Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Whitlock began his musical career recording for Stax Records at the age of 15.[1] His first recording was hand claps on Sam & Daves "I Thank You". Donald "Duck" Dunn and Steve Cropper were readying the young Whitlock for pop success when Delaney & Bonnie heard Whitlock perform at a club and invited him to join them in California and record on their record Home in early 1970. His friendships with future Dominos Eric Clapton, Carl Radle, and Jim Gordon began when Whitlock was touring with Delaney & Bonnie.[1] Whitlock is most notably known for his involvement with the blues-rock band Derek & The Dominos, which he co-founded. He was a co-writer of many of the songs that appear on their album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. After the other band members left to join Mad Dogs and Englishmen with Joe Cocker, Whitlock collaborated with Eric Clapton in England. They played sessions together, most notably on ...