Calay News
Legendary R&B singer and songwriter Bobby Caldwell has passed away at the age of 71 after a long illness, according to a statement posted by his wife on his verified Twitter account. Caldwell was known for his soulful voice and his ability to perform across many genres, which he attributed to the diversity of his hometown of Miami, Florida. He had a string of hits, including “Open Your Eyes” and “What You Won’t Do for Love,” which hit the Billboard charts soon after their release in 1978. Caldwell’s music has been sampled by numerous artists, including Tupac Shakur in his posthumous 1998 hit “Do for Love,” as well as Common, The Notorious BIG, and John Legend.
Caldwell was born in Manhattan in 1951 and began his music career in the late 1960s as a drummer. He later switched to singing and songwriting and released his debut album, “What You Won’t Do for Love,” in 1978. The album was a commercial success and earned Caldwell a loyal following. He continued to release albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s and collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Vanessa Williams, Al Jarreau, and Michael Lington.
Caldwell’s wife, Mary Caldwell, thanked fans for their support and prayers in a statement posted on Twitter. “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,” she wrote.
The music world has lost a true icon in Bobby Caldwell, whose voice and music touched the hearts of fans across the globe. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans for years to come.
