Bobby Whitlock was Eric Clapton’s collaborator in Derek and the Dominos – they started the band, co-wrote material and shared lead vocals. His story of those heady years in one of the most successful blues-rock bands of all time is shared in Whitlock’s A Rock ’n’ Roll Autobiography. It begins with Whitlock growing up dirt poor in the American south, picking cotton, hanging out at the Stax studios in Memphis as a young teen, being mentored by Steve Cropper, Leon Russell and eventually joining Delaney & Bonnie prior to living in England for almost 10 years.
Whitlock moved in with Clapton and became a core member of George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass recording band, which led to the formation of Derek and the Dominos. The band’s classic Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs was recorded in 1970. Whitlock’s account of those drug-filled days, failed marriages and Ferrari's has many ups and downs, but is only a small part of Whitlock’s fascinating adventure. The good news is that he has now found a peaceful life in Austin, Texas, with wife and musical partner CoCo Carmel. In addition to celebrating the reissue of the Layla album on its 40th anniversary, Whitlock spent three years working on his book, and he and Carmel continue to perform every week at Austin’s Saxon Pub.
The city has embraced Whitlock to the extent of celebrating Bobby Whitlock Day on March 22. It was my pleasure to spend time with Whitlock in Austin recently. We did a long interview, which will be featured on CBC Radio’s Saturday Night Blues on May 19.
Check out Whitlock’s website and the videos below.
Bobby Whitlock and Eric Clapton with their classic “Bell Bottom Blues.”
Here’s Whitlock and CoCo Carmel playing “John the Revelator” at the Saxon Pub in Austin, Texas.
Related Links:
Link Wray
Shades of Blues
Big Bill Broonzy