Caldwell, Bobby Death at 71
The acclaimed soulful R&B singer and songwriter Bobby Caldwell went yesterday at the age of 71. After a protracted illness, he passed away in her arms on Tuesday at their home in Great Meadows, New Jersey, according to an announcement made by his wife, Mary Caldwell, on Wednesday.
Over his four-decade-long musical career, Caldwell was praised for his mellow voice and distinctive style. In “What You Won’t Do for Love,” which reached at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the Hot Selling Soul Singles chart in 1978, he scored a huge hit. The song is still a timeless classic, and notable performers like Michael Bolton have covered it.
Caldwell was born in New York City on August 15, 1951, and raised in Miami, Florida. He started out as a musician in the 1970s, performing in neighborhood clubs and pubs before being noticed by the Miami-based record label TK Records. In 1978, he published his debut album, “What You Won’t Do for Love,” which contained the popular song of the same name.
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.”