In Memoriam|

Photo: Bobby Caldwell | By Andrew Dalton, Associated Press (AP) | Bobby Caldwell, a soulful R&B singer and songwriter who had a major hit in 1978 with “What You Won’t Do for Love” and a voice and musical style adored by generations of his fellow artists, has died, his wife said Wednesday.

Mary Caldwell told The Associated Press that he died in her arms at their home in Great Meadows, New Jersey, on Tuesday, after a long illness. He was 71.

The smooth soul jam “What You Won’t Do for Love” went to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on what was then called the Hot Selling Soul Singles chart. It became a long-term standard and career-defining hit for Caldwell, who also wrote the song.

The song was covered by artists, including Boyz II Men and Michael Bolton, and was sampled by Tupac Shakur on his posthumously released song “Do For Love.”

Other Caldwell songs were sampled by hip-hop artists including The Notorious B.I.G., Common, Lil Nas X and Chance the Rapper.

Stories abound, many of them shared on social media after his death, of listeners being surprised to learn that Caldwell was white and not Black.

Caldwell appeared only in silhouette on the self-titled debut solo album on which “What You Won’t Do for Love” appears.

“Caldwell was the closing chapter in a generation in which record execs wanted to hide faces on album covers so perhaps maybe their artist could have a chance,” Questlove said on Instagram.

“Thank you for your voice and gift #BobbyCaldwell,” Questlove wrote.

Chance the Rapper shared a screenshot on Instagram of a direct message exchange he had with Caldwell last year when he asked to use his music.

“I’ll be honored if you sample my song,” Caldwell wrote.
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More on Mr. Caldwell here:
https://apnews.com/article/bobby-caldwell-singer-dead-96862fcce61d4a7a2b7f46b348edc2bd

Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/and

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Caldwell died at his home in the Great Meadows section of Independence Township, New Jersey, on March 14, 2023. His death was announced the following day by his wife, who stated on Twitter that “Bobby passed away here at home. 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.” According to Regenerative Medicine LA, Caldwell’s health had declined after suffering severe side effects from fluoroquinolone.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Caldwell

https://www.bobbycaldwell.com

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