What You Won't Do for Love (song)

Last updated
"What You Won't Do for Love"
What You Won't Do for Love by Bobby Caldwell heart-shaped US vinyl.jpg
U.S. red heart-shaped vinyl limited edition
Single by Bobby Caldwell
from the album Bobby Caldwell
B-side "Love Won't Wait"
ReleasedSeptember 1978
Recorded1978
Genre
Length4:45(album version)
3:30 (single version)
Label Clouds (US)
TK (international)
Songwriter(s)
  • Bobby Caldwell
  • Alfons Kettner
Producer(s) Ann Holloway
Bobby Caldwell singles chronology
"What You Won't Do for Love"
(1978)
"My Flame"
(1979)

"What You Won't Do for Love" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bobby Caldwell. It was released in September 1978 as the lead single from his eponymous debut album (1978). It was written by Caldwell and Alfons Kettner, and produced by Ann Holloway. The song has been covered and sampled numerous times, including by Tupac Shakur in the posthumous 1998 hit "Do for Love".

Contents

Background and release

After gaining a reputation in Miami clubs as a talented musician, Caldwell was signed to an exclusive contract with TK Records in 1978 by TK Records president Henry Stone. Heading to the studio, Caldwell recorded his first album, which was given a redo after Stone felt the album was good but "didn't have a hit". Caldwell returned to the studio and came up with the final product, which included "What You Won't Do for Love". The song's horn arrangement was written and recorded by Miami arranger Mike Lewis. The song is in the key of F-sharp minor (although the pitch of the commercial track is slightly flat – i.e., below concert pitch – perhaps due to tape machine speed variation).

Caldwell wanted the song to be the sixth track on the album since he figured his debut album's second track, "My Flame", which featured him playing guitar, would be the hit. However, TK Records felt confident that "What You Won't Do for Love" would be the breakout hit. When it was released to R&B radio, TK Records did their best to hide Caldwell's racial identity, hoping not to alienate their predominantly African American audience. However, when Caldwell began making performances live onstage, demand only increased.

Chart performance

The song would become Caldwell's most successful single and also his signature song, reaching number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100, number six on the Hot Selling Soul Singles chart, and number ten on the Easy Listening chart. [2] In Canada the song reached number 16 on the pop charts, [3] and number 24 on the AOR charts. [4]

According to the broadcast of American Top 40 for the week ending February 3, 1979, the week in which the song debuted at No. 38 on the Top 40, a heart-shaped pressing of the single was the most expensive single up to that point. The heart-shaped single was originally released as a promotional item only, but public demand led to 50,000 copies being pressed in time for Valentine's Day 1979 with a retail price of $7.98—about the price of a full LP album at the time. [5]

After Caldwell's death on March 14, 2023, "What You Won't Do for Love" saw an increase in popularity. In the United Kingdom, the song charted at number 86 on the Singles Downloads Chart Top 100 on March 17, 2023. [6]

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [15] Silver200,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Covers and samples

Natalie Cole/Peabo Bryson

Performed as a duet on their 1979 album We're the Best of Friends .

Michael Boothman

The track was covered by Trinidadian soca music artist Michael Boothman in 1984, with vocals by Charmaine Forde. [16]

Roy Ayers

American jazz-funk composer and producer released a version on his 1979 album No Stranger to Love .

Phyllis Hyman

Phyllis Hyman, American singer, songwriter, and actress released her version on her 1986 album "Living All Alone".

Dorothy Moore

Dorothy Moore American Blues,R&B,And Gospel Singer released a version of "What You Won't Do For Love" on her 1992 album, "Stay Close To Home" on Malaco Records

Charts

Chart (1980)Peak
position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [17] 73

Go West

English pop duo Go West recorded a version on their third studio album, Indian Summer (1992), and released it as a single on January 4, 1993. [18]

Charts

Aaliyah

Aaliyah's 1994 song "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" contains an interpolation.

Kool G Rap

Kool G Rap sampled the song on his 1995 album 4,5,6, on the song "Blowin' Up In the World", produced by Buckwild.

Tupac Shakur

Sampled "What You Won't Do for Love" on his track "Do for Love" in 1994; the single was released in 1998.

Victor Wooten

Bassist Victor Wooten recorded an instrumental version on his 1997 studio album What Did He Say? .

Michael Bolton

Michael Bolton recorded a version on his 1999 covers album Timeless: The Classics Vol. 2 . [32]

Boyz II Men

The vocal group Boyz II Men released a cover of the song on their 2004 album Throwback, Vol. 1 , featuring rapper MC Lyte.

Charts

Chart (2004)Peak
position
US Hot R&B Singles (Billboard) [33] 60

Jessie Ware

Jessie Ware covered the song on the Deluxe Edition of her 2013 album Devotion.

Snoh Aalegra

Snoh Aalegra released a cover of the song under the title "DO 4 LOVE" as a Spotify Single in October 2019, and Black Coffee (DJ) remixed the track, releasing it in 2023.

Gus Dapperton

Singer and producer Gus Dapperton released a version in spring 2024.

The song plays over the ending of the Black-ish episode "Love, Boat" to both punctuate a romantic scene as well as make reference to an earlier line in the episode where Dre recalls the time he comforted his mother after she learned Bobby Caldwell was white.

In 2024, the song gained a resurgence of popularity after a TikTok video was released with a video of chocolate-covered strawberries went viral. [34] At that time, when it is edited, it received over 50 million likes and over 450 million views, making it one of the most liked TikTok videos. This causes the song to surge to number #1 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50. [35]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Misty (song)</span> Instrumental composed by Erroll Garner

"Misty" is a jazz standard written in 1954 by pianist Erroll Garner. He composed it as an instrumental in the traditional 32-bar format, and recorded it for the album Contrasts. Lyrics were added later by Johnny Burke. It appeared on Johnny Mathis' 1959 album Heavenly, and this recording reached number 12 on the U.S. Pop Singles chart later that year. It has since become Mathis’ signature song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)</span> 1993 single by Meat Loaf

"I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" is a song written by Jim Steinman, and recorded by American rock singer Meat Loaf featuring Lorraine Crosby. The song was released in August 1993 by MCA and Virgin as the first single from the singer's sixth album, Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell (1993). The last six verses feature Crosby, who was credited only as "Mrs. Loud" in the album notes. She does not appear in the accompanying music video, directed by Michael Bay, in which her vocals are lip-synched by Dana Patrick. Meat Loaf promoted the single with American singer Patti Russo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rasputin (song)</span> 1978 Boney M. single

"Rasputin" is a song by Germany based pop and Eurodisco group Boney M. It was released on 28 August 1978 as the second single from their third studio album Nightflight to Venus (1978). Written by the group's creator Frank Farian, along with George Reyam and Fred Jay, it is a song about Grigori Rasputin, a friend and advisor of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his family during the early 20th century. The song describes Rasputin as a playboy, mystical healer, and political manipulator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dreams (Fleetwood Mac song)</span> 1977 single by Fleetwood Mac

"Dreams" is a song by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, written by singer Stevie Nicks for the band's eleventh studio album, Rumours (1977). In the United States, "Dreams" was released as the second single from Rumours in March 1977, while in the United Kingdom, the song was released as the third single in June 1977. A stage performance of "Dreams" was used as the promotional music video.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let's Go (The Cars song)</span> 1979 single by the Cars

"Let's Go" is a song by American rock band the Cars, written by Ric Ocasek for the band's second studio album, Candy-O (1979). A new wave rock song, the song's hook was inspired by the Routers. The song's vocals are performed by bassist Benjamin Orr.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Not in Love</span> 1975 song by British band 10cc

"I'm Not in Love" is a song by British group 10cc, written by band members Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman. It is known for its innovative and distinctive backing track, composed mostly of the band's multitracked vocals. Released in the UK in May 1975 as the second single from the band's third album, The Original Soundtrack, it became the second of the group's three number-one singles in the UK between 1973 and 1978, topping the UK Singles Chart for two weeks. "I'm Not in Love" became the band's breakthrough hit outside the United Kingdom, topping the charts in Canada and Ireland as well as peaking within the top 10 of the charts in several other countries, including Australia, West Germany, New Zealand, Norway and the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Since I Don't Have You</span> 1958 song by the Skyliners

"Since I Don't Have You" is a song written and composed by Jackie Taylor, James Beaumont, Janet Vogel, Joseph Rock, Joe Verscharen, Lennie Martin, and Wally Lester. It was first a 1958 hit single for the doo-wop group the Skyliners on the Billboard Hot 100. Country music singer Ronnie Milsap had a hit with the song in 1991. American hard rock band Guns N' Roses also had some success in 1994 with their version of the song which reached the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)</span> 1970 single by Edison Lighthouse

"Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" is the debut single by Edison Lighthouse. The song reached the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart on the week ending 31 January 1970, where it remained for a total of five weeks. It also became the first number one single of the 1970s (not counting Rolf Harris's "Two Little Boys" which was a holdover from 1969).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">(I Just) Died in Your Arms</span> 1986 single by Cutting Crew

"(I Just) Died in Your Arms" is the debut single by the English pop rock band Cutting Crew, released in July 1986 as a single from their debut studio album, Broadcast. The song was written by frontman Nick Van Eede, produced by Terry Brown, John Jansen and the band, and mixed at Utopia Studios in London by Tim Palmer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's My Party</span> 1963 single by Lesley Gore

"It's My Party" is a song by American singer-songwriter Lesley Gore from her debut studio album I'll Cry If I Want To (1963). It was released as the lead single from the album on April 5, 1963, by Mercury Records. The song was collectively written by Herb Wiener, John Gluck Jr., and Wally Gold, while production was helmed by Quincy Jones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angeleyes</span> 1979 single by ABBA

"Angeleyes" is a pop song written and recorded in 1978 by the Swedish group ABBA, and is featured on their sixth studio album, Voulez-Vous. Released as a double A-side with the title track of the album in July 1979, the lyrics and music were composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. As one of ABBA's most popular tracks in the United Kingdom, the song was a successful hit, peaking at No. 3 on the singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Remember (Walking in the Sand)</span> Song by The Shangri-Las

"Remember (Walking in the Sand)", also known as "Remember", is a song written by George "Shadow" Morton. It originally was recorded by the girl group the Shangri-Las, who had a top five hit with it in 1964. A remake by Aerosmith in 1979 was a minor hit. There have been many other versions of the song as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What a Fool Believes</span> 1978 song by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald,later recorded by The Doobie Brothers

"What a Fool Believes" is a song written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. The best-known version was recorded by the Doobie Brothers for their 1978 album Minute by Minute. Debuting at number 73 on January 20, 1979, the single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 14, 1979, for one week. The song received Grammy Awards in 1980 for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Got to Be Real</span> 1978 disco single

"Got to Be Real" is a song by American singer Cheryl Lynn from her 1978 self-titled debut studio album. The song, which was released in August 1978 as Lynn's debut single, was written by Lynn, David Paich and David Foster.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Disco Inferno</span> 1976 single by the Trammps

"Disco Inferno" is a song by American disco band the Trammps from their fourth studio album of the same name (1976). With two other cuts by the group, it reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in early 1977, but had limited mainstream success until 1978, after being included on the soundtrack to the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever, when a re-release hit number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Won't Last a Day Without You</span> 1972/1974 single by The Carpenters

"I Won't Last a Day Without You" is a song by The Carpenters with lyrics written by Paul Williams and music composed by Roger Nichols. It was released in the U.K. in September 1972, paired with "Goodbye to Love" as a double-A side. The single reached No. 9 and spent 14 weeks on the chart. It was later released in the U.S. and became a hit single for them in 1974, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the easy listening chart. It was the Carpenters' ninth No. 1 on the easy listening chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What Kind of Man Would I Be?</span> 1989 single by Chicago

"What Kind of Man Would I Be?" is a song written by Jason Scheff, Chas Sandford and Bobby Caldwell and recorded by the band Chicago for their 1988 album Chicago 19 and 1989 album Greatest Hits 1982–1989. Scheff sang the lead vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Ballad (L.T.D. song)</span>

"Love Ballad" is a song by R&B/Funk band L.T.D. Jeffrey Osborne is the lead singer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Broken Hearted Me</span> 1979 song written by Randy Goodrum

"Broken Hearted Me" is a song written by Randy Goodrum, originally recorded by England Dan & John Ford Coley for their album Dr. Heckle and Mr. Jive, and later covered by Canadian country and pop music singer Anne Murray. It was released in September 1979 as the first single from her album I'll Always Love You. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in December, Murray's fourth No. 1 single on that chart. She also recorded a version of the song in Spanish, which was released on vinyl, and later on CD.

"Drive South" is a song written by John Hiatt, and recorded by him on his 1988 album Slow Turning. The song was later recorded by Kelly Willis on her 1990 debut album, Well Travelled Love. Neither versions were released as singles.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Molanphy, Chris (July 31, 2021). "What a Fool Believes Edition". Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia (Podcast). Slate . Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  2. Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 97.
  3. "RPM Magazine - March 31, 1979 - page 7" (PDF).
  4. "RPM Magazine - April 28, 1979 - page 23" (PDF).
  5. "American Top 40," Week Ending February 3, 1979, replayed February 8, 2014, SiriusXM Radio
  6. "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100 17 March 2023 - 23 March 2023". Official Charts. 17 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  7. "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. 7 April 1979. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  8. "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. 4 May 1979. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
  9. Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-1990 - ISBN   0-89820-089-X
  10. Cash Box Top 100 Singles, March 24, 1979
  11. "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  12. "Top 100 Singles (1979)". RPM. 17 July 2013. Retrieved 2017-07-29.
  13. Musicoutfitters.com
  14. Cash Box Year-End Charts: Top 100 Pop Singles, December 29, 1979
  15. "British single certifications – Bobby Caldwell – What You Won't Do For Love". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  16. "Musical reunion with Charmaine Forde". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. 17 March 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
  17. "Roy Ayers Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  18. "New Releases: Singles". Music Week . December 26, 1992. p. 23.
  19. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 1780." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  20. "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 0973." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  21. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 10, no. 6. February 6, 1993. p. 15. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  22. "EHR Top 40" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 10, no. 7. February 13, 1993. p. 22. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  23. "Go West – What You Won't Do for Love" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  24. "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (19.–25. febrúar)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). February 18, 1993. p. 29. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  25. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  26. Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955–1990 - ISBN   0-89820-089-X
  27. Whitburn, Joel (1993). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–1993. Record Research. p. 100.
  28. "Top 100 Pop Singles" (PDF). Cash Box . Vol. LVI, no. 34. May 1, 1993. p. 8. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  29. "The RPM Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1993". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. 17 July 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  30. "The RPM Top 100 A\C Tracks of 1993". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. 17 July 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  31. "The Year in Music 1993" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 105, no. 52. December 25, 1993. p. YE-46. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 27, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  32. Dombal, Ryan (October 20, 2015). "Listen to "Break Away" [ft. Jessie Ware] by Cool Uncle". Pitchfork . Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  33. Whitburn, Joel (1993). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–1993. Record Research. p. 100.
  34. "This video of chocolate-covered strawberries has gone mega-viral — but why?". TODAY.com. 2024-02-23. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
  35. Rutherford, Kevin (2024-02-22). "Bobby Caldwell Rides Food Trend to No. 1 on TikTok Billboard Top 50". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-02-28.