Who Did It Better? - Bobby Caldwell vs. Phyllis Hyman (1978/1986)

As always, please listen to both renditions then share your thoughts in the comments section.
"What You Won't Do for Love" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bobby Caldwell. It was released in September 1978 as the lead single from his eponymous debut album. It was written by Caldwell and Alfons Kettner, and produced by Ann Holloway. The song has been covered and sampled numerous times, including by Tupac Shakur in the posthumous 1998 hit "Do for Love"
Phyllis Hyman, American singer, songwriter, and actress released her version on her 1986 album "Living All Alone". - Wikipedia
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[@mcpheejesus5945]

Grew up on Bobby's version & him being Caucasian was the best kept secret. I'm a huge fan of Phyllis Hyman (3:33). She has a special gift for taking any song and making it her very own, as her version sounds nothing like Bobby's. Ms. Hyman makes me feel something deep within when I hear her catchy, smooth voice. Her enunciation, phrasing, improvisation, interpretation & overall delivery...always mesmerizing, soul-stirring and heartfelt; just altogether superb! In all honesty, both did an excellent job, but Phyllis makes every song a believable & memorable story when she sings. Rest in heavenly peace to these two great legends. Thanks for sharing these blazing gems!

[@matticjoseph4191]

Bobby is the winner

[@williamanderson1091]

Both are very great renditions. However. Bobby put the song on the map, and his version probably reached higher on the Billboard charts. I still like both artists and their version of this song.

[@wendylowman490]

Bobby Caldwell hands down!!!.... THIS IS HIS SIGNATURE Song... RIP🌹🕊 to Bobby and Phyllis

[@staceymichaels9530]

They are both singing elsewhere. ❤

[@jaiyabyrd4177]

Truth be told I didn't know Phyllis recorded the song. Both are beautifully done ❤❤

[@eugenedantzler4485]

Both sound great rip to both legends

[@zachswartz6645]

I have to go with Bobby's version because his vocals dance with the rhythm flawlessly.

[@jamievalenzuela1706]

"Who did it better?" How dare you!! Please don't do that to the late Bobby Caldwell and to the immortal Phyllis Hyman.

[@janicewhite7257]

😮that’s a tough one each unique in its own way 😊

[@SuperKabookie]

My vote goes to Bobby! I’m partial to original recordings.

[@Locd4life707]

Bobby & Phyllis both did it well with their own style of singing and distinct vocal tones!

[@libratime5809]

OMG, I can't choose! I love both songs!

[@Christmas-dg5xc]

I just found out Caldwell had passed away, earlier this year. RIP to both.

[@cj22cj]

They are both excellent in their own right. I don't think you can say one is "better" than the other. There is a mellow reggae version that came out earlier this year that is also very nice, as performed by Mato featuring Ethel Lindsey.

[@Gez492]

What You Won't Do for Love · Native Elements a 2016 Reggae version too but more in the Marley style

[@lorebay2593]

Both beautiful, I love this woman’s voice and man soul Bobby sang that. Can’t choose.

[@Gez492]

I love Phyllis Hyman and Bobby Caldwell. I am happy that we have at least two wonderful interpretations and on this occasion I will not pick one over the other just feel blessed to have these in my library.

[@fucker661]

Brother Bobby did it best

[@bamthompkins8268]

Going to always be the original version

[@ElleBrOw]

I’m with you Bam 🙋🏽‍♀️

[@sistamaryclarence]

Although I love both versions … it’s just something about Phyllis’ voice and interpretation .. she definitely takes a cover and make it hers like “In A Sentimental Mood” and “Love too good to last” .. May they both continue to rest peacefully 💜🕊️🙏🏾

[@cassandrasoler8309]

Both versions are stellar. I grew up listening to BC and back in the 80s I purchased Phyllis' masterful Living All Alone album. Talk about great production and perfect fitting for her. RIP to both icons! Their music will last forever!

[@sandiilovesu4077]

🎉I grew up hearing this type of music from my parents, but i didn't know that man was white 😮😂😂

[@PDPresents]

Phyllis Hyman

[@mrscolon8956]

Bobby's version is my best ❤ I can feel the words in my heart. She's has a beautiful voice though.😊

[@thefamilyman9628]

Feeling like we are losing so many of these great artist. Always thought Bobby Caldwell was black haha 😂. Never knew she covered this song

[@delightschwartz2155]

He sounds somewhat like Peabo Bryson. Met him back in the day when he was at house of blues sunset. Great guy.

[@creathechiboi]

i thought the same too ngl never saw Bobby's actual face until a producer showed off their Cat in the Hat vinyl record in a vid months ago, having already heard "What You Won't Do For Love" wayyy before that

[@rmsbrooks5606]

Me too, I was shocked.

[@abthenominee]

@@delightschwartz2155You need to stay off the crack. Peabo sounds way better.

[@antoinettegreen5344]

This is my favorite song!! Love my girl Phyllis but I'm giving this one to Bobby!!! Where's Tupac version of this ??

[@awakeningtovacuity8372]

I won't pick. They're both great.

[@kemintlow5706]

They both killed it, but the way the intro came in on Phyllis’s track carried with her mellowed tone was done amazingly well.

[@cookiescorner]

I grew up listening to the original and its sound still resonates with me. So I declare Bobby Caldwell (who unbeknownst to me is not black) the winner. Thank you Reelblack One for once again enlightening me.

[@TiagoRVMarques]

Bobby Caldwell great soul music

[@krissmgvlogs]

Love both versions but if I had to choose it would be Bobby, his is more soulful.

[@sexymama1966]

Bobby Caldwell brought it and his version has a smooth jazz feel.

[@darrylhayes3662]

I’m a Phyllis Hyman fan

[@Gregory_TheWatchman]

I was an 11 year old child who had an ear for musik...still do to this day. For me, it's Bobby Caldwell all the way on this. I've always loved Phyllis' smooth intimate voicing, but Caldwell's Bill Withers style approach on this was perfect. Well, that's what I hear anyway. Here, it's the Oldest School for me.

[@farrahc7055]

I didn't know Phyllis covered Bobby's signature tune, its lovely. Sorry but I have to go with what my ears like more and that's the original. ❤

[@JBanks333]

💨 The GR8 PHY👠👠IS HYMAN

[@floydthompson8668]

As the writer composer, Bobby wrote the song for himself. It was his biggest chart hit. PHYLLIS HYMAN'S LIVING ALL ALONE album, especially if you are a PHYLLIS fan, had at least 4 hits, not including Bobby's WHAT YOU WON'T DO FOR LOVE, they include: AIN'T YOU HAD ENOUGH LOVE, OLD FRIEND, YOU JUST DON'T KNOW, SCREAMING AT THE MOON. Adding Bobby's song (may have been) contact obligation, but it fits the theme of the album. We purchased Bobby's 45rpm record of this song shortly after it was released, and played the hell out of it, it is HIS defining song. To me, it does not sound like PHYLLIS tried to make the song HERS, as WHITNEY HOUSTON did with I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. I'm a PHYLLIS FAN, but it Bobby's song.

[@Prince-Adam-of-Eternia-the-432]

Absolutely spot on!!!

[@jevans4872]

I saw Phyllis perform this on David Letterman and it was funky and soulful as only Phyllis can deliver. Bobby Caldwell was the original but, I listen to him for nostalgia. I listen to Phyllis for the groove.

[@sharylthomas7180]

Bobby

[@kiwi6904]

The late GREAT Queen Ms. Phyllis Hyman hands down!! She definitely made it her own. This is the only version I want to hear now

[@rosiesherrod4526]

I like the “flavor of Jazz”, that Phyllis sing it in. Bobby that’s his song he nailed it. So I couldn’t choose one over the other, they both are good, 2 different styles. Phyllis you’re my girl, I like everything you’ve done. I like the version you did Bobby’s song in, but that’s his song. When I first heard it , Bobby sang it. That’s how the world knows this song.!

[@kve1247]

Both are great!!! 🤩🤩👍🏽🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💖💖

[@novathewomanking9675]

Both. I can't choose. I love both artist!

[@deepthang]

Black man here, didn't know Phyllis remade this. But I have to give it Bobby Caldwell

[@kennethwashington8704]

Never herd a cover until now. the cover ads another twist to this tine, Ilike both for different reasons,

[@growden100]

Hyman put a beautiful twist on an already beautiful and classic song, but l’m with Bobby.

[@dorcella8797]

Both. Just like Bobby 's like I like Bill withers' Lovely Day .

[@yeahisaidit5633]

Mannnn Bobby went wayyyyy to far ! So farrr no one can bring it back! His version hands down!

[@lindatruman4475]

Both ❤ NATURUALLY amazing

[@shaktilovesyouall]

Bobby Caldwell definitely!

[@atlygroup]

Didn't know there was another version. Also, I didn't know the original singer was a white man until he died, and it was all over the internet. I love the original the best tho. Her version is ok too.

[@kellyroyds5040]

There are quite a few versions.

[@shaunafoard4214]

Bobby Got That

[@Christmas-dg5xc]

Find "Bobby Caldwell's Wife Tells the Tragic Story of His Death" What a tragic end.

[@terristrange]

I didn’t know Phyllis covered this song. I prefer Bobby’s version. It’s just a smoother production.

[@sekhmetthegoddess3125]

Bobby got this! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@QwanJones]

A perfect example of two is better than one! Both versions are modern masterpieces.

[@sweett3469]

Both!!🎉🎉

[@adriennewashington3360]

My 1st time hearing Phyllis version. I really this one ..

[@lornacharles3858]

I thought that Ben song this beautiful music🥰🥰

[@alg1335]

Bobby hands down!!!

[@nikki331]

Ok Ms Phyllis as we all know has a one of a kind iconic voice and when she performs a song it is just that iconic but “What you won’t do” is truly Bobby’s joint. His soulful smooth voice hugs each note and has kept folks assuming he’s Black for decades. 💄💋

[@urieldunkley2533]

No doubt, Bobby.

[@sunrunneroldbottels223]

a great song can be arranged any way and still come on top both are fine,..

[@kennethcurry4049]

BOBBY CALDWELL NO DOUBT ABOUT IT !

[@rosabowie9280]

Bobby Caldwell❤

[@marlenealexander2697]

Phyllis voice is amazing but when it comes to this song it goes to Bobby!!

[@elizabethr8174]

Both artists are great, but…this is totally Bobby Caldwell’s signature piece… 😌🎶🎶🎶

[@thankful316]

Bobby all day

[@williamblockson8013]

All I’m gonna say about this composition / separate arrangement is , I see the exact same Godly spirit within their voices running through both Phyllis Hyman and T. M . aka Tena Marie . B1 and reparations family . Amin and Shalom .

[@NewChannel9000]

This is quite interesting. Didn’t know any remakes or other versions of this song had ever existed, until just now. Don’t get me wrong. . . .I like _Phyllis Hyman’s_ voice, songs and music. I _really_ do. But, I only know of and remember _ONE_ version of “ _What You Won’t Do for Love,_ ” and that’s _Bobby Caldwell’s ORIGINAL_ version. Like many people commenting, here, I didn’t really know of his actual race/ethnicity at the time the song was released, until much later on seeing pictures/images of what he looked like, as well as Videos of him.

[@redcatbiker]

I like both vocal versions equally. So, I'll judge it on the production; thus, I choose Bobby. This one was a hard one for me, because, every time I hear Phyllis sing, I SEE her singing it. I love Miss Hyman's voice and style. I saw her perform three different times during the course of her career. First, in some rinky-dink auditorium in NYC, around the time of You Know How to Love Me. Second, some years later, in a music hall/theatre in NYC. Then, finally, about a year or two before she died, in one of the jazz clubs (I think it was the Village Vanguard) in NYC. Oh, and I almost forgot, when I caught a show of Angela Bofill's, in a club in NYC, much to my surprise, she was sitting at the table next to mine.

[@staceymichaels9530]

Great experiences. Loved them both, especially Phyllis. How fortunate You were to hear her multiple times.

[@quietstorm7684]

Both versions are unique in their own way.

[@anthonybates6807]

BOBBY !!!!!

[@dianat5743]

Wow, this is my favorite song in the whole wide world. Of course I love it by Bobby Caldwell, I even have the red heart record. I also have this song by Phyllis Hyman, Natalie Cole and Peabo Bryson and Go West. I like all those versions, but Bobby’s version is excellent especially the music.

[@walterking85]

I am a big Phyllis Hyman fan, but it is no contest, Bobby Caldwell hand downs.

[@pertinawhite9175]

Bobby Caldwell

[@lornacharles3858]

I meant George Benson 🥰🥰🥰

[@disboygotdabeat]

It boggles my mind how this woman- Phyllis Hyman's voice is so extremely smooth, yet strong and versatile... I give Phyllis the better vote here. I believe she was just a victim of her time. R&B music in general during the late 1970's and 80's was Crap!... I believe Phyllis could have sung any Anita Baker song as well as if not better than Anita. Yet everyone has heard of Anita Baker and few people in general have ever heard of Phyllis Hyman.

[@angelanderson2991]

Two beautiful versions!!!! But I think Phyllis slayed it!!!!!

[@jordanwilliams4956]

Man Phyllis' version is pretty good! I think the production is more interesting on her version... Overall, i'd say its a tie on who did it better

[@charleshall9488]

Bobby.

[@brendaturner5015]

Sorry can't choose I like both

[@giovannibey7836]

Bobby C all day!!!!

[@OurAncestors94]

Bobby had so much soul in his singing truely talented unlike mfs like elvis Pressly........BOTH SONGS WERE VERY WELL DONE THO

[@staceymichaels9530]

Bobby Caldwell wins easily between these 2 versions. He was the original singer, and as a pop tune, it is better made. Musically, Phyllis' version is poorly made. Her voice is as though it was an afterthought in this specific production. Very unusual as Phyllis is incredible. Below, a commenter provided a link to Phyllis singing it on letterman's show. She is wonderful there.

[@justanadams9430]

You forgot one. Dorothy Moore's 1992's version of this song.

[@QueenBthatsMe777]

Guess who's here!

[@jacarimayfield]

Phyllis!

[@cesarbeltran6505]

Tupac best version

[@garyjohnson8120]

Hyman's version is definitely smooth, but I love Caldwell's arrangement and delivery better. It punches in just the right places.

[@afrosoul_soul]

Equal to close to call for me

[@rasheedlewis1]

I’ve never heard the Phylis cover

[@45bombom]

Go West's 1993 version is also good.

[@williamparker3328]

PH DID IT BEST ON LIVE LATE NIGHT TV 📺

[@redcatbiker]

Check out Phyllis singing this song live on David Letterman kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2PGi6CJj7ejea8 She knocks it out of the park!

[@staceymichaels9530]

Thank You!! This was a great version!!!

[@barbarayoungman7087]

Love that man yes he black 😂😂😂as you said the greatest are gone

[@asiablackgrl6482]

Tupac 😜

[@jaquanenglish5997]

They could have shown how many times this song was sample

[@marymac55]

I love Phyllis. But I LOVE Bobby's - the Original.

[@james-br5tv]

phyllis hyman

[@rebelmurphy664]

Phyllis was a soulful, sexy, and sultry singer who could absolutely enchant you with her voice..RIP..a straight up Phyllis Hyman fan..❤️🙏🕊️😇

[@bobredford9237]

Bobby Caldwell wins this matchup.