Bobby Whitlock, the influential rocker who co-founded Derek and the Dominos with Eric Clapton, died Sunday at age 77 after a brief battle with cancer, his manager, Carol Kaye, confirmed to Variety .

Whitlock made history early in his career as the first white artist signed to Stax Records, where he performed alongside soul legends Booker T. and the MG’s and Sam & Dave. His musical journey later led him to collaborate with rock icons, including George Harrison and The Rolling Stones, the report said.

But it was his work with Derek and the Dominos that secured his place in rock history. Though the band released just one studio album, 1971’s “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” is widely regarded as one of rock’s greatest achievements.

“That thing was like lightning in a bottle,” Whitlo

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