Bobby Caldwell, the singer-songwriter who mastered a variety of genres and was best known for 1978’s ‘What You Won’t Do for Love,’ died Tuesday, according to his wife, Mary, on Caldwell’s official Twitter. He was 71.
His wife said he died of fluoroquinolone toxicity after an antibiotic he was prescribed in 2017 wreaked ‘havoc’ on his body. However, an official cause of death has not been released.
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
Because of the disabling side effects associated with fluoroquinolones, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning in 2016 about their use in treating ‘less serious’ bacterial infections. In 2013, the drug’s warning labels were also updated to include the possibility of irreversible nerve damage. Cipro, a brand name variation of quinolone antibiotics, may be most familiar to consumers.
Caldwell, who was influenced by artists like Nat King Cole and The Beatles, decided to pursue a career in music at the age of seventeen, and went on to create hits like ‘What You Won’t Do for Love’ and ‘My Flame.’ His parents were also singers who hosted a musical variety show, according to his website’s biography.
Caldwell’s ability to cross genres, such as jazz and R&B, has ensured the longevity of his catalogue. Boyz II Men sampled What You Won’t Do for Love in 1997 for their song ‘To the Limit,’ nearly twenty years after the hit was released.
Caldwell was also sampled by The Notorious B.I.G., who used My Flame in his 1997 hit ‘Sky’s the Limit,’ which was later used in ‘Notorious,’ a biopic about the rapper’s life and career.
Caldwell is survived by his wife and daughters.
