I did not know this!

Why is it called Derek and the Dominos?

Derek and the Dominos consisted initially of mainly former members of Bonnie & Delaney and Friends, including Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock (vocals keyboards), Carl Radle (bass), Jim Gordon (drums), and guitarist Dave Mason (guitarist for the great 60s band Traffic). In late 1970, the great slide guitarist Duane Allman was also on stage and in the band.

Derek and the Dominos gave their debut live performance on June 14, 1970 in London.

The group was billed as “Eric Clapton and Friends,” but a discussion about a name for the band ensued backstage just before their appearance. George Harrison was with them, as well as Tony Ashton who was part of the opening act. Harrison pressed the point that, in his opinion, the band should have a ‘proper name’.

Ashton suggested “Del and the Dominos,” since he had been calling Clapton “Derek” or “Del” (based on Delaney & Bonnie).

Bobby Whitlock maintains that “the Dynamics” was the name that was chosen, but that Ashton, following his opening set with his band, mispronounced it when introducing the band.

Clapton says “Derek and the Dominos” was decided on before they went on stage.

Clapton immediately liked and accepted the name, but Whitlock, Radle and Gordon – all Americans – were concerned they might be mistaken for a doo-wop act.

Here’s the band (with Clapton as the only guitarist) on the Johnny Cash Show in 1971.

From the internet:

Derek and the Dominos emerged from Eric Clapton’s desire to escape the spotlight. Frustrated by the fame associated with Cream and Blind Faith, Clapton sought to create a band that prioritized music over celebrity. Even the name “Derek and the Dominos” was chosen to avoid his name overshadowing the group.