Bobby Whitlock, a renowned keyboard player, vocalist, and co-founder of Derek and the Dominos alongside Eric Clapton, passed away at the age of 77 on Sunday morning, January 5, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer, as confirmed by his manager, Carol Kaye, to Variety and CBS News.

Born in Memphis, Whitlock began his musical career at Stax Records, collaborating with artists like Booker T. and the MG’s and Sam & Dave before joining Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, where he formed a significant connection with Clapton. Whitlock played a pivotal role in Derek and the Dominos, contributing as a co-writer to many tracks on their iconic 1971 album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, including hits like “Tell the Truth,” “Bell Bottom Blues,” and “Why Does Love Got to be So Sad?”

He also contributed to George Harrison’s classic album All Things Must Pass. In his later years, Whitlock became a prolific painter, with his artwork displayed at the Crockett County Museum in Ozona, Texas, in 2022, and featured in YouTube videos uploaded by his wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock, who shared glimpses of their life and his creative process. Whitlock’s wife described his journey from poverty to remarkable heights, quoting his belief that “Life is what you make it, so take it and make it beautiful.”

He is survived by Coco and his three children: Ashley Faye Brown, Beau Elijah Whitlock, and Tim Whitlock Kelly. Tributes from Eric Clapton and filmmaker John Fusco highlighted Whitlock’s legacy as a rock ‘n’ roll legend, storyteller, and influential artist.