Legendary singer Bobby Caldwell died in his sleep in his New Jersey home Tuesday night at the age of 71.
Caldwell was best known for his classic hit “What You Won’t Do For Love.” His wife, Mary, confirmed his death Wednesday on his official Twitter page.
“‘Bobby passed away here at home,” she wrote. “I held him tight in my arms as he left us. I am forever heartbroken,” she continued. “He had been “FLOXED,” it took his health over the last 6 years and 2 months.”
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 (@bobbycaldwell) March 15, 2023
Caldwell was unable to walk for the past five years as he battled a painful health condition. In 2022, the singer’s team revealed he had suffered a negative reaction after being prescribed an antibiotic in 2017. This caused his Achilles tendon to rupture and ultimately led to neuropathy, which he continued to suffer from until his death, according to TMZ.
The famous songwriter and singer was widely loved and supported by his fans and followers.
“Thanks to all of you for your many prayers over the years. Rest with God, my Love. -Mary Caldwell” wrote at the end of her Twitter post.
What a true classic. My father, like so many others, covered “What You Won’t Do For Love” on his 1997 album Hearts, so the song loomed large in our home long after Bobby debuted it in the 70s. Sending our sincerest condolences.
— 𝙸𝙽𝚃. 𝚁𝙰𝚅𝙴𝙽𝚆𝙾𝙾𝙳 𝙵𝙸𝙻𝙼𝚂 – 𝙽𝙸𝙶𝙷𝚃 (@shaun_obanion) March 15, 2023
Caldwell was adored for his smooth, soulful voice. His signature hit was released in 1978 ad quickly made it to the top 10 on Billboard. His self-titled debut album went double platinum, and he continued to produce music well into his long-lasting career in the entertainment industry, according to TMZ. (RELATED: Last Surviving Founding Member Of Lynyrd Skynyrd Dead At 71)
Caldwell’s hit single “Do For Love” has been widely covered on “American Idol,” and was covered by top artists such as Boyz II Men, Michael Bolton, and Tupac Shakur.
The famous songwriter also penned songs for Neil Diamond, Roberta Flack, and Boz Scaggs and was responsible for writing “The Next Time I Fall” which became a hit single for Amy Grant and Peter Cetera.