My daughter reminded me of this R&B gem from my childhood while creating videos for our family business' social media platform. That song stayed in my head for the rest of that day, and I naturally did what most of us do when that happens. My first step was to go to YouTube and watch the video. My family had never discussed Bobby Caldwell's ethnicity, and I had never realized it myself. For much of my youth, and without ever being asked, I assumed he was African American. It intrigued me this fact, while not essentially important, was that Bobby's ethnicity was also a source of controversy for TK Records in that while executives were confident the song "What You Won't Do for Love" was a hit, they weren't satisfied that African American listeners of the early 1980s would feel the same.  Bobby Caldwell's music holds significant cultural significance in the R&B genre as it challenges stereotypes and defies traditional expectations. Despite being a white artist, his soulful voice and mastery of the genre garnered him a dedicated fanbase and solidified his place in R&B history. His success showcased music's power to transcend racial boundaries and sparked meaningful conversations about representation and inclusivity in the industry.

 

 

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