BOBBY WHITLOCK a Rock 'n' Roll Autobiography

by Bobby Whitlock

From early childhood singing in church to the rock 'n' roll limelight of Derek and the Dominos, Bobby Whitlock launched a musical journey still going to this day. Whitlock's life story does more than share rock gossip about stars like Keith Moon, George Harrison, and Eric Clapton, however. Whitlock candidly discusses his abusive childhood, his experiences with Delaney and Bonnie, failed marriages, and drug addiction, and how the star-studded lifestyle evolved into a peaceful partnership with his wife and musical partner.

Genres: Music

Paperback

First published December 17, 2010

About the author

Robert Stanley Whitlock was an American singer, songwriter and musician. He is best known as a member of the blues-rock band Derek and the Dominos, with Eric Clapton, in 1970–71. Whitlock's musical career began with Memphis soul acts such as Sam & Dave and Booker T. & the M.G.'s before he joined Delaney & Bonnie and Friends in 1968. His association with Delaney & Bonnie bandmate Clapton led to Whitlock's participation in sessions for George Harrison's 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass, in London, and the formation of Derek and the Dominos that year. On the band's sole studio album, the critically acclaimed Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, Whitlock wrote or co-wrote seven of the album's fourteen tracks, including "Tell the Truth", "Bell Bottom Blues" and "Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?".
Whitlock recorded four solo albums during the 1970s, among them Bobby Whitlock and Raw Velvet, and contributed to albums by Clapton, Dr John and the Rolling Stones. He then withdrew from music until releasing It's About Time in 1999. Following his return, Whitlock recorded and performed with his wife, CoCo Carmel, and from 2006 onwards with other musicians based in Austin, Texas. Among his and Carmel's projects, Other Assorted Love Songs, Live from Whitney Chapel contains acoustic interpretations of songs originally recorded by Derek and the Dominos.

Reviews

[Herzog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was only introduced to Bobby Whitlock as a performer in the last couple of years. As described in the book, he and his wife, Coco Carmel, do a Sunday night residency at the Saxon Pub in Austin, TX. I often see these performances and they are immensely enjoyable. Bobby and Coco's talents are still in prime form. Like many rock musicians who were successful early in their careers, he focuses on his early work with Derek and the Dominoes. Similarly, the book understandably focuses heavily on his early career since that is what he is primarily known for. As in most rock and roll biographies, there is an accounting of substance and psychological abuse. Worth reading for fans.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bobby Whitlock was in the band Derek and the Domino's with Eric Clapton (also, Delaney and Bonnie) -which is why I read this. It was pretty good, and had some Eric stories I hadn't heard before so well worth it. The writing felt like I was reading his journal, and his personal feelings about all the rock stars he worked with were definitely not watered down (just bring up Delaney or Bonnie. Dare you.), neither of which bothered me in the slightest. Entertaining rock n roll book.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

My full and detailed review can be found at my site: http://rnrchemist.blogspot.com/2014/0...

This is one of the best rock memoirs I've read...Bobby is very candid and honest and reveals a lot of new info and insight, and I admire him as a person for his resilience and the eventual peace he's found in his life. Well worth the read!

[Dr. George Geysen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Rock and Roll History

What an amazing story ... I always loved Bell Bottom Blues and Layla but did not know this guy has been there at Stax in Memphis, with the Stones on Exile and everywhere up down and in between.

[Robert Belew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some great inside story telling from the Delaney & Bonnie days, Derek and the Dominoes and some George Harrison content. I respect Bobby's talent and songwriting abilities but, the book is proof positive that there is no bigger fan of Bobby Whitlock than Bobby Whitlock.
To have arrived at some spiritual awareness requires some ego bursting.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read as far as R&R biographies go. Bobby's stories flow in a soothing, rambling cadence familiar to anyone close to or related to someone from the American South. Fascinating insights from a key but largely unknown figure in one of the wildest, most creative periods in rock music history.