Remembering Ray Brooks and Bobby Whitlock: Two artists who touched lives through storytelling and song
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Two cherished figures from different corners of the creative world have recently passed, leaving behind enduring legacies that touched audiences across generations.
Both were in their later years and had been unwell, spending their final days surrounded by loved ones.
British actor and storyteller Ray Brooks died peacefully at 86 after a short illness, while American rock icon Bobby Whitlock, co-founder of Derek and the Dominos, passed away at 77, also following a brief illness.
Ray Brooks was a familiar voice to generations of British (and Australian) children, thanks to his iconic narration of the 1970s animated series Mr Benn.
Though the series only ran for 13 episodes, its quiet charm, moral simplicity, and whimsical adventures won over families for decades, repeated so often that many felt it never truly left the air.
‘Grandmas come up to me and say their grandchildren are fed up with today’s cartoons, but they love the simplicity of Mr Benn,’ Brooks once shared, adding, ‘He’s very moral, always sorting out people’s problems – including dragons.’
But Brooks’ contributions extended far beyond children's television. A prolific actor, he starred in Ken Loach’s Cathy Come Home—a landmark BBC drama that tackled Britain’s housing crisis—and appeared in hit shows like EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Big Deal.
He also earned acclaim in film, notably in The Knack … and How to Get It, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1965.
In his later years, Brooks lived with dementia, supported by his loving family until the end. His sons, Will and Tom, remembered his deep love for family, Fulham Football Club, and the seaside town of Brighton where he was born.
Across the Atlantic, Bobby Whitlock was best known as the soulful keyboardist and vocalist behind Derek and the Dominos, the band he co-founded with Eric Clapton. Their signature hit, ‘Layla’ , remains a timeless rock classic.
But Whitlock’s life was about more than music—it was a journey of creativity and resilience. Raised in poverty in the American South, he rose to international fame through raw talent and emotional expression.
In his later years, Whitlock turned to painting, describing his work as ‘Emotional Abstract.’
Source: Rock History Music / Youtube.
His wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock, paid tribute to his spirit: ‘Bobby looked at life as an adventure… leading me through a world of wonderment from music to poetry and painting.’ Reflecting on his outlook, she added, ‘Life is what you make it, so take it and make it beautiful.’
Ray Brooks and Bobby Whitlock may have worked in different worlds—one with scripts and costumes, the other with chords and canvas—but both devoted their lives to connecting with audiences through heartfelt expression. Their work, their words, and their warmth will live on.
Read more: Well-known ‘Bad News Bears’ child star and community leader, dies at 61
What work or moment from Ray Brooks or Bobby Whitlock left a mark on you? Do you have a favourite childhood memory tied to Mr Benn or a classic song by Derek and the Dominos? Share your thoughts and tributes in the comments below!
Both were in their later years and had been unwell, spending their final days surrounded by loved ones.
British actor and storyteller Ray Brooks died peacefully at 86 after a short illness, while American rock icon Bobby Whitlock, co-founder of Derek and the Dominos, passed away at 77, also following a brief illness.
Ray Brooks was a familiar voice to generations of British (and Australian) children, thanks to his iconic narration of the 1970s animated series Mr Benn.
Ray Brooks touched countless lives through his gentle storytelling, unforgettable voice work, and powerful screen roles. Image source: The Daily Scope / Youtube.
Though the series only ran for 13 episodes, its quiet charm, moral simplicity, and whimsical adventures won over families for decades, repeated so often that many felt it never truly left the air.
‘Grandmas come up to me and say their grandchildren are fed up with today’s cartoons, but they love the simplicity of Mr Benn,’ Brooks once shared, adding, ‘He’s very moral, always sorting out people’s problems – including dragons.’
But Brooks’ contributions extended far beyond children's television. A prolific actor, he starred in Ken Loach’s Cathy Come Home—a landmark BBC drama that tackled Britain’s housing crisis—and appeared in hit shows like EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Big Deal.
He also earned acclaim in film, notably in The Knack … and How to Get It, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1965.
Bobby Whitlock helped define a generation of music with soulful contributions that extended far beyond the stage. Image source: Rock History Music / Youtube.
In his later years, Brooks lived with dementia, supported by his loving family until the end. His sons, Will and Tom, remembered his deep love for family, Fulham Football Club, and the seaside town of Brighton where he was born.
Across the Atlantic, Bobby Whitlock was best known as the soulful keyboardist and vocalist behind Derek and the Dominos, the band he co-founded with Eric Clapton. Their signature hit, ‘Layla’ , remains a timeless rock classic.
But Whitlock’s life was about more than music—it was a journey of creativity and resilience. Raised in poverty in the American South, he rose to international fame through raw talent and emotional expression.
In his later years, Whitlock turned to painting, describing his work as ‘Emotional Abstract.’
Source: Rock History Music / Youtube.
His wife, Coco Carmel Whitlock, paid tribute to his spirit: ‘Bobby looked at life as an adventure… leading me through a world of wonderment from music to poetry and painting.’ Reflecting on his outlook, she added, ‘Life is what you make it, so take it and make it beautiful.’
Ray Brooks and Bobby Whitlock may have worked in different worlds—one with scripts and costumes, the other with chords and canvas—but both devoted their lives to connecting with audiences through heartfelt expression. Their work, their words, and their warmth will live on.
Read more: Well-known ‘Bad News Bears’ child star and community leader, dies at 61
What work or moment from Ray Brooks or Bobby Whitlock left a mark on you? Do you have a favourite childhood memory tied to Mr Benn or a classic song by Derek and the Dominos? Share your thoughts and tributes in the comments below!
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