Bobby Caldwell, a renowned American singer-songwriter known for his genre-bending style of music, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 71.
According to his wife, Mary, Caldwell died due to Fluoroquinolone toxicity after an antibiotic he was prescribed in 2017 wreaked “havoc” on his body. Although the official cause of death has not been released, Mary confirmed the news to NBC News.
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
— Bobby Caldwell (@bobbycaldwell) March 15, 2023
Bobby Caldwell Hit Was Sampled By Biggie, Boys II Men
Caldwell’s passing marks a significant loss to the music industry. He was heavily influenced by music legends such as Nat King Cole and the Beatles and had embarked on his music career at the age of 17.
Throughout his career, he wrote and sang several hits, including “What You Won’t Do for Love” and “My Flame.”
Caldwell’s ability to tap into multiple genres, including jazz and R&B, gave his music longevity. His hit song “What You Won’t Do for Love” was sampled by Boyz II Men in 1997 for their song “To the Limit” almost 20 years after its initial release. Rapper Biggie Smalls also sampled Caldwell’s music, using “My Flame” in his hit “Sky’s the Limit,” which was later used in a biopic about Smalls’s life and career.
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Caldwell lived in New Jersey and is survived by his wife and daughters. His contribution to music and his unique style will always be remembered by fans and fellow musicians.
Bobby Caldwell Died Due To Fluoroquinolone Toxicity, Says Wife
Speaking to the media, Mary shared that Caldwell had been prescribed Fluoroquinolone for a runny nose and cough, which should never have happened. She emphasized that the drug had irreversible effects if a person got hit with it badly.
Fluoroquinolone is an antibiotic commonly used to treat serious bacterial infections but has been associated with disabling side effects such as nerve damage. The Food and Drug Administration had issued a warning in 2016 regarding the use of Fluoroquinolone for treating “less serious” bacterial infections.
