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Image Courtesy: Billboard
After a brief battle with cancer, Bobby Whitlock, the well-known keyboardist, songwriter, and co-founder of ‘Derek & the Dominos’, passed away at the age of 77 in his Texas home on 10th August, surrounded by his loved ones.
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Image Courtesy: ArtistInfo
Bobby’s journey started in the thriving centre of the Stax Records scene and led him from Memphis’ soulful beginnings to rock’s greatest peaks. He began his musical career with soul giants and even literally contributed to Sam & Dave’s ‘I Thank You’ as the first white artist signed to the storied label. He quickly rose to the status of rock royalty thanks to his sound and personality.
Bobby co-founded ‘Derek & the Dominos’ in 1970 with Jim Gordon, Carl Radle, and Eric Clapton, resulting in the classic double-LP Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. Classics like ‘Bell Bottom Blues’, ‘Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?’ are adorned with his lyrical and musical fingerprints. The band’s influence and Bobby’s contribution to its formation, remains unabated even though their dazzling flame subsided by 1971.
Aside from the Dominos, Bobby’s soulful range had him on George Harrison’s ‘All Things Must Pass’, assisting Dr. John’s Productions, and even sneaking uncredited onto songs of the ‘Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main St. After Dominos, Whitlock ventured into solo work, issuing four studio albums in the 1970s before an inactive stint gave way to a resurgent one in the late 90s and 2000s.
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Image Courtesy: Cryptic Rock
Collaborating with his wife and musical collaborator ‘CoCo Carmel’, he produced intimate live shows and passionate recordings that struck chord with listeners.
