Best remembered as a co-founder, together with Eric Clapton, of DEREK AND THE DOMINOS and a co-writer of such perennials as “Bell Bottom Blues” that became part of white blues narrative, Bobby Whitlock, who died today, aged 77, was an artist of much broader scope. In his case, “artist” meant not only a multi-instrumentalist – primarily known as a keyboard player, Whitlock handled guitar with an equal grace – but also a painter, and at later stages of his life Bobby spend more time in front of canvas than he did on a stage. A renaissance man, he seemed proud of going visual as well as being aural.
Apparently, the first white musician to sign a recording contract with Stax, Whitlock may have debuted with providing handclaps on the much-covered “I Thank You” by Sam & Dave, but before he could come up with an album, Bobby joined DELANEY & BONNIE, which facilitated his involvement with George Harrison – and his contribution to “All Things Must Pass” – and Clapton. It wasn’t until 1972, then, that the Memphis-born performer issued his self-titled solo debut and followed this platter with “Raw Velvet” just seven months later whence the memorable “Bustin’ My Ass” emerged. However, after the release of “One Of A Kind” Whitlock found show business boring and quit to focus on family affairs and do a session once in a while. His 1983’s duet with Maggie Bell on “Put Angels Around You” didn’t become a hit it should have been, so Bobby’s fans were more than happy when he returned with “It’s About Time” in 1999, with old friend Steve Cropper on board and, further on, worked with his partner CoCo on a string of longplays, studio and live.
Bobby Whitlock slowed down recently and fell ill a few months ago, but he will be warmly remembered by many.
