AQUI & AJAZZ, Bobby Caldwell "What You won't Do For Love".

Bobby Caldwell (born August 15, 1951) is an American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who, despite a prolific musical output over his 30-year career, is still best known for his 1978 hit single "What You Won't Do for Love".[1] While he has always maintained a devoted fan base in the United States, a legendary status has been bestowed upon him in Japan. For R&B and modern jazz fans in the United States, he retains the title of: "The white guy most often mistaken for an African American vocalist."
On this live performance show back in 1998, I had the privilege to be seating just right at the front seats, at the legendary BET Studio 2, in Washington, DC.

[@Quis404]

Who else is here to show Bobby some love since he just passed?! 🙏🏾 #RIP

[@cavaliermama56]

I’m with you. 😢 RIP, Bobby.

[@jordancauseyes2898]

Yep. I just found out today. I was listening to this yesterday as well

[@user-dianejcml]

Me too. Wanted to hear Bobby sing today. Rest in peace ❤🙏

[@JayTijani]

❤

[@ayndowney9401]

We are lost without these beautiful 😍❤️ dynamic talented artist providing us with quality, transformational honey for the ears and heart😢😮😅!

[@nickyfarrell3024]

It's called soul! Some singers have it, and some don't.......Bobby's got it!

[@chisty4ch]

Exactly it’s has nothing to do with color !!!!

[@ruger51995]

@Michael Davenport I'm a white guy but I think black people have much more style almost always lol

[@diepiriye]

OK! By the intro, I was like DAYUMN! This DUDE got Soul!

[@herschellebenting7558]

Indeed some ppl are hung up on tht fact tht his white music knows no colour

[@BassmanII]

Daryl Hall's another one. Check out his rendition of "Me and Mrs. Jones".

[@dwightlove3704]

Is anyone going to give props to the young lady on the saxophone!!!!!!!

[@bananka4905]

Love it❤

[@WatstheNEWnews]

The whole band is on point! ❤

[@Gultiere]

Anybody talking mess about race here should remember; a performer doesn’t pick their audience, the audience picks the performer. And I see PLENTY of brothers and sisters bumping this to this day.

[@reddragonn64]

Amen

[@jasmineskydancer]

ABC reported that What You Won't Do for Love was sampled by over 100 artists! Mr. Caldwell got his professional break playing guitar in Little Richard's band in the early 70's went solo and wrote songs for Roberta Flack and Neil Diamond. He passed in his wife's arms...how sweet. Rest in Peace blue-eyed R&B maestro.

[@WatstheNEWnews]

I honestly just found out a few days ago that he was white. It knocked my socks off. What a wonderful soulful voice he had. I can tell you this, there will not be another Bobby Caldwell. 🙏🏽❤💙

[@hamdoulaa]

the hood fucks heavy with Bobby

[@rvnwy7261]

I'm guessing he's invited to the barbeque

[@yialmighty2114]

Mr. Chow not only is he invited, he can make the potato salad

[@rvnwy7261]

joshua harris that sounds like more of a burden than a privilege

[@Hakeem597]

YO FACTS!!!!!

[@shonaphillips7577]

Bruh...okay😂😂😂

[@niclofton9912]

The thing about us soulful cats is that we have no set color. We're all one color underneath. Music is the brings people together.

[@niclofton9912]

+-T S- Not really if you know true soul.

[@charlottemwagbe1360]

I agree with you Nic, you are so right! To those who don't get it, they never will because they don't want to! Don't worry about them or waste your time trying to guide them to the light. They grow better in the dark. :)

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Nic Lofton i always though he was black esp on "what u want do 4 love" lol..

[@s.mcdonald4785]

THIS!!! Only a true lover of music would understand👩🏾 👩🏻👩🏼👩🏽👩🏿The COLOR DOESNT MATTER🤗🤗🤗

[@JerriRobertson1976]

Nic Lofton amen

[@tymeearayner]

This was my favorite live performance from him…. I am absolutely heartbroken. Rest in love Mr. Bobby Caldwell. 😞💗🌸🌸🌸

[@pussycowgirl5767]

Me to im trying to get the message to rock and roll Hall of Fame I recently befriended him and his wife in his last days two months ago when she told me he was very sick she and he texted me back to say thank you for your kindness I was so touch strangely enough I decided to check in on his condition on march 14 not knowing when I didn't receive a reply I was concerned so I went on the internet to pass time when I Saw his name in the search engine I knew something was wrong I couldn't believe that I actually reached out to him the day of his passing I am still mind boggled by that sorry about this long reply I spoke to her today and I said to her I would raise awareness to his passing due to floralaquinolone toxicity I'm still in deep sadness and depression he's been on my mind every day and night I'll probably never really get over it but him and his wife have beautiful spirits and Bobby Caldwell touch many of our lives rest in peace my friend

[@xxxmikben]

😢❤

[@sebastianwatson1558]

Yes...

[@janice369]

We've lost so many in the last several years. Just hurts. So thankful we have their voices forever. RIP Bobby🎶🎶💔🎶🎶

[@XimenaZzzz]

Por 2 yo aun no lo creo y también muy triste y hace un año k se fue a cantar al universo..😢😢😢😢

[@zenersmytok3619]

I think that he is actually getting better with age.

[@helenallen3592]

'All men get better with age...

[@Ubu987]

You are right - his singing is actually better - I didn't expect that! His voice has better resonance and tone now. It is less flexible than a young singer's voice, but he has compensated with much more skill and nuance. Above all, his sense of Soul has deepened till it fills the stage and inspires the audience.

[@danmarez3425]

The great ones do. Examples? Tony Bennett & Michael McDonald.

[@xell5252]

ABSO FUKIN LUTELY Awesome

[@flordelizapalma6119]

fine like wine

[@DarkJustice1999]

Bobby Caldwell proves what I’ve known all my life....soul has no color lines or boundaries. Sing it Bobby!!

[@kimkoteles4063]

I've always said the same thing!

[@kelseyfrazier1266]

Jesus Christ! My Man Can SING!!!

[@ditchsurfer2000]

In 1979, Billboard Magazine nominated Caldwell for best new black R&B artist of the year

[@clutchmanly1147]

I renominate him.

[@ineedhoez]

😂😂😂😂

[@PepperWilliamsMusicBlend]

EPIC reply bro!

[@SkammLykelee]

There is no such award. "Best New Black R&B Artist of the Year". *SCAM LIKELY*

[@MrChristian]

Hahahaha! Is that true?

[@charlenemack7040]

I would have bet all my money on Bobby Caldwell being African-American. What a soulful voice he had. Rest In Paradise Bobby 🙏💖🙏

[@mikewilliams0728]

He gets his plate before the kids do..

[@thatsoundsaboutright7483]

mikewilliams0728 stop stealing comments, you unoriginal twit.

[@mikewilliams0728]

ThatSounds AboutRight you big mad or little mad? 😂

[@Leahh823]

And the big piece chicken

[@Nubi1321]

lmao

[@imtiredoftheseniggas6618]

mikewilliams0728 😂😂😂

[@charlottemwagbe1360]

Actually we have a history of moving & smiling with singers/musicians that are not black. Let me mention a few: The Righteous Brothers, The Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, Tina Marie, Lisa Stansfield, Ambrosia (Biggest Part of Me), Average White Band (AWB), Boz Skaggs, Player (Baby Come Back), Michael Bolten... the list goes on and on. You see in the end, it really is about the music - I promise!

[@maxjetpack4824]

Music doesn't care what colour you are.

[@oldjazzy846]

Charlotte, I agree with you whole heartedly. As far as I'm concerned - soul has no color. I, too, go along with your list - they've got it.

[@peppyprobo1414]

Charlotte Mwagbe and Jon B

[@racephillips550]

Charlotte Mwagbe why does race even have to be brought in to it? Fucking pathetic

[@gibbsachenee]

Thank u! Usher KZbin the ones I didn't know and come to find out I did know the song the whole time I just forgotten about them and didn't know who sung them and the title of them

[@lenzotrumpet]

I heard this song few weeks ago ...now today is March 10 2024 and I told my wife a few weeks ago I have not heard this song in a long time.I couldn't get it out of my head for weeks..

[@geoffm3031]

Two admissions… for decades I thought this guy was black. 2nd I’ve loved this song since forever! Even better to see him do live with a tight ass band! RIP Bobby thanks for sharing.🎉

[@ianman15]

Terribly underrated. Caldwell, like Boz Scaggs, Daryl Hall and Bonnie Raitt, know blue-eyed soul breaks barriers.

[@kittykat4362]

❤🙏❤ Ianman15 💜 HELLO TO YOU AND YOUR COMMENT IS EXACTLY 💯% TRUE AND EXCELLENT **** 💐🕊🕊💐 REST IN LOVE & PARADISE BOBBY CALDWELL 💐🕊🕊💐**** AND PEACE AND LOVE AND 💜🙏💜 BLESSING TO YOU ALWAYS IANMAN15 AND TO ALL ❤🙏❤ OF OUR PRECIOUS AND RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE FROM KATHERINE 🌞🥰 IN CHICAGO ILLINOIS ON THURSDAY MARCH 23 , 2023 AT 5:01pm 💙 💙 💙 💙 AND THE MARATHON CONTINUE'S 💙 💙 💙 💙

[@jozen1986]

He’s getting the recognition he deserves now. Might be a little late but I’m sure he’s proud of his master piece

[@lucyjones955]

WTf I thought the brother was black. I just got educated. Right on! You are amazing!!

[@TheTolz0]

When a black crowd is jamming to a white band you know your doin something right....:) !!

[@MyWoodbeGood]

YEAH THE BLACKS KNOW THE MUSICS

[@Dame.1k]

Adder K1ng you first

[@coal2710]

Tables are turned. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmrCd6x4lNlspac

[@richardtabor2754]

must everything be about color ..not trying to be rude not all theirs talent in every color and there is people that cannot sing in every color

[@Keyboardman88]

You know that's right!!!

[@b-mangeo4037]

This song is a masterpiece

[@Melanie-xw9xg]

Absolutely yes it will always be a masterpiece ❤🤗🔥

[@The_torero]

Homeboy can SANG!!

[@iceberg1560]

Eccentricka1 yeesss he can

[@smilingface4761]

Oh yes 😊

[@wperkins1728]

The dude crossed some lines with plenty of grace. He was white mellow with a whole lot of soul. RIP, Bobby Caldwell.

[@michaelinreign239]

His singing is so wildly consistent through all the way to his unfortunate passing. If you listen to how he blasts through that falsetto run which is him adding a part and playing with the song, it's incredible. Like. Such a stunning talent that had amazing soul. I hope it's at rest now.

[@SteadyBark96720]

sax was killing it

[@Nobody-bm5bm]

SteadyBark96720 she's tough!!!!

[@truly2special]

She was OK

[@thatgirl8036]

corinthians nah man she was great

[@brandonthomas4175]

@@truly2special no BETTER THAN JUST OKAY...show that woman some respect!

[@dwightlove3704]

@@truly2special She was better than Okay

[@sharonhorsey2342]

All these years I did not know he was white and it really doesn't matter he is a great performer

[@richardoliverii5407]

Ya had It All Bobby...I will miss your Vibe ,But still Have This Great Performance !!! R.I.P.

[@SkammLykelee]

*Bobby Caldwell got so much soul, the cops beat him up.*

[@RTDavis0503]

Roland Syyles 😂😂😂

[@dickkuklinski2569]

Hahahahaha😂😂😂😂

[@kelvinwilliams3817]

Dude that was just plain wrong.!!!😂

[@demi_101]

😂😂😂😂

[@angelofmery21]

Man

[@georgebenson6279]

What can I say.. This mans voice was a special gift.. A blessing that very few have possessed.. Nothing less than Amazing..Bobby definitely had Soul running through his veins.. R. I. P ❤

[@okmusicman731]

Can we talk about how good this entire ensemble is!?! Sax, Bass.....all of it. SOLID.

[@maxpower1845]

Absolutely! But I particularly love the bass

[@conciencia21]

Sweet baby black Jesus! The first white singer to make me feel like he understood true black smoothness. Damn, this man need an honorary doctorate from the brotherhood! Rest in Love Bobby.

[@kennaoleary4333]

I am still enthralled by his voice. 2022...Bobby Caldwell so gifted.

[@amarelamar12]

That's a bad ass man right there that blue eyed soul

[@jblcva]

We are all in this together folks. Sink or swim, we are together. Color be damned.

[@eggnoy]

he could be a brother for all we know

[@Ekkie101]

R.I.P. Bobby Caldwell.

[@koolbreez9865]

Bobby Caldwell, Michael McDonald, & Simply Red! Blue eyed soul at its finest! 🔥

[@may5588]

Thank God for music- see no color and appreciate

[@rifjones166]

Old school....Sitting back with a Colt 45 and a book of Tops....And his Soulful voice....RIP My Man......BOBBY...

[@rooseveltwolfe1115]

Brotha got soul!!!

[@drakkarlogan9070]

He got the sauce

[@gordon4385]

R.I.P. Great talent taken from us.

[@celrocc8766]

This song will NEVER get old. I remember liking this when I heard it as a kid & I only appreciate it even more now. What a great song - the arrangements (nothing like the sound of a good band), the lyrics, the voice - it really is a masterpiece. RIP Bobby Caldwell.

[@summyb]

He plays that mic like an instrument. Same thing Sinatra did so well. Outstanding.

[@nicolemsneffi1534]

Rest in paradise 🙏 ✨ Mr.Bobby Caldwell sir inspired me in the art thank you for the amazing music 🎶 This is my favorite song 🎵 ❤

[@prokofievchambers8603]

The best live version of this performance I have ever heard. Hard to find one that he doesn't over blow.

[@helenallen3592]

I've never seen a performance where Bobby goes over the top. He does everything perfectly!

[@snigdasheelin3536]

What a beautiful voice and lovely song 🎵 ❤ RIP You will be missed but not forgotten!

[@anviban2]

...as a previous viewer said, (andrewbazzell) " This man is not only hosting the cookout but he can make the potato salad and got a seat at the spades table)..... and I agree, this is a never go out of style classic,.

[@gertrudebuck590]

I truly do believe that a lot of our Ancestors Gifts and Talents Come forth from us!

[@Bori_the_cat]

R.I.P. Bobby Caldwell, Your voices will be always in my heart.

[@julissagu]

This man can sang! So deliberate with every note and hit ‘em all

[@StopSelfDoubting]

I’m ashamed to admit that I had absolutely no idea this singer was white, not that it matters. Soul is soul. I’ve seen some Korean soul singers.

[@cuddletron]

Ebony Collins yes! one of my favorite k soul groups were big mama

[@agsweet708]

Ebony Collins true

[@helenallen3592]

Ebony, it doesn't matter whether a great singer is black or white, it IS the music. Listen for the throat tone and you'll know the difference... but in the end, it is all GREAT music...

[@williamgallucci9913]

helen who just said it so eloquently @@helenallen3592

[@kanteannightmare]

You mean… Seoul 😉

[@carolhollis4886]

RIP Mr. Caldwell

[@alirzayev2888]

It’s my responsibility to show this music to my kids 💯

[@chemquests]

Give it up for that bass player! That’s a sweet line

[@lefthanded2058]

Soul aint color. the groove is in the heart!Bobby Caldwell is a consummate bad dude!

[@chrissimpson6701]

Rest well Bobby, we love you. 1951-2023.

[@frankalcaraz2800]

That white boy has SOUL!!! Awesome arrangement, Thank you.

[@misscbrown9179]

What a voice❤❤❤

[@nebula3469]

RIP Baby! You're amazing!

[@Crackers2549]

By the way that was back in 78.. I'm an old timer now but never get tired of this masterpiece and this is an awesome live version!! Fantastic

[@ct9463]

Ey man. Its been 8 years. You good? How's life?

[@drummist1000]

I first read that as “ that was black is 78”

[@user-jv7ir9ez2k]

@@ct9463 i guess he aint good

[@davidwebb091370]

What a soulful voice! Rest in peace, Mr Bobby Caldwell

[@kevincunningham734]

The sax solo in the beginning, she killed that!!

[@cyndigirl418]

You BETTER SANG BOY! He STILL sounds great after all these years! YOU GO BOY! 🔥🔥🔥💪💪💪

[@guybettyrahem3937]

UN MUSICIEN HISTORIQUE TOUT SIMPLEMENT !!!!!!!!!!!! Une de mes IDOLES ABSOLUES ( avec les extra terrestres Carlos Santana Larry Carlton Pat metheny et Michael Franks) Bobby Caldwell est juste UN GÉNIE DE LA MUSIQUE !!!!!!!!!!! Savez vous qu'il est multi instrumentiste ( comme les immenses Larry Carlton et Andrew gold) et que sur certains titres c'est lui qui joue de tous les instruments !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Je l'adore depuis la fin des années 70 !!!!!!!!!!!! Mon seul regret ??? Ne jamais l'avoir vu sur scène !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Je doute qu'il soit jamais passé à Paris et même en France HÉLAS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GIGANTESQUE FABULEUX AHURISSANT PRODIGIEUX EXTRAORDINAIRE ET TOTALEMENT INOUBLIABLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GUY

[@lolmarcos9912]

I bought that 45 record in 1978. The record sleeve for that single didn't have his picture, only his name and song title. That song and his voice was just excellent so i bought it. For about 30 years, i truly thought because of his soulful voice that he was a singer of color. I would have bet my life on it. Just imagine my shock to find out he wasn't!It was beyond belief when i saw the video of him. It was hard to accept that was his voice coming out of him. Wow! Reminded me of the comedian Sinbad's experience with rock duo, Hall and Oates. When he heard them on the radio, and their soulful sound, he just assumed the were singers of color. But, then he saw them. Oops! What a shock for him! Guess soulful singing isn't just in one color.

[@trellyswellz8509]

My homeboy is a great singer and he taught me how to listen to music...Bobby Caldwell is a low key vocal beast. That lil Riff at 0:55 and that falsetto was 🔥 3:42-3:44

[@bleeabou]

R.I.P.😢Bobby Caldwell

[@barnesfam]

Not only was he talented, but he was good-looking too. May he RIP.

[@XimenaZzzz]

Joya...alguien escuchando este gran musico 7 de mayo 2024??? Yo muy desconsolada a un año de su partida..

[@curtiswhiteheadjr1322]

Word. If Mr. Caldwell had gotten any bigger, his whole Soul and Spirit would have been diminished. Don’t know his whole story, but I’m damn glad I don’t have to. Just love his music and how he brought it to us. 💯💖

[@judithpettit1581]

Curtis..you have made a very thoughtful statement. Admire your taste.

[@chriscotterill2267]

Just look at the smiling faces in audience. Says it all.

[@SadeWatkins]

I Love how he added a lil Razzle Dazzle in the Beginning of this Performance 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 He really had a Anointed Voice !!! I wish he would have done Gospel too.

[@jannettamaria6982]

Music has no colour , you love it or don't , this guy for me is the master of soul ...

[@nowaynoway915]

My mind is blown right now 😂😂😭😭

[@Justchanneling889]

He done had some black 😻. Somewhere down the line..

[@GINNIEJOY5420]

I've heard this song sang before of course, but a Black artist was singing it. So I just figured the song had always been sung by a Black man. What a pleasant surprise to discover that the original singer, Bobby Caldwell is so soulful. I absolutely loved this performance...❤️👍👍

[@anonleeleichner3915]

RIP, Sir I feel absolutely gutted at the loss of your passing. Thank you for sharing your life and voice with us.

[@lindafennick9812]

❤Bobby you will be missed. R.I.P.😥

[@janicejohns.1011]

Rest high upon the mountain, my favourite singer songwriter. Prayers 🙏💕 for the family

[@kimberlyjones4590]

RIP Bobby Voice given by God ...............thanks for all the music

[@thewatchmen4920]

Young people are easy to satisfy. Curse and mumble and you got a hit . Old School you have to go straight to the ❤️💗💓. You get that you have made it 🙏❤️

[@CarlosCruz-rp6jm]

What an amazing performance!

[@dla116z3]

Music truly is the universal language.

[@pacoluna7008]

I was a young kid growing up in Chicago when this song was just coming out. I loved it and was mesmerized by Bobby's beautiful jazzy style, incredible voice and amazing song. RIP Mr. Caldwell. We all love you..

[@acrocks6893]

Rip Bobby, you were a genius 😢

[@veronicablair5934]

He is the greatest singer of all time

[@Roe-RoeG]

This masterpiece is off of his debut album circa 1978! This live performance shows Mr. Caldwell’s God given gift! RIP Bobby thanks for all the beautiful music rest easy Sir! ❤️🎤🎧🙏🏻

[@darnellball4636]

RIP BOBBY CALDWELL been listening to him for years 🙏 another soul Brother blue eyed or brown great one passes on

[@mperez5920]

I love this man's voice, unforgettable.

[@sebou266]

I am French and I first knew this song through the cover of Tupac. And there I am impressed by this gentleman!! What a live voice!! Everything is perfect, timeless!! Respect!

[@mdsoulsounds]

Thank you Bobby Caldwell for leaving your beautiful musical gift to the world to forever appreciate . And thanks for posting this video, his intro was AMAZING! Growing up in Miami, Bobby was cultivated in African, Latin, Reggae music and we can hear it in his incredible voice! #RIP

[@HARDL3FT]

This live version is the best version I've heard of this song

[@MsQnetj317]

RIP Bobby! My most favorite song of all time! 🥰

[@SharonLGrady]

Damm brother you still got it going on.

[@irisharris6525]

Great vocalist and songwriter. So sorry to hear of his passing. His musical contributions will always be remembered.

[@Blackmountaingal1]

Well done Bobby, rest in peace. Your music is etched in my heart and soul.

[@PepperWilliamsMusicBlend]

When I first heard of Bobby Caldwell back in the seventies, I thought that he was black. That boy has some serious skills and plenty of S O U L.❤❤❤

[@williamlee4069]

The intro to this performance was 🔥 and of course Bobby was smooth as silk 😊