Derek and the Dominoes
The question of whether this is really a supergroup is easily answered. It’s a definite yes, they were. Eric Clapton was the biggest star and had a solo career plus several bands to his name. Clapton has several supergroups to his name with Cream and Blind Faith, both formed in the previous decade, on his C.V. Alongside him were several members of the Delaney & Bonnie And Friends group, including bass player Carl Radle.
But of the others from that band, Bobby Whitlock on keyboards had been part of soul acts Sam & Dave and Booker T. & the M.G.'s. Drummer Jim Gordon was largely known previously as a session musician with credits including The Beach Boys album Pet Sounds amongst many others. Clapton, Gordon, Whitlock, and Radle were playing together before Derek And The Dominos were formed though. They acted as the backing band for most songs on George Harrison’s All Thing Must Pass album.
Added to the mix were ex-Traffic guitarist Dave Mason and the amazing slide guitar of Duane Allman. Mason played on a few studio sessions and Allman played on all but three of Derek And The Dominos album Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs. They both also played a couple of gigs with the band on tour.
Perhaps if they had stuck with the original plan for a name for the band, Eric Clapton & Friends, we might have felt slightly differently. There is though undeniable backing for the supergroup claim. Admittedly it was short-lived and just that one album released. But what a great album it was, it and the title song “Layla” are still absolute classics today.
Continued on next slide