As a session musician, he was part of George Harrison’s albums, The Rolling Stones, Dr. John and more.
Bobby Whitlockfounding member of Derek and The Dominowhose moving voice and keyboards shapes the only album of the band, “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs”, and whose session work is heard on albums by George Harrison, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stoneshe has died. He was 77 years old.
After a brief illness, Whitlock died early Sunday at his home in Texas, surrounded by family and friends, his manager confirmed to multiple media.
Bobby Whitlock’s extensive trajectory
Whitlock grew immersed in the Soul Southern scene, becoming the first white artist to sign with Stax Records. As a teenager, he recorded with artists like Sam & Dave and Booker T. & The Mg’sand later joined Delaney & Bonnie and Friendsan informal group of tour musicians that included Clapton, Carl Radle and Jim Gordon.
In 1970, the quartet formed Derek and The Dominolaunching his only studio album that year. Although it had modest sales, the album, which included the main song “Layla”, would become one of the rock milestones. The group dissolved in 1971 due to personal problems and the death of the guitarist Duane Allman.
Whitlock session work included contributions to “All Things Must Pass” of George Harrison, “The Sun, Moon & Herbs” of Dr. Johnthe homonym album of Doris Troy and non -accredited, but key passages of the seminal “Exile on Main St.” of the Rolling Stones. He also launched four solo albums in the 1970s before moving away from the industry.
Whitlock was also a prolific composer: he co -written half of Layla’s original songs, including “Bell Bottom Blues” and “Tell the Truth”, and his compositions have been recorded by artists from Sheryl Crow until Derek Trucks.
In the 1990s, Whitlock recorded again and frequently collaborated with his wife, Coco Carmel. He met with Clapton in 2000 for a televised interpretation of “Bell Bottom Blues”.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
