"Bobby Whitlock, iconic Memphis musician and collaborator with Derek and the Dominos and George Harrison, has passed away. Eric Clapton offers his condolences."
Bobby Whitlock, the renowned keyboardist and co-writer, was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and went on to make a significant impact in the music industry. One of his most notable contributions was to the Derek and the Dominos album, "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs," where he played a key role. However, one aspect of the album, the piano coda of the iconic song "Layla," has been the subject of controversy for many years.
Whitlock, who embarked on a solo career after Derek and the Dominos broke up in 1971, did not write or play the piano coda on "Layla." Instead, drummer Jim Gordon, who is credited as a co-writer, is officially recognised for the composition. However, Whitlock expressed strong dislike for the addition of the coda and claimed that Jim Gordon took the melody from his ex-girlfriend, singer Rita Coolidge, who also has claimed to have co-written the piano coda with Gordon[1][3].
Rita Coolidge, who was not given credit for the melody, has asserted that she indeed contributed to the creation of the piano section, supported by both her and Whitlock's accounts. This suggests that Coolidge was indeed involved, at least informally and as a source of the melody used by Gordon in the piano coda[1][3].
Despite the controversy surrounding the piano coda, Whitlock continued to make a mark in the music world. He stepped back from the music business but re-emerged at the turn of the century, performing "Bell Bottom Blues" on the BBC's Later... with Jools Holland show in 2000. Whitlock also worked with Eric Clapton on George Harrison's post-Beatles album, "All Things Must Pass," and again with Clapton on the BBC show.
Eric Clapton expressed his condolences to Whitlock's family on Facebook after his passing at the age of 77. Clapton also paid tribute to Whitlock, highlighting his significant contribution to the music industry. Whitlock was signed to Stax Records in the '60s and made an uncredited appearance on the Rolling Stones' "Exile on Main St." He also provided handclaps on Sam & Dave's "I Thank You," in 1967.
In conclusion, Bobby Whitlock, despite not being officially credited for the piano coda on "Layla," was indeed involved in the creation of this iconic song, as suggested by Rita Coolidge's claims. His contribution to the music industry, however, extends far beyond this one controversy, with a career spanning decades and numerous collaborations with some of the biggest names in music.
[1] Whitlock, B. (n.d.). I Am the Layla Coda Songwriter: Rita Coolidge. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rita-coolidge-i-am-the-layla-coda-songwriter-1132932/
[3] Whitlock, B. (n.d.). Bobby Whitlock Says Rita Coolidge Wrote the Layla Piano Coda. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bobby-whitlock-says-rita-coolidge-wrote-the-layla-piano-coda-1126240/
Celebrities such as Bobby Whitlock and Rita Coolidge have been intertwined in the music industry and pop-culture, with their careers amalgamating across various iconic songs and albums. Amidst the controversy surrounding the piano coda of "Layla," Coolidge has asserted that she indeed contributed to its creation, suggesting her involvement in the making of this music industry staple.
