Bobby Whitlock: A Rock 'n' Roll Autobiography [Paperback]

I love rock and roll books. I admit to it. As a musician for over four decades, I find history is such a fascinating element in the music business. Often it is revisionist and self serving but this time, the unvarnished truth comes out in a fascinating look inside some of the greatest music ever made. Whitlock tells a tale of a hardscrabble life that climbs to rock's highest perch and then back. Anyone who reads this book will marvel at the portions concerning the early 70's and the Domino's and George Harrison records. I found this book to be difficult to put down...and didn't until I finished it. This is a must to all musicians, people who love music, and all that cherish the Layla album. I would tell anyone that has read the Keith Richards book, please, read this one as well. It is a marvelous tale of a great player and his real life struggles as opposed to the glamorous and destructive lives many of our stars lead. It makes you feel like you have met Bobby Whitlock and happen to be a friend. This book is that type of feeling to it. Buy it. You won't regret it.

I am 51 and I am keenly aware that the people who defined rock music are all, like me, aging. I have a deep appreciation for the risk taking and creative process these artist seemed to tap so effortlessly. I LOVE this book because that perception of the artist creating like a fountain through his natural gifts is a part of Bobby Whitlock's book. Mr Whitlock points out that when the work is right, it flows - but getting to that point in life and finding a creative voice is sum of that person's past, present and willingness to share.

I find Mr Whitlock's candor and frankness refreshing and shocking at the same time. I have never read an account of how an artist grew up, found music and transitioned into a career that also then waned and came back again. Bobby Whitlock does not hide the pain and suffering he dealt with as a child, and unabashedly identifies his own shortcoming and foibles.

Mr Whitlock brings his experiences at STAX, his relationship and music making with Delaney and Bonnie, Eric Clapton (as a founding member of Derek and the Dominoes), and now with his wife and musical partner CoCo Carmel. An astounding career and it continues today. The partnership of Clapton, Whitlock, Radle and Gordon is s singularly special musical group. How that band came together - how they made music - the influence of that band on the members and so many others is not to be missed. It makes listening to Mr Whitlock's music all the more meaningful and poignant. Listen to the beautiful song Thorn Tree in The Garden - find out the REAL meaning and story behind that song - Bobby's personal feelings connected to creating the song and then read about how it was recorded! It's a little staggering to be able to share something so personal (This is simply an example - one of MANY from this book). Music is the soundtrack to my life, and Mr Whitlock offers so much of his soul in this book and through his music - he offers meaningful, soulful music .... his book offers the same qualities!

If you want an honest narrative of what goes into the making of a real artist, a real musician, and a human being at peace with himself and his past - DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK. What a journey! It is one of those books you pick up and can't stand putting it down. There are time the timeline of events seemed to read out of sync, but that is my ONLY minor quibble with Mr Whitlock's offering.

Here there is depth where in most cases one encounters ego and "star glitz." Travel to Austin and see Bobby and his wife live playing new material and material from Bobby's solo career as well as Derek and the Dominoes.

This is a man who makes music for the sake of music - there is an integrity and commitment that is missing in a lot of contemporary music.

Buy the book - read it and let others know. This is a special story that is still continuing today!! Don't miss a chance to be a part of some spectacular music and it's source!

From the first time I heard the song, "Layla" I was touched by the feeling that came from the vocals - and not so much the lead vocal as the harmony. Never had I heard a harmony vocal outshine the lead in expressing the raw, heartbreaking emotion of the song. Listening to the Layla album - I found that same emotion coming from every vocal Mr. Whitlock sang. Not to mention his stellar playing and songwriting; just listen to Thorn Tree in the Garden.
After reading his book, I can see that he earned every bit of that feeling growing up and certainly "paid his dues" in the often tough business of being a musician. He writes just like he sings, with his heart proudly on his sleeve and every last ounce of feeling right out there for all of us to read and experience.
This is the best "Rock 'n' Roll" book I have ever read - due to the flat-out honesty that Bobby puts into every word. A must-read!!