Singer and songwriter Bobby Caldwell has died at the age of 71.
The New York native had battled an illness for many years before his death.
Caldwell died in his sleep Tuesday night at his New Jersey residence, his rep said Wednesday morning.
His wife since 2004, Mary Caldwell, broke the news on Twitter as she thanked fans for their prayers.
“Bobby died here at home,” Mary said on Twitter. “I held him tight in my arms as he left us. I am heartbroken forever.
The musician was known for his soulful and eclectic vocals as he lit up the hits What You Won’t Do for Love.
Sad farewell: singer and songwriter Bobby Caldwell died at the age of 71. The pop singer had struggled with an illness for many years before his death; seen in 2013
His very early days: Here the artist is seen in a 1970 photo by PBR INT
Mary also said: “Thank you all for your many prayers over the years. He had been ‘FLOXED’ it took his health for the last 6 years and 2 months. Rest with God my love.’
TMZ claimed that the singer “hasn’t been able to walk for about five years as he’s coping with painful bouts of neuropathy and a torn tendon in his ankle.”
A native of New York, whose full name was Robert Hunter Caldwell, he began singing as a teenager in the 1960s.
He has released multiple albums spanning R&B, soul, jazz and adult contemporary.
“Drawing from his vast repertoire of rousing R&B, intimate smooth jazz styles and big band songs, Bobby has the ability to entertain fans of all ages, anywhere. It has enjoyed feverish popularity in Japan and across Asia, selling out sold-out shows and achieving gold and platinum status for its releases in those countries.
In addition to extensive touring, Bobby starred as Frank Sinatra in the David Cassidy/Don Reo theatrical production The Rat Pack Is Back in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Bobby received rave reviews for his performance, both from industry critics and his loyal fans.
Bobby has appeared on The CBS Second Cup Café, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and BET Jazz Central, and has made numerous appearances on national and local networks.
As a singer, he looks back on a successful career with numerous solo releases that have been praised far beyond the borders.
Gone too soon: His wife since 2004, Mary Caldwell, broke the news on Twitter as she thanked fans for their prayers. Caldwell died in his sleep Tuesday night at his New Jersey residence, his rep said Wednesday morning. seen in 2011
He left his mark: The musician was known for his soulful and versatile singing when he lit up the hits What You Won’t Do for Love
His songwriting skills have brought hits not only to himself but also to notable artists such as Chicago, Boz Scaggs, Peter Cetera and Amy Grant, Neil Diamond and Al Jarreau.
Bobby’s all-time classic What You Won’t Do For Love has been recorded and sampled by over 100 artists, including Boys II Men.
A sample of Bobby’s song Open Your Eyes appeared on Common’s Grammy-nominated platinum rap hit The Light.
Artists as diverse as Tupac Shakur, Michael Bolton, Roberta Flack, Go West, Vanessa Williams and Notorious BIG have all paid tribute to him.
Bobby’s classic was sung by Elliot Yamin during the last 3 rounds of American Idol 2006.
Major film and television appearances have brought Bobby’s music to an even wider audience.
His original composition The Girl I Dream About was included in Hillary Duff’s film The Perfect Man, in Charlie Matthaus’ film Her Minor Thing, and in Simone with Al Pacino.
Previously, his rendition of Beyond The Sea was chosen by actor/director Joe Mantegna as the opening theme for his directorial debut Lakeboat.
He loves being on stage: . “Bobby died here at home,” Mary said on Twitter. “I held him tight in my arms as he left us. I’m heartbroken forever.’ seen in 2013
She was a fan: his songwriting skills brought hits not only to him but also to well-known artists such as Chicago, Boz Scaggs, Peter Cetera and Amy Grant (pictured), Neil Diamond and Al Jarreau.
The song suited the film so well that Mantegna commissioned Bobby to compose an original piece, “(Oh Boy!) You’ve Got It Made” as the closing theme.
Beyond The Sea also appears in the film My First Mister, starring Albert Brooks and directed by Christine Lahti, along with All The Way and The Girl I Dream About.
“I’ve Got The World On A String” was used in “Hearts In Atlantis” starring Anthony Hopkins. “Luck Be A Lady” is the title of the movie “The Cooler” starring William H. Macy, Alec Baldwin and Paul Sorvino.
Bobby was born in Manhattan and grew up in Miami. He came from a show business family.
His mother and father both sang and hosted one of the first musical variety programs on television, “Suppertime.”
Bobby grew up listening to show tunes, the music of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett and the Beatles. These early influences are prevalent in Bobby’s singing and songwriting.