How did Bobby Caldwell die? 'What You Won't Do For Love' singer dies at 71, wife Mary says she's 'forever heartbroken'

Before his death, Bobby Caldwell battled an illness for many years
UPDATED MAR 15, 2023
Singer and songwriter Bobby Caldwell, 71, died on March 14 (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Singer and songwriter Bobby Caldwell, 71, died on March 14 (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

NEW JERSEY: Singer Bobby Caldwell died at his home at the age of 71. Caldwell's wife, Mary Caldwell, tweeted to announce the death of the songwriter on Tuesday night, March 14. The New York native was popular for his timeless classic, 'What You Won't Do for Love.'

Caldwell who was born in Manhattan and came from a business family. He was raised in Miami. 'Suppertime' was one of the first musical variety television programs which were both hosted and sung by his father and mother. His singing and songwriting career was influenced by his childhood times when he grew up listening to the music of Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and show tunes. 

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How did Bobby Caldwell die?

Before Caldwell's death, he battled an illness for many years. While at his home in New Jersey, he died in his sleep on Tuesday, reported Daily Mail. Thanking fans for their prayers, the singer's wife wrote on Twitter, "Bobby passed away here at home. I held him tight in my arms as he left us. I am forever heartbroken." She also wrote, "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."



 

According to TMZ's claim, the musician had "not been able to walk for about five years as he coped with painful bouts of neuropathy and a ruptured tendon in his ankle."

Caldwell's career as a musician

Caldwell who began singing as a teen in the 1960s released albums in adult contemporary, soul, R&B, and jazz. The musician whose full name was Robert Hunter Caldwell had a successful career and has released numerous solos which gained him recognition in the music industry. His skills in songwriting gave him hit music which also earned hits for popular artists like Boz Scaggs, Neil Diamond, Peter Cetera, Al Jarreau, Chicago, and Amy Grant. 

Caldwell's music was bought by major motion picture and television credits taking his compositions to the world. 'The Perfect Man' film by Hillary Duff included Caldwell's composition 'The Girl I Dream About' and also in 'Her Minor Thing' by Charlie Matthau film, 'Her Minor Thing' and Al Pacino starrer 'Simone.'

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