Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
Episode: Remembering Bobby Whitlock
Host: Janda Bell, Gamut Podcast Network
Date: August 20, 2025
Episode Overview
In this special bonus episode, host Janda Bell spotlights the life, career, and musical legacy of Bobby Whitlock, the influential keyboardist and songwriter who passed away on August 10, 2025. From his Memphis roots to his pivotal presence across iconic albums by Derek and the Dominoes, George Harrison, and the Rolling Stones, Whitlock’s soulful approach and indelible stories left an unmistakable mark on classic rock history.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Early Life & Stax Beginnings
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[01:18 – 03:00]
- Whitlock grew up in poverty in Memphis, Tennessee, as the son of an abusive preacher.
- He became the first white artist signed to Stax Records' "hip" label as a teenager, playing alongside Booker T. & the MGs and Sam & Dave.
- Left Stax because they pushed "trite bubblegum pop records," which didn’t align with his soul and R&B sensibility.
"He was the real deal. A musician born out of poverty in Memphis, Tennessee... and the first white artist to be signed to Stax Records in the late 60s after recording with them as a session musician while he was still a teenager."
— Janda Bell [02:10]
2. Transition to Delaney & Bonnie and Connections
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[03:01 – 05:20]
- Donald “Duck” Dunn introduced Whitlock to Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, who immediately recruited him.
- Moved to LA to perform in their soul revue, leading to tours where Delaney & Bonnie & Friends opened for Blind Faith.
- Key players during this time included Jim Gordon, Jim Keltner, Bobby Keys, Jim Price, and Carl Radle.
"By Clapton's own account, Delaney and Bonnie and friends were blowing Blind Faith off the stage every single night. A live act that electrified audiences."
— Janda Bell [04:25]
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Eric Clapton joined Delaney and Bonnie’s band mid-tour, seeking their soulful sound.
3. Historic Albums: 'All Things Must Pass' & 'Layla'
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[05:21 – 07:57]
- Whitlock played keys on George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, notably on "Beware of Darkness."
- During these sessions, Derek and the Dominoes was formed alongside Eric Clapton, Carl Radle, and Jim Gordon.
- Recorded Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs with guest artists including Duane Allman and Dave Mason.
"It's his piano playing that you hear on the song 'Beware of Darkness,' which incidentally is used in the opening credits of the horror film Weapons, which was playing in theaters at the time of Whitlock's passing."
— Janda Bell [06:14]
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Whitlock, dating Paula Boyd (sister of Pattie Boyd), was entangled in the personal drama that fueled the Layla album’s creation.
4. Songwriting and Creative Impact
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[07:58 – 08:55]
- Co-wrote Dominoes’ classics: "Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad," "I Looked Away," "Keep On Growing," "Any Day," "Tell the Truth," "Thorn Tree in the Garden," and "Bell Bottom Blues."
- "Thorn Tree in the Garden" was about his dog, a story he amusingly recounted on YouTube.
- "Bell Bottom Blues" controversy: Whitlock wasn't initially credited but was recognized decades later after Eric Clapton intervened.
"'Bell Bottom Blues' was the subject of some confusion because Whitlock claimed that he finished the song after Clapton started it, but he was not initially given a co-writing credit due to what was said to be a clerical error. In 2015, Clapton formally acknowledged this as fact, and since then Whitlock had been named as co-writer."
— Janda Bell [08:40]
5. Personal Struggles & Clapton's Loyalty
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[08:56 – 09:45]
- Despite songwriting credits, Whitlock struggled financially, selling off his royalties due to personal hardships — divorce, addiction, and a hiatus from music.
- Eric Clapton intervened, repurchasing Whitlock’s rights and restoring his income just before the Layla album’s 40th anniversary.
"Clapton eventually came to the rescue...he put his attorneys on the case...and bought back Whitlock's rights, restoring his income from the songs he had written or co-written. Whitlock said that Clapton just did that out of the blue."
— Janda Bell [09:22]
6. Rolling Stones & 'Exile on Main Street'
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[09:46 – 10:55]
- While making his second album Raw Velvet in London, Whitlock contributed to the Stones' Exile on Main Street.
- Played on “I Just Want to See His Face” during a spontaneous session prompted by Mick Jagger’s fascination with Southern gospel.
"The result was an impromptu jam session that was recorded, with Whitlock cranking the vibrato on the electric piano, Mick Taylor on bass, and Charlie Watts on drums while Jagger sang 'I Just Want to See His Face.'"
— Janda Bell [10:35]
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Song only credited to Jagger and Richards, but Whitlock maintained his role.
7. Later Years & Love with Coco Carmel
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[10:56 – 11:50]
- In the late 1990s, Whitlock met multi-instrumentalist Coco Carmel, then married to Delaney Bramlett.
- After Carmel’s divorce, she and Whitlock became partners personally and musically, marrying in 2005 and recording together.
"Love was a complicated interweaving of associates. Bobby Whitlock's life ended much happier than it began. He rose up out of his dirt poor upbringing to be a player on the world stage..."
— Janda Bell [11:35]
8. Legacy, Final Days, and Reflections
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[11:51 – 12:32]
- Whitlock’s influence endures—his work appears on three albums on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest of All Time.
- Passed at home in Texas, surrounded by family, after a brief illness. Of Derek and the Dominoes, only Eric Clapton remains.
"He enjoyed wild highs and deep lows and came out of it all with his sense of humor firmly intact. Married to the love of his life, he was surrounded by his family when he passed after a brief illness at his home in Texas."
— Janda Bell [12:08]
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Eric Clapton posted condolences; Whitlock’s memoir, with a foreword from Clapton, was recommended.
9. Notable Quotes & Lyrics
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Eric Clapton in memoir foreword:
"[Whitlock's] staggering talent, making a note that even Mick Jagger wanted him in the Rolling Stones. He also mentions his resilience and the absence of bitterness toward people who took advantage of him."
— Recited by Janda Bell [12:18]
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Lyrics from "Thorn Tree in the Garden":
"And if I never see her face again, I never hold her hand
And if she's in somebody's arms, I know I'll understand
But I'll miss that girl, But I'll miss that girl…"— Janda Bell [12:41]
Memorable Moments
- The layered account of how dominoes of personal and musical relationships led to some of rock's greatest works [05:30 – 08:55].
- Whitlock’s sense of humor and storytelling, especially the anecdote about "Thorn Tree in the Garden" and his dog [08:19].
- The soulful, spontaneous contribution to the Rolling Stones as a testament to Whitlock’s influence and the collaborative spirit of the era [10:20].
- Recounting Eric Clapton’s gesture to restore Whitlock’s songwriting rights [09:30].
Important Timestamps
- Early life and Stax Records: [01:18 – 03:00]
- Delaney & Bonnie; Meeting Clapton: [03:01 – 05:20]
- All Things Must Pass / Formation of Derek and the Dominoes: [05:21 – 07:57]
- Key songwriting contributions, legacy songs: [07:58 – 08:55]
- Financial struggles and Clapton’s support: [08:56 – 09:45]
- Rolling Stones/Exile on Main Street session: [09:46 – 10:55]
- Coco Carmel romance and creative partnership: [10:56 – 11:50]
- Final reflections, Whitlock’s legacy: [11:51 – 12:32]
- Lyrics & closing thoughts: [12:33 – 12:50]
Conclusion
Janda Bell’s tribute to Bobby Whitlock highlights not just his musical achievements, but his character and the emotional depth of his life’s journey. From soulful Memphis roots and classic songwriting partnerships, through personal and financial struggles, to his later happiness and enduring influence, Whitlock emerges as more than a 'player behind the scenes'—he's revealed as a vital thread sewn through classic rock’s golden era.
“So what other players who were not necessarily the stars of the show or of the band made a huge impact like Bobby Whitlock did? Something to think about.”
— Janda Bell [12:49]