Bobby Whitlock, the soulful keyboardist, singer and co‑founder of the iconic blues‑rock band Derek and the Dominos, passed away on August 10, 2025, at the age of 77 following a brief illness at his Texas home, surrounded by his family .

Born in Memphis in 1948, Whitlock began his musical journey at Stax Records and made history as its first white artist, contributing to sessions with soul greats such as Booker T. & the MG’s and Sam & Dave . He later joined Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, where he met Eric Clapton—a collaboration that led to the formation of Derek and the Dominos in 1970 .

Whitlock played a pivotal role in the band’s only studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, co‑writing seven tracks including “Bell Bottom Blues,” “Tell the Truth,” and “Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?” . His musicianship extended to other landmark works, such as George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass and uncredited session contributions on the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main St. .

After the band disbanded in 1971, Whitlock released several solo albums in the 1970s before stepping away from music. He returned in 1999, collaborating closely with his wife and musical partner, CoCo Carmel, on albums and acoustic performances .

In his later years, Whitlock embraced painting, creating over 1,800 works that were exhibited publicly. In 2024, he was inducted into Memphis’s Beale Street Walk of Fame, honoring his enduring musical legacy .

Tributes have poured in from fans and peers alike. His wife, CoCo Carmel, described him as someone who viewed life as an adventure full of music, poetry, and art. Many took to social media to express grief, marking the passing of a unique and irreplaceable voice in music .

With Whitlock’s death, Eric Clapton remains the only surviving member of Derek and the Dominos .