Bobby Whitlock Dies, Eric Capton Condolences To His Colleagues In Derek And The Dominos

Derek and the Dominos pianist, Bobby Whitlock (photo: Coco Carmel/ Instagram @ericclapton)

JAKARTA - Pianist and founder of Derek and the Dominos, Bobby Whitlock, has passed away at the age of 77. He breathed his last at his home in Texas, USA, on Sunday, August 10.

The sad news from the music world was confirmed directly by his wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock.

"How can you express in just a few words the greatness of a man who rose from abject poverty in the South to unimaginable heights in such a short time?" Coco said, as quoted by TMZ on Tuesday, August 12.

"My lover, Bobby, saw life as an adventure, holding my hand, leading me through a world of wonder, from music to poetry and painting," she continued. "I feel his expressive, warm hands on my face and back; every time I close my eyes, he's there."

Coco concluded her explanation by quoting a quote attributed to her late husband.

"Life is what you make it, so enjoy it and make it beautiful," she said.

Whitlock's Derek and the Dominos colleague, Eric Clapton, also expressed his condolences via a post on his social media account.

"Our dear friend, Bobby Whitlock, has passed away at the age of 77. Our sincere condolences to Bobby's wife, CoCo, and his family on this sad day... RIP Bobby xxx," Clapton wrote.

Bobby Whitlock is best known for his work with Derek & the Dominoes on their single album, "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs" (1971).

Some of his credited songs include "Bell Bottom Blues," "Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?", and "Tell the Truth."

He also wrote songs for Lady Gaga, Ray Charles, Tom Jones, George Jones, Cher, The Rolling Stones (uncredited), Tedeschi Trucks, Sheryl Crow, and many more.