Bobby Caldwell, “What You Won’t Do For Love” Soul Singer, Passes Away At 71

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Even if you don’t recognize his name, chances are you’ve heard a Bobby Caldwell classic. The singer is one of the most celebrated voices in the industry, although many are surprised to see that a white man was belting out those hits. Sadly, the singer’s wife, Mary Caldwell, shared that Bobby passed away after years of struggling with health conditions. He was 71. Mary shared the unfortunate news on social media.

“Bobby passed away here at home,” she wrote. “I held him tight in my arms as he left us. I am forever heartbroken. Thanks to all of you for your many prayers over the years. He had been ‘FLOXED,’ it took his health over the last 6 years and 2 months. Rest with God, my Love. -Mary Caldwell.” By “floxed,” Mary meant that her husband developed an adverse reaction to the antibiotic fluoroquinolone. People have begun flooding the internet with tributes and condolences as Caldwell’s music transcended genres and generations.

Remembering Bobby Caldwell

One of Bobby Caldwell’s most recognizable classics is “What You Won’t Do For Love.” The track has been chopped and screwed several times, especially within Hip Hop and R&B. Tupac Shakur’s “Do For Love” famously sampled the hit, as did Aaliyah in “Age Ain’t Nothin’ But a Number.” Other artists like Snoh Aalegra and Boyz II Men also delivered covers; the song remains a Caldwell favorite. Additionally, many will recognize Caldwell’s “My Flame” as the core sample of The Notorious B.I.G. and 112’s hit, “Sky’s the Limit.” Caldwell’s “Open Your Eyes” was also tapped by Common for “The Light” as well as Kendrick Lamar and BJ the Chicago Kid in “R.O.T.C. (Interlude).”

Throughout his career, the Soul singer delivered nearly 20 albums, both solo full lengths and compilations. A joke that followed Caldwell was that many listeners initially thought he was a Black man and were surprised to see he certainly wasn’t. However, it didn’t take away from the R&B singer’s talents, and fans worldwide applauded his releases and contributions to Soul. His classics are receiving several spins today as fans revisit his catalog, and entertainers from all facets of the industry are paying tribute. Check out a few below.

Honoring A Music Icon