Bobby Caldwell, the singer-songwriter renowned for his smooth jazz classic “What You Won’t Do For Love,” has passed away at the age of 71. The artist died unexpectedly on Tuesday at his New Jersey home, according to a tweet from his wife Mary Caldwell.
“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,” she wrote. “Rest with God, my love.”
Mary claimed in her letter that she thought her husband had been “floxed,” a term some use to describe rare but uncomfortable fluoroquinolone antibiotic side effects.
Also Read: Who was Bobby Caldwell? Singer, songwriter dies at 71 after being ‘floxed’ over 6 years
Here are 5 Best songs of Bobby Caldwell:
1. What You Won’t Do For Love
Today we lost Bobby Caldwell, one of the OG members of blue-eyed soul. He captivated us with his classic 1978 hit, “What You Won’t Do For Love” and we’ve loved him ever since.
RIP Legend ♥️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/pbLZVsIe33
— brownsugarplaylist (@BSP_tweets) March 15, 2023
This song was released as the lead single from his self-titled debut album in September 1978. Produced by Ann Holloway, it was written by Caldwell and Alfons Kettner. Several artists have recorded and sampled the song, including Tupac Shakur, who did so in his posthumous 1998 hit “Do for Love.”
2. Coming Down for Love
May Bobby Caldwell Rest in Heavenly Peace. I grew to love his music only in recent years and it was really instrumental in helping through recent rough patches. Always going to be grateful for his existence and the music he left behind.https://t.co/R8OBQABbEP
— Gabrielle (Gabbi) Wanneh (@greatgabhoudini) March 15, 2023
This song released in the 1980 and is 4:02 minutes long. The track has some piano notes that remind of Michael McDonald.
Also Read: Bobby Caldwell: Wife Mary Caldwell, net worth, age, career, family and more
3. Darling Open Your Eyes
Bobby Caldwell – Darling Open Your Eyes (1980)🌹 pic.twitter.com/t7sRM76mD6
— Soul Vibes 🎶🌬️ (@chanelsoulmedia) March 15, 2023
This song was also released in 108- and is from the album Cat in the Hat. It was also sampled by Common in The Light.
4. My Flame
One of my favorite samples (hell one of my favorite videos) uses Bobby Caldwell's song My Flame. pic.twitter.com/34ZTv62GRZ
— Lindsey (@Lynn_Cocoa) March 15, 2023
This song depicts a breakup in which there are still significant feelings remaining. What You Won’t Do For Love, Bobby Caldwell’s 1978 debut album, initially featured the song.
The melancholy xylophone melody from My Flame was sampled in Biggie’s hit song Sky’s the Limit in the 1990s, and it quickly gained widespread recognition.
Also Read: Who is Mary Caldwell, Bobby Caldwell’s wife?
5. The Next Time I Fall
You know Bobby Caldwell's hits, but he wrote a bunch for other people.
I unabashedly love a good 80s ballad, and he wrote one of my favorites. This hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and was nominated for a Grammy.https://t.co/CJ8ifw5PJM
— Ramsay (@Rmmmsy) March 15, 2023
This song was released in 1989 and was featured in the Album The Time Has Come: The Ultimate Anthology.
The celebrated artist is now survived by his wife Mary Caldwell and their children.