Bobby Caldwell, the soulful singer-songwriter behind R&B hits like "What You Won't Do For Love" and "Open Your Eyes," has died, according to his wife, Mary Caldwell. He was 71 years old.
"Bobby died here at home. I hugged him tight as he left us. My heart is forever broken. Thank you all for your many prayers over the years," read part of Mary Caldwell's statement, shared on her verified Twitter account.
She said Caldwell had been struggling with health issues for some time.
Caldwell's hit "What You Won't Do For Love" topped the Billboard 100 chart when it was released in 1978. Artists such as Tupac Shakur, Common and John Legend sampled his music.
Questlove, who collaborated with Common on "The Light," which samples Caldwell's "Open Your Eyes," shared a tribute to the late artist on Instagram, describing how she tried to collaborate with him over the years.
"You missed such an opportunity to meet a legend," Questlove wrote. "Thank you for your vote and your gift,
Other Caldwell fans shared memories on social media, with one musician writing: "Thank you Bobby for sharing with us and the rest of the world what has brought you so much joy and beauty. He will be missed and his memory will be a blessing."
Born in New York and raised in Miami, Caldwell had a great time playing guitar for Little Richard.
ragini singh