History of Bobby Caldwell in Timeline
"Robert Hunter Caldwell was a renowned American musician celebrated for his soulful and versatile vocals across genres like R&B, soul, jazz, and adult contemporary. He gained fame with his hit single 'What You Won't Do for Love' from his platinum-selling debut album 'Bobby Caldwell' in 1978. Beyond his own albums, he wrote songs for other artists, notably 'The Next Time I Fall' for Amy Grant and Peter Cetera, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Caldwell's musical legacy endures through numerous samples by prominent hip-hop and R&B artists."
August 15, 1951: Birth of Bobby Caldwell
Bobby Caldwell was born on August 15, 1951. He would go on to have a successful career as a singer, songwriter, and musician.
1977: Struggling Musician in Los Angeles
By 1977, Caldwell had spent six years in Los Angeles, playing in various bar bands as he sought to secure a record deal.
1978: Signing with TK Records and Recording Debut Album
Caldwell's efforts paid off in 1978 when he signed with TK Records in Miami. He recorded his debut album, and despite executives enjoying the album, they felt it needed a hit song, leading Caldwell to write "What You Won't Do for Love."
1978: Release of "What You Won't Do for Love"
In 1978, Bobby Caldwell released his debut album, which featured his hit single "What You Won't Do for Love." The song became a signature tune for Caldwell and has been widely covered and sampled by other artists.
1980: Release of "Cat in the Hat"
Bobby Caldwell released his second album, "Cat in the Hat," in 1980, featuring the track "Open Your Eyes" which would later be sampled and covered by various artists.
1982: Release of "Carry On"
In 1982, Bobby Caldwell released his third album, "Carry On." Notably, Caldwell showcased his musical versatility by playing all the instruments on the album, producing, and contributing to the arranging and mixing processes.
1983: Release of "August Moon" in Japan
Bobby Caldwell's album "August Moon" was initially released exclusively in Japan in 1983. It wasn't until the 1990s that the album would see a release in the United States, reflecting the global reach of Caldwell's music and the varying release strategies employed in the music industry at the time.
1984: Contributing to the "Night of the Comet" Soundtrack
In 1984, Bobby Caldwell contributed the song "Never Give Up" to the soundtrack of the science fiction comedy film "Night of the Comet." This showcased his ability to create music for different mediums and genres.
1988: Minor Role in "Salsa"
Bobby Caldwell stepped into the world of acting with a minor role in the 1988 film "Salsa." This marked an early foray into acting, expanding his artistic horizons beyond music.
1996: Release of "Blue Condition"
Marking a stylistic shift, Bobby Caldwell released "Blue Condition" in 1996, a departure from his earlier R&B work to focus on big band arrangements of classics from the Great American Songbook, particularly those associated with Frank Sinatra.
1998: Remaking a Classic
In 1998, Bobby Caldwell revisited his musical roots by remaking his iconic song, "What You Won't Do for Love." This demonstrated his enduring connection to the track that had become a signature part of his career.
October 1999: Taking the Stage as Frank Sinatra
From October 1999, Bobby Caldwell embarked on a new venture, portraying the legendary Frank Sinatra in the Las Vegas musical "The Rat Pack Is Back." This role allowed Caldwell to showcase his acting abilities and pay homage to one of his musical influences.
1999: Release of "Come Rain or Come Shine"
Continuing his exploration of standards, Bobby Caldwell released "Come Rain or Come Shine" in 1999, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile vocalist comfortable with both contemporary and classic material.
January 2000: Concluding his Run as Sinatra
In January 2000, Bobby Caldwell concluded his run as Frank Sinatra in the Las Vegas production of "The Rat Pack Is Back." His portrayal of the iconic singer earned him acclaim and further diversified his artistic portfolio.
2000: "Open Your Eyes" Sampled by J Dilla
J Dilla, a renowned hip-hop producer, sampled Bobby Caldwell's "Open Your Eyes" in 2000 for the track "The Light" by rapper Common. This sampling introduced Caldwell's music to a new audience and highlighted the enduring appeal of his work.
2001: Music Featured in "Simone"
Bobby Caldwell's music reached new audiences in 2001 when his renditions of big band standards were featured in the film "Simone," starring Al Pacino. This demonstrated the cinematic appeal of his music and its ability to enhance storytelling.
2002: Music Featured in "Lake Boat"
Continuing to make his mark on the silver screen, Bobby Caldwell's music was featured in the 2002 film "Lake Boat." This further solidified his presence in popular culture and the enduring appeal of his recordings.
2006: "What You Won't Do for Love" on American Idol
During the fifth season of American Idol in 2006, contestant Elliott Yamin chose to perform Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do for Love." Yamin's soulful rendition introduced the song to a new generation of music fans and showcased the enduring appeal of Caldwell's music.
2010: Release of "The Consummate Bobby Caldwell"
In 2010, Bobby Caldwell released "The Consummate Bobby Caldwell," an album that reaffirmed his commitment to performing timeless standards, showcasing his enduring passion for the Great American Songbook.
2014: Release of "After Dark"
Bobby Caldwell continued to enchant audiences with his interpretations of classic tunes with the release of "After Dark" in 2014. The album further showcased his affinity for the smooth sounds of jazz and standards.
2015: Collaboration with Jack Splash on "Cool Uncle"
In 2015, Bobby Caldwell collaborated with renowned record producer Jack Splash on the album "Cool Uncle." This collaboration blended Caldwell's soulful vocals with Splash's contemporary production techniques, resulting in a unique and refreshing take on Caldwell's signature sound.
2017: Health Challenges Arise
Bobby Caldwell's health began to deteriorate in 2017 as he suffered severe side effects from fluoroquinolone, a type of antibiotic. This marked the beginning of a challenging period for Caldwell as he navigated his health issues.
2018: Lil Nas X Releases "Carry On" on Mixtape
In 2018, Lil Nas X released his mixtape "Nasaratti," which included a song titled "Carry On." This song would later become the subject of a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement due to its use of a sample from Bobby Caldwell's song of the same name.
2019: Lawsuit over "Carry On"
In 2019, rapper Lil Nas X faced a $25 million lawsuit for allegedly using Bobby Caldwell's song "Carry On" without permission in his own song of the same name. This lawsuit highlighted the importance of copyright protection and the legal complexities surrounding music sampling.
March 14, 2023: Death of Bobby Caldwell
On March 14, 2023, Bobby Caldwell passed away at his home in New Jersey. He was 71 years old.