell Bottom Blues' and 'Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?' His soulful vocals, often duetting with Clapton, and his Hammond organ work added depth to the album's blues-rock sound. The album, driven by Clapton's unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, was a critical success but initially a commercial disappointment. Tragically, drug use and personal conflicts led to the band's breakup in 1971. Whitlock later recalled, 'We scored an enormous amount of drugs… that was the beginning of the end.' Iconic Collaborations: Harrison and The Rolling Stones Whitlock's talents extended beyond Derek and the Dominos. He played keyboards, piano, and tubular bells on George Harrison's 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass , contributing to tracks like 'Beware of Darkness.' He described these sessions as 'spectacular.' In 1972, he added uncredited keyboard work to The Rolling Stones' Exile on Main Street , further showcasing his versatility. Whitlock also collaborated with artists like Dr. John and Manassas, solidifying his reputation as a sought-after session musician. Solo Work and Artistic Evolution Whitlock released solo albums in the 1970s, including Bobby Whitlock and Raw Velvet (both 1972), featuring Clapton and Rick Vito. After a quieter period in the 1980s and 1990s, he returned with It's About Time (1999) and later collaborated with his wife, CoCo Carmel, on albums like Other Assorted Love Songs, Live from Whitney Chapel (2003). In his later years, Whitlock embraced painting, creating over 1,800 pieces since 2018, reflecting his emotional depth. In 2024, he was inducted into Memphis' Beale Street Walk of Fame, honoring his musical legacy. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
