LATEST PROJECT:  Touring

How did you get your start in Music?  
A career in music was genetically unavoidable for me.  My parents were both singers and stage performers.  I grew up with the music of Cole Porter, the Gershwin's and so forth.  I also fell in love with the music of the Beatles, and got my first guitar at age 12.  I went from garage bands to club bands to a recording contract with TK Records.  In 1979 "What You Won¹t Do For Love" was a hit, so I decided to stay in the business.  
 

How has networking helped your career?   
I think my songwriting ability had the biggest impact on my career.  The networking I did was primarily with other songwriters and artists.  My focus was on writing and performing.  In doing so, I met a number of creative songwriters, musicians and artists.  That gave rise to writing for other artists such as Chicago, Boz Scaggs, Peter Cetera/Amy Grant, Al Jarreau and Neil Diamond to name a few.  Songs such as, "Next Time I Fall In Love", "Heart of Mine", "What Kind of Man Would I Be" were hits for other artists.  I recorded a duet of  "Baby It's Cold Outside" with Vanessa Williams, and had the opportunity to perform the song with her on The Tonight Show.  I have met a lot of great people along the way.   Many of them have helped me with my career, and hopefully, I have helped some of them too.  

You have had a pop / soul / Jazz hit with, "What You Wont Do For Love". How did that hit come about?   
I had a recording contract with TK Records.  I thought I had the album finished, but the record company wanted something more.  I had about 48 hours to come up with an additional song. "What You Won't Do for Love" was born in those 48 hours. Sometimes the best results come, when you're under pressure.

 

Your recent albums tribute the standards. What can we expect from your next album? When will it be releases?  
The most recent album, "Bobby Caldwell Live at The Blue Note Tokyo", is a show of standards.  I love smooth jazz and R&B, but I do have a big place in my heart for the standards.  It's great to see a number of artists today keeping that great music of yesteryear alive.  The lyrics of the standards say so much with so few words.  I admire that kind of writing.  As for my next album, the jury is still out.  I'm not certain as to what I'll release, or when I'll release it.  I just want to make sure my fans enjoy it.
 

You are known as a great singer / song writer. What instruments do you play?   
I consider myself a guitar player, but in recent years I do most of my songwriting on the piano.  I played all of the instruments on "What You Won't Do for Love", except for the horns.  I have had some wonderful horn players in my band over the years..Boney James, Dave Koz, Richard Elliot, Michael Lington.  Now I have another great sax player by the name of Patrick Lamb.
 

What advice do you have for all entertainment professionals whom are reaching for success?   
Take care of yourself, your family and your fans.  Give it all you've got, whether you¹re writing, recording or performing.  Last but not least, take courses in accounting, finance, marketing, and get yourself a good attorney.  And never let anyone else sign your checks, or handle your money.  Do it yourself.

http://www.bobbycaldwell.com/