Co-founder of Derek and the Dominos and soulful keyboardist

Bobby Whitlock, the keyboardist, singer-songwriter and co-founder of the bluesrock group Derek and the Dominos, has died at 77.

- AUGUST BROWN

In a statement, his manager, Carol Kaye, said, "With profound sadness, the family of Bobby Whitlock announces his passing at 1:20 a.m. on Aug. 10 after a brief illness. He passed in his home in Texas, surrounded by family." Although Derek and the Dominos is perhaps best known for launching singer and guitarist Eric Clapton into solo superstardom, Whitlock was a key contributor to the group's 1970 debut "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs," and an influential session musician and singer-songwriter in his own right.