Singer Bobby Caldwell passed away Tuesday at the age of 71. The artist, known for his 1978 song What You Won't Do For Love, died at his home after a six-year battle with a long illness. His wife, Mary Caldwell, announced the news on the artist's Twitter profile:
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 suffered from a disease called Floxing. According to the Regenerative Medicine LA treatment center, this disease occurs as a result of a side effect of taking a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
The artist became famous in 1978 thanks to his song What You Won't Do For Love. Variety reported that his smooth jazz hit was released in September '78 and was the song that put the singer on the map after signing a contract with the Miami label TK Records. However, the label, intent on competing against Smokey Robinson, Teddy Pendergrass and many other black artists in the radio format known as the "silent storm," decided to conceal Caldwell's true racial identity.
However, the secrecy was short-lived. The song became so popular that audiences began to request that he perform it live. Against all odds, it became even more popular when Caldwell's true racial identity was discovered. It reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and number six on the R&B chart. Not only did the song become popular, but the album also went double platinum that same year.
