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Bobby Caldwell, the singer-songwriter behind “What You Won’t Do for Love,” died at his home in Great Meadows, New Jersey, on March 14, 2023. He was 71. His wife, Mary, confirmed his death; the Associated Press reported that she did not disclose a specific cause.
When did Bobby Caldwell die, and how old was he?
Caldwell died on March 14, 2023, at his home in Great Meadows, New Jersey, aged 71, according to the Associated Press obituary republished by The Washington Post. His wife confirmed the death.
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Ulitimate Best | $34.30 | Buy on Amazon |
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Best | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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What You Won't Do for Love | $72.25 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Best of Bobby Caldwell by Bobby Caldwell (2004-12-29) | $52.29 | Buy on Amazon |
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All Time Greatest Hits | $9.49 | Buy on Amazon |
What was the cause of Bobby Caldwell’s death?
A specific cause of death was not disclosed in the Associated Press obituary. Caldwell’s official biography says that in January 2017 he suffered severe side effects from a prescription antibiotic, which limited his mobility and caused chronic pain. That account describes health problems in the years before his death; it does not establish a medical cause of death.
What was Bobby Caldwell’s biggest song?
“What You Won’t Do for Love,” released in 1978, was Caldwell’s signature hit. He wrote the song after signing with TK Records, and it appeared on his self-titled debut album. The Associated Press reported that it reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the chart then called Hot Selling Soul Singles.
#1 Best Overall
- Jazz, Blues
The song’s smooth blend of soul, pop and soft rock helped define Caldwell’s sound. The Los Angeles Times obituary describes a career that moved among soul, adult contemporary, quiet storm R&B and jazz.
How did Caldwell’s career extend beyond his signature hit?
From Miami to a record deal
Born Robert Hunter Caldwell in Manhattan on August 15, 1951, he grew up in Miami and began performing professionally at 17. He played guitar in Little Richard’s band and later returned to Miami after struggling to secure a record deal in Los Angeles. TK Records signed him in 1978 and released his debut album.
Rank #2
A songwriter as well as a performer
Caldwell also wrote songs for other artists. He co-wrote “The Next Time I Fall” with Paul Gordon; Peter Cetera and Amy Grant recorded it as a duet, and it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. A 2023 New York State Senate resolution commemorating Caldwell cites that chart achievement.
Later recordings
His albums included Cat in the Hat (1980) and Carry On (1982). He later recorded standards associated with Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. In 2015, he teamed with producer Jack Splash for Cool Uncle, which featured Deniece Williams, CeeLo Green and Jessie Ware, according to the New York State Senate resolution.
Rank #3
How did other artists use Caldwell’s music?
Caldwell’s songs continued to circulate through distinct kinds of reinterpretation. The Associated Press reports that Boyz II Men and Michael Bolton covered “What You Won’t Do for Love,” while Tupac Shakur sampled it on “Do For Love.” Aaliyah also sampled the song on “Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
“Open Your Eyes” was covered by John Legend and sampled by Common on “The Light,” the Associated Press reports. The Los Angeles Times says Lil Nas X sampled “Carry On.” A cover is a new performance of a song; a sample incorporates part of an existing recording into another track.
The New York State Senate resolution says Caldwell’s debut album reached double-platinum status in 1978 and that “What You Won’t Do for Love” had been covered by more than 100 artists. Those figures are claims in the commemorative resolution, rather than independently rechecked certification and cover counts.
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