Eric Clapton Offers Condolences After Former Bandmate Dies at Age 77 originally appeared on Parade.
Eric Clapton is offering condolences to the wife, family and friends of Bobby Whitlock, the keyboardist-singer who was his bandmate in the short-lived but influential band Derek and the Dominos.
It was with that band that Clapton recorded the classic song “Layla,” which he co-wrote with Jim Gordon, that remains in his concert setlists to this date.
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“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 posted on Facebook on Sunday, Aug. 10, not long after news spread about Whitlock’s death.
Whitlock played with Clapton on the only studio album from Derek and the Dominos, the two-record set, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, released in 1970. The album featured Clapton on vocals and guitar, Whitlock on vocals and keyboards, Gordon on drums and percussion and Carl Radle on bass. Duane Allman also appeared on the album, playing lead and slide guitar on 11 of the album’s 14 tracks.
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Fans were quick to comment on Clapton’s tribute post on Facebook.
“God Bless and RIP … Composer of many great songs , like ‘why does love got to be so sad’ as a member of Derek and the dominoes a real talent,” wrote one fan.
“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. RIP Bobby,” another fan wrote.
“Bobby was one of my favorite singers ever. I think he was dealt a raw deal in the industry, not sure how all the people he helped get to where they got to ever paid him back. RIP Bobby, those that know…know well,” added another fan.
Eric Clapton Offers Condolences After Former Bandmate Dies at Age 77 first appeared on Parade on Aug 11, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
