The American singer, songwriter, and musician Bobby Caldwell passed suddenly at the age of 71.
The ‘What You Don’t Do for Love’ singer has been suffering a mysterious injury and sickness for several years. According to his wife Mary Caldwell, who verified the news in a Twitter message, he had been ‘floxed.’
She writes, "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. He had been “FLOXED,” it took his health over the last 6 years and 2 months. Rest with God, my Love. -Mary Caldwell,"
Bobby Caldwell has been active in the music industry since the 1970s. He is known for his smooth and soulful voice and his ability to blend various musical genres, including pop, R&B, jazz, and rock. Despite his significant contributions to the music industry, Caldwell has largely maintained a low profile throughout his career.
Robert Hunter Caldwell was born on August 15, 1951, in Manhattan, New York City, to Bob and Carolyn Caldwell. His father was a prominent jazz vocalist and composer who worked with legendary musicians such as Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington. As a child, Caldwell was exposed to various styles of music and began playing piano at a young age. He also learned to play drums, guitar, and bass and started performing in local bands during his teenage years.
Caldwell moved to Miami, Florida, in the late 1960s to pursue a career in music. He played in various local bands and eventually formed his own group called Captain Beyond. The band released three albums between 1972 and 1977 and gained a cult following for their progressive rock sound. However, Caldwell grew frustrated with the limitations of the rock genre and decided to pursue a different musical direction.
In 1978, Caldwell released his self-titled debut album, which showcased his smooth vocals and his ability to blend various genres of music. The album included the hit single "What You Won't Do for Love," which reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a classic of the R&B and adult contemporary genres. The song has since been covered by numerous artists, including Michael Bolton, Go West, and Boyz II Men.
Caldwell's follow-up albums, "Cat in the Hat" (1980) and "Carry On" (1982), continued to showcase his versatile musical style and his songwriting skills. The albums produced several hit singles, including "Coming Down from Love," "All or Nothing at All," and "Carry On." Caldwell also collaborated with other artists during this period, including Al Jarreau, Amy Grant, and Neil Larsen.
Despite his success, Caldwell grew disillusioned with the music industry and the pressures of fame. He took a break from recording and touring and moved to Japan in the mid-1980s to focus on his personal life and his spiritual journey. He continued to write and record music during this time but largely kept a low profile.
Caldwell returned to the United States in the early 1990s and released several albums, including "Heart of Mine" (1991), "Stuck on You" (1993), and "Soul Survivor" (1995). He also continued to tour and perform, both as a solo artist and with other musicians. In 1996, he released a live album, "Live at the Blue Note Tokyo," which captured his dynamic stage presence and his ability to connect with audiences.
In recent years, Caldwell has continued to record and perform, releasing albums such as "House of Cards" (2012) and "Cool Uncle" (2015), a collaboration with producer Jack Splash. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the music industry, including being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019.
Throughout his career, Bobby Caldwell has remained committed to his musical vision and his love of blending genres and styles. His smooth voice, catchy melodies, and soulful lyrics have made him a favorite among fans and fellow musicians alike.
Despite his success, Caldwell has never lost sight of his passion for music and his desire to create something unique and meaningful.