American singer-songwriter Bobby Caldwell, who was popular in the ’70s and ’80s, has died at the age of 71. As word of Caldwell’s passing spreads, artists and fans alike are remembering him and paying respect to his legacy. Questlove, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and many others have already expressed their sadness and shared fond memories of his songs.
What You Won’t Do for Love” and “My Flame” are both considered R&B and soul music standards, and they helped make Caldwell famous. He established himself as a pioneer in fusing jazz with pop and soul, garnering a legion of devoted followers and a permanent place in the annals of music history.
In the wake of Caldwell’s passing, several musical artists shared tributes on social media. The drummer for The Roots, Questlove, sent a heartfelt tribute to his late friend on Instagram, saying, “Prayers for Bobby Caldwell’s eternal rest. The sound of his voice stuck with you. The quality of his paintings could hardly be denied. We send our thoughts and prayers to his loved ones.”
RIP Bobby Caldwell
— RUSS (@russdiemon) March 15, 2023
RIP Bobby Caldwell 🫡🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/yNzNmrT5sB
— DJ P👀H (@DJPooh) March 15, 2023
Rest In Peace 🎶❤️ – @bobbycaldwell
— MADE IN Ⓣokyo 🇯🇵 skr skr ! (@madeintyo) March 15, 2023
RIP Bobby Caldwell.
— Doms (@DamierGenesis) March 15, 2023
R.I.P. #BobbyCaldwell. 🕊️ https://t.co/KezwrtsCyR pic.twitter.com/fotAhijezu
— FunK (@DaMFunK) March 15, 2023
Music journalist A. Scott Galloway just shared that Bobby Caldwell passed away at age 71, following an extended illness.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family.
🎥: Bobby Caldwell performs “What You Won’t Do For Love” live in Miami Beach, filmed by George Monteiro, 1978 pic.twitter.com/350K4XFoRD
— DJ Soul Sister (@djsoulsister) March 15, 2023
God bless Bobby Caldwell. Hurts.
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) March 15, 2023
Disc Jockey Jazzy To express his sorrow, Jeff wrote, “Bobby Caldwell, may your might rest in peace. So many of us have spent our lives listening to your voice. Regards to all of your loved ones.”
Other musicians and fans shared their favorite songs and memories of Caldwell’s music, with many noting the impact he had on their lives and careers. Several musicians have sampled Caldwell’s music throughout the years, and his influence may be heard in the work of other modern musicians.
Caldwell’s legacy as a musician and songwriter is secure, and his music will continue to be enjoyed and celebrated for years to come. As the music world mourns his passing, we remember him for his contributions to the R&B and soul genres and the impact he had on generations of music lovers.
