Bobby Caldwell Biography: Children, Wife, Siblings, Parents, Age, Net Worth, Height, Obituary, Songs, Playlists, Lyrics

Robert Hunter Caldwell, known professionally as Bobby Caldwell, was an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist renowned for his soulful blend of R&B, jazz, and adult contemporary music.

Best known for his 1978 hit single “What You Won’t Do for Love,” which reached the top ten on multiple Billboard charts, Caldwell’s versatile vocals and songwriting prowess earned him a devoted following.

His extensive catalogue, frequently sampled by hip-hop and R&B artists, and his contributions to the Great American Songbook have cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure in modern music.

Profile

• Full Name: Robert Hunter Caldwell
• Stage Name: Bobby Caldwell
• Born: 15 August 1951
• Date of Death: 14 March 2023
• Age: 71 years old
• Birthplace: Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, and Musician
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Bob Caldwell and Carolyn Caldwell
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Mary Beth Caldwell (m.2004)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $8 million

Early Life and Education

Robert Hunter Caldwell was born on August 15, 1951, in Manhattan, New York City, to Bob Caldwell, a jazz vocalist and composer, and Carolyn Caldwell, a singer who performed across jazz, blues, and gospel genres. Information about his siblings remains undisclosed.

Growing up in Miami, Florida, he was exposed to diverse musical influences, including Haitian, Latin, reggae, and R&B, through his mother’s real estate clients, such as reggae legend Bob Marley, and his parents’ television show, Suppertime.

Caldwell began playing the piano and guitar at the age of 12, but details about his formal education, including the schools he attended or the degrees he earned, are not publicly available. His ethnicity is American, and his religion is unknown.

Career

Bobby Caldwell began his musical career in Miami, performing with the band Katmandu at age 17, where he played multiple instruments and wrote original material.

After moving to Los Angeles, he gained early experience as a rhythm guitarist for Little Richard in the early 1970s. Struggling to secure a solo record deal, he signed with TK Records in Miami in 1978 and released his self-titled debut album.

Initially lacking a hit, Caldwell wrote “What You Won’t Do for Love” in two days, which became a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100, R&B, and Adult Contemporary charts, earning double platinum status and marking his breakthrough.

Caldwell’s follow-up albums, Cat in the Hat (1980) and Carry On (1982), showcased his skills as a multi-instrumentalist and producer, with tracks like “Open Your Eyes” later sampled by artists such as Common and John Legend.

After TK Records closed, he pivoted to writing for others, penning the Billboard Hot 100 number one hit “The Next Time I Fall” for Amy Grant and Peter Cetera, along with songs for Boz Scaggs, Neil Diamond, and Al Jarreau.

In the 1990s, Caldwell transitioned to singing standards from the Great American Songbook, releasing albums like Blue Condition (1996) and Rain or Come Shine (1999), and portrayed Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas Rat Pack tributes.

Caldwell’s later work included the 2015 album Cool Uncle with producer Jack Splash, blending retro-soul with modern R&B. His music remained influential, with “What You Won’t Do for Love” experiencing a resurgence in 2024, reaching number one on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 due to a viral trend involving chocolate-covered strawberries.

Caldwell’s catalogue, sampled by artists such as Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and Lil Nas X, and his ability to navigate genres from soul to big band, continue to inspire musicians and resonate with global audiences.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: Unknown
• Facebook Handle: Bobby Caldwell
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Bobby Caldwell married Mary Beth Caldwell in 2004, and they remained together until he died in 2023; he had no children. He kept his personal life private, focusing on his music and artistic pursuits, such as painting.

Caldwell’s health declined after suffering severe side effects from fluoroquinolone antibiotics in 2017, which his wife cited as a factor in his passing.

Discography

• Bobby Caldwell (1978)
• Cat in the Hat (1980)
• Carry On (1982)
• August Moon (1983)
• Heart of Mine (1988)
• Stuck on You (1991)
• Where Is Love (1993)
• Soul Survivor (1995)
• Blue Condition (1996)
• Rain or Come Shine (1999)
• Perfect Island Nights (2005)
• The Consummate Caldwell (2010)
• House of Cards (2012)
• After Dark (2014)
• Cool Uncle (2015)

Net Worth

Bobby Caldwell had an estimated net worth of $8 million at the time of his death. His wealth was primarily derived from music royalties, album sales, live performances, and songwriting for prominent artists, with additional income from film soundtrack contributions and long-term syndication of his hit songs.