Singer Bobby Caldwell has died at home at the age of 71 following a battle with an illness.
The star died in his sleep at his residence in New Jersey on Tuesday, his representative and heartbroken wife have confirmed
Bobby's wife, Mary Caldwell, took to Twitter to share the sad news of his death. Writing on Bobby's page, she said: "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."
Fans took to the comments to offer their condolences, with one person writing: "Sending your whole family love & prayers."
Another said: "My prayers and condolences. Thank you for the great music," while a third person commented: "His was another soundtrack of my life RIP."
Bobby is said to have been fighting an illness for a number of years, and had been left unable to walk for around five years.
His team revealed last year that Bobby had a bad reaction to a prescribed antibiotic in 2017 which reportedly caused his Achilles tendon to rupture and eventually led to neuropathy.
He was best known for composing the double-platinum record What You Won't Do for Love, which reached the top 10 on Billboard when it was released.
The song has been covered and sampled by several artists over the years, including Boys II Men, Tupac Shakur, Phyllis Hyman and Roy Ayers.
Bobby grew up in Miami listening to the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald and eventually became known for his own soulful vocals.
The singer got his first big break performing as a rhythm guitarist for Little Richard in the early 1970s, before he decided to embark on a solo career.
In 1978, he signed his first deal with TK Records, having spent six years playing at bars in Los Angeles.
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