Music
What caused Bobby Caldwell’s death?
The singer, songwriter, and musician passed away at 71, his wife confirms.
The American singer, songwriter, and musician Bobby Caldwell passed away at the age of 71.
The ‘What You Don’t Do for Love’ singer had been battling an unknown injury and illness for several years. According to his wife Mary Caldwell, who confirmed the news in a Twitter statement, he had been ‘floxed.’
She writes, “Bobby passed away here at home. I held him tight in my arms as he left us. I am forever heartbroken. Thanks to all of you for your many prayers over the years. He had been “FLOXED,” it took his health over the last 6 years and 2 months. Rest with God, my Love. -Mary Caldwell,”
What does ‘Floxed’ mean?
According to Regenerative Medicine LA, “Floxed’ is described as “your body has suffered from mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress due to an adverse effect from a Fluoroquinolone antibiotic.”
Fluoroquinolone is described by WebMD as a class of antibiotics approved to treat or prevent certain bacterial infections.
“However, some people who take these medicines may develop disabling and potentially permanent side effects of the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and central nervous system. A person can experience more than one of these side effects at the same time” WebMD states.
They also go on to list possible side effects of Fluoroquinolones as long-term pain, nerve damage in hands, feet, arms, or legs, symptoms affecting tendons, muscles, and joints, and more.
Caldwell’s lasting impact on music
Caldwell is primarily known for his smooth jazz track ‘What You Won’t Do for Love,’ which was released in 1978. After the newfound hit, he went on to have an abundantly successful career with over 12 albums in multiple genres.
Caldwell’s music is quite popular and has been sampled by other artists many times. According to the website WhoSampled.com, Caldwell has been sampled over 150 times with over 70 released covers of his work.
His most sampled song ‘What You Won’t do for Love’ has been sampled over 80 times. Most famously by R&B and Hip-Hop artists 2Pac and Aaliyah. While Caldwell hasn’t released music since 2015, his work continues to be sampled by artists today.
The most recent sample comes from Lil Nas X in 2019. At the time Caldwell sued the rapper for $25 million for using the song ‘Carry On’ without permission in his own song, of the same name that was on Youtube and streaming music platforms at the time.