Eric Clapton Pays Tribute After Death of Former Bandmate

Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, and Jim Gordon formed Derek and the Dominos in 1970. The band’s biggest hit, Layla, helped make them stars. Sadly, founding member Bobby Whitlock passed away following a brief illness on August 10. His wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock, confirmed his death to TMZ with a loving tribute.

Videos by InspireMore

“How do you express in but a few words the grandness of one man who came from abject poverty in the south to heights unimagined in such a short time? She My love Bobby looked at life as an adventure taking me by the hand leading me through a world of wonderment from music to poetry and painting. I feel his hands that were so intensely expressive and warm on my face and the small of my back whenever I close my eyes, he is there,” she shared. “Life is what you make it, so take it and make it beautiful.”

Eric Clapton took to social media to share his love for Bobby Whitlock and his family.

“Our dear friend Bobby Whitlock, has passed away at 77, our sincere condolences to Bobby’s wife CoCo and his family on this sad day…. RIP Bobby xxx,” Eric wrote in a Facebook post.

Fans posted condolences for Bobby Whitlock on Eric Clapton’s post.

“Sorry for your loss Eric and Coco. His contributions to Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs are enormous. Love to hear the ‘call and answer’ vocals between Eric and Bobby Whitlock. Too bad there never was a real D&D reunion. I would have loved to see Eric and Bobby onstage with Jim Keltner on drums, Willy Weeks on bass and Derek Truck on guitars going through the D&D songs,” a fan shared. “RIP Bobby.”

“I always love his voice and talents and his stories. He was a huge part of the best bands that ever played a note. Will be playing Thorn tree all week on my old guitar with tears in my eyes and lump in my throat,” another fan shared.

Bobby Whitlock was 77.

This story’s featured image is by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images