Bobby Caldwell, the renowned soulful RnB singer and songwriter, passed away at 71. His wife, Mary Caldwell, announced his passing on Wednesday, revealing that he died in her arms on Tuesday at their home in Great Meadows, New Jersey, after a long illness.
Caldwell’s music career spanned over four decades, and he was celebrated for his smooth voice and unique style. He had a massive hit in 1978 with “What You Won’t Do for Love,” which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the Hot Selling Soul Singles chart. The song remains a timeless classic, and prominent artists have covered it like Michael Bolton.
Caldwell was born on August 15, 1951, in New York City and grew up in Miami, Florida. He began his musical journey in the 1970s, playing in local clubs and bars before catching the attention of TK Records, a Miami-based record label. He released his debut album, “What You Won’t Do for Love,” in 1978, featuring the same name’s hit single.
Caldwell’s music was a fusion of RnB, soul, and jazz, and he was renowned for his exceptional songwriting skills. Over the years, he released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Cat in the Hat,” “Carry On,” and “Blue Condition.”
The news of Caldwell’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians. Singer Michael Bolton tweeted, “Bobby Caldwell was a rare talent and an amazing singer/songwriter. He will be missed, but his music will live on forever.” RnB singer Brian McKnight also paid tribute, saying, “Bobby Caldwell’s music was the soundtrack of my life. His voice and style were unmatched.”
Caldwell’s legacy in the music industry will live on, and his impact on the RnB and soul genre will continue to be felt for generations.
Sources:
Associated Press. “Bobby Caldwell, Singer of ‘What You Won’t Do for Love,’ Dead at 71.” Billboard, 15 Mar. 2023
BBC News. “Bobby Caldwell: What You Won’t Do for Love Singer Dies Aged 71.” BBC News, 16 Mar. 2023
