‘What You Won’t Do For Love’ Singer Bobby Caldwell Dies at 71

Bobby Caldwell, the singer-songwriter best known for his classic hit “What You Won’t Do for Love,” has died. He was 71.

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’s wife, Mary, announced his death on Bobby’s official Twitter account Wednesday morning, sharing that he died at home.

“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,” she wrote.

She shared that the singer had been struggling with health issues for the past six years after being “floxed,” which occurs in the body due to mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress caused by an adverse effect from a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, according to treatment center Regenerative Medicine LA.

Born Robert Hunter Caldwell, the musician got his first career break as a rhythm guitarist for Little Richard in the early 70s. He later went solo and recorded his first album in 1978 after signing with TK Records in Miami.

The self-titled album, Bobby Caldwell, charted on the Billboard 200 and featured his multi-generational hit “What You Won’t Do for Love,” which has been covered by the likes of Boyz II Men, Michael Bolton, and most recently, Snoh Alegra.

Tupac also sampled the hit for his 1997 record, “Do For Love.”