Bobby Whitlock, Legendary Derek and the Dominos Co-Founder, Dies at 77 After Cancer Battle - Report

Bobby Whitlock, the famous co-founder and keyboard player of Derek and the Dominos died peacefully at 77. He passed on following a short battle with cancer in his house in Texas in the presence of family. Whitlock’s soulful keyboard playing and songwriting helped shape the iconic 1971 album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs,” which remains a rock classic. From his early roots in Memphis soul music and being the first white artist signed to Stax Records, to collaborations with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and other rock legends, Whitlock’s impact on music is lasting and deep.

Bobby Whitlock’s Cause of Death

On August 10, 2025, Whitlock's manager confirmed that he died after a brief sickness caused by cancer. Although he did not discuss his health problems publicly, Whitlock managed to spend his last days in honour and under the care of his wife, Coco Carmel, their three children, and close ones. His disease became secondary to the legacy of his musical works, which rock enthusiasts all over the world are still looking up to.

Cancer is one of the causes of death which is highest globally. A WHO report indicated that almost 10 million of the 2020 deaths in the world involved cancer. The report notes the significance of the early detection period, access to inexpensive therapy, and prevention related to lifestyle choices to minimize the risk of cancer. It mentions that lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer are the most prevalent in the world.

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Bobby Whitlock’s Musical Journey and Legacy

Bobby was born in Memphis in 1948 sharing the influences of gospel and soul music early in his life. His talents in music did not take long to be noticed, and he was recorded as the first person to sign under Stax Records, where he collaborated with soul giants such as Booker T. & the M.G.’s and Sam & Dave. Two years later, he was recruited to Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, where he met Eric Clapton in 1968. Whitlock, together with Clapton and others, created Derek and the Dominos in 1970.

The solo album by Derek and the Dominos titled Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs established the benchmark of blues-rock music. Seven of the songs on the album were co-written by Whitlock, including the song Bell Bottom Blues and Tell the Truth. Besides the band, he recorded the All Things Must Pass album of George Harrison and served as a much in-demand session musician with artists such as The Rolling Stones and Dr. John.

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Conclusion

At a later stage in his life, Bobby Whitlock went out of the limelight to pursue family and other interests like poetry and painting. His wife, Coco Carmel, said some emotional words about their life, his adventurous self. She made a sentence that described his philosophy of life, and that is to live: Life is what one would make it, so make it beautiful.

Whitlock leaves his wife, Coco Carmel, three children, and a lot of fans who also love his music and legacy. Bobby Whitlock is not alive, but his music remains to motivate. The story of Derek reminds us about a force that overwhelms the world with talent, resilience and love as the melodies of the keyboards of Derek and the Dominos are being played.