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Derek and the Dominos

Derek and the Dominos were a short-lived English–American blues rock band formed in the spring of 1970 by singer-guitarist Eric Clapton, keyboardist-singer Bobby Whitlock, bassist Carl Radle and drummer Jim Gordon. All four members had previously played together in Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, during and after Clapton's brief tenure with Blind Faith. Dave Mason supplied additional lead guitar on early studio sessions and played at their first live gig. Another participant at their first session as a band was George Harrison, the recording for whose album All Things Must Pass marked the formation of Derek and the Dominos.

Derek and the Dominos

The band's only release, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, was produced by Tom Dowd, which also featured extensive contributions on lead and slide guitar from Duane Allman. A double album, Layla did not immediately enjoy strong sales or receive widespread radio airplay, but went on to earn critical acclaim. Although released in 1970 it was not until March 1972 that the album's single "Layla" (a tale of unrequited love inspired by Clapton's infatuation with his friend George Harrison's wife, Pattie Boyd) made the top ten in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The album is often considered to be the defining achievement of Clapton's career.[2]

– vocals, guitars (1970–1971)

Eric Clapton

– vocals, keyboards (1970–1971)

Bobby Whitlock

– bass guitar (1970–1971; died 1980)

Carl Radle

– drums, percussion (1970–1971; died 2023)

Jim Gordon

Official line-up


Occasional members

"" / "Roll It Over" (September 1970)

Tell The Truth

Pre-album single


Recorded during the sessions for George Harrison's 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass; produced by Phil Spector but pulled by Clapton, stating it didn't reflect their sound. "Tell the Truth" was later re-recorded for the band's debut album, but "Roll It Over" was only performed live. Harrison and Dave Mason contributed guitar to "Roll It Over".[40] Both tracks were included on the 2011 reissue of Layla.


Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs


Singles


Other songs recorded during Layla sessions


Live recordings


Live recordings of the concerts at the Fillmore East on 23 and 24 October 1970 were released on those two live albums (some of the recordings are present on both albums).


The band's performance aired on 6 January 1971. This is the only known video performance of the band. It was officially released as part of the 40th anniversary edition of their debut album.


Sessions for the second album, Olympic Studios, April and May 1971
All available in bootlegs.[97] Some were officially released on the Crossroads box set and the Layla album's 40th anniversary deluxe edition.

VH1.com: Derek & the Dominos: Biography

at AllMusic

Derek & the Dominos

discography at Discogs

Derek and the Dominos