Bobby Whitlock – Legend of Rock and co-author of “Layla”

Legendary American musician, singer, guitarist, pianist and composer Bobby Whitlock, who had a huge influence on rock music, died on August 10, 2025 at the age of 77 in Texas, due to cancer. His manager, Carol Kay, confirmed the tragic news.

Born on March 18, 1948 in Memphis, Tennessee, Bobby Whitlock began his career by signing with Stax Records at a young age. He quickly established himself as a talented musician, performing with Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, where he met Eric Clapton, Carl Radle and Jim Gordon. In 1970, they founded Derek and the Dominos, releasing the iconic album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, considered one of the greatest in rock history. Whitlock co-wrote seven tracks on the album, including the acclaimed "Bell Bottom Blues", "Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?" and "Tell the Truth".

Despite subsequent disputes and even litigation with Eric Clapton over songwriting, over time the musicians reconciled and even reunited several times on stage. Clapton wrote the foreword for Whitlock's autobiography.

After the breakup of Derek and the Dominos, Whitlock continued to release solo albums in the 1970s, including "Bobby Whitlock" featuring former band members. He also contributed to the Rolling Stones (Exile on Main Street) and Dr. John (The Sun, Moon & Herbs) and Stephen Stills & Manassas (Down the Road). He played the organ and piano on George Harrison's album All Things Must Pass.

In the early 2000s, Bobby Whitlock and his wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock, began performing acoustic versions of their songs, including those from "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs." This experience led to the duo's live album, "Other Assorted Love Songs", released in 2003.