Singer dies at 71

Bobby Caldwell was a singer and songwriter known for music including the 1978 R&B hit “What You Won’t Do for Love.”

Musical career

Caldwell’s early career included a gig playing guitar for Little Richard (1932–2020) in the 1970s. When he launched his solo career with his 1978 self-titled debut album, he had an immediate hit with “What You Won’t Do for Love.” The song was popular on R&B and adult contemporary radio, as well as achieving Top 40 success. And it had staying power – “What You Won’t Do for Love” has been covered by many artists including Go West, Michael Bolton, and Boyz II Men, and it was prominently sampled in Tupac Shakur’s (1971–1996) posthumous hip hop hit, “Do for Love.”

Caldwell couldn’t duplicate the success of “What You Won’t Do for Love,” though he had minor hits with songs including “My Flame,” “Coming Down from Love,” and “All of My Love.” He turned to songwriting for other artists including Natalie Cole, Al Jarreau, and Roberta Flack. His biggest hit for another artist was “The Next Time I Fall,” a No. 1 hit for Amy Grant and Peter Cetera in 1986. Even as he wrote hits for others, Caldwell continued recording his own R&B, smooth jazz, and standards, most recently releasing the 2015 album “Cool Uncle.”

Tributes to Bobby Caldwell

 

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