Bobby Whitlock, who co-founded Derek and the Dominos with Eric Clapton and played with George Harrison, died Sunday at the age of 77.
His manager, Carol Kaye, confirmed to “Variety” that Whitlock died after a brief bout with cancer.
Whitlock’s wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock, released a statement to CBS News saying, “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?
“As he would always say: ‘Life is what you make it, so take it and make it beautiful.’ And he did.
“Farewell my Love, I’ll see you in my dreams.”
Clapton posted a message on Facebook.
“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.”
Clapton and Whitlock co-wrote songs for “Derek and the Dominos” on the “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” album, including “Tell the Truth,” “Bell Bottom Blues,” and “Why Does Love Got to be So Sad?”
He also collaborated with Beatles legend George Harrison on his solo project “All Things Must Pass.”
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
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