However, TK Records felt confident that 'What You Won't Do for Love' would be the breakout hit. 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).Ĭaldwell 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.
The song's horn arrangement was written and recorded by Miami arranger Mike Lewis.
Caldwell returned to the studio and came up with the final product, which included 'What You Won't Do for Love'. 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'. The song has been covered and sampled numerous times, including by Tupac Shakur in the posthumous 1998 hit ' Do for Love'.Īfter 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. It was written by Caldwell and Alfons Kettner, and produced by Ann Holloway. It was released in September 1978 as the lead single from his eponymous debut album.
' What You Won't Do for Love' is a song by American singer-songwriter Bobby Caldwell.
