They say there’s nothing better than the original, but you have to admit, some of the best covers to our favorite songs can give the original a run for their money! Just take Bobby Caldwell’s 1978 classic “What You Won’t Do for Love,” which was release 47 years ago this September.
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Musicians have all tried to recreate Caldwell’s groovy jam dozens of times since its release, and while nothing is quite like Caldwell’s, folks like Snoh Aalegra and Peter Collins have reimagined the iconic ’70s song and turned it into their own. Just take a listen to these 13 times where singers did “What You Won’t Do for Love” more than just justice!
Snoh Aalegra
With over 17 million views on YouTube alone, Swedish singer Snoh Aalegra’s “Do 4 Love” is perhaps the most popular cover of the Caldwell classic. In Aalegra’s version, she slows the beat down quite a bit all while belting sultry yet heartbreaking vocals.
I Am Roze
We previously reported I Am Roze is a non-binary singer originally from Louisiana, and they’re taking the world by storm. Check out this cover to “What You Won’t Do for Love,” which went viral on TikTok with over 4.5 million views.
Natalie Cole and Peabo Bryson
The year after Caldwell released his song, Natalie Cole and Peabo Bryson released their cover to “What You Won’t Do for Love” in 1979 off their joint album, “We’re the Best of Friends.” In their version, Cole and Bryson give the Caldwell hit a funk and R&B tune up that’s bound to have you dancing.
Peter Collins
When you talk about underrated singers, you have to add Peter Collins to the list! In his cover, Collins shows off his silky voice and acoustic guitar talents. And who do you know can produce these kinds of runs so effortlessly?!
Mac Ayres
Mac Ayres, the self-taught musician, is known for his R&B music. During a performance, Ayres took on “What You Won’t Do for Love,” and absolutely killed it!
Elmiene
No one does an R&B cover like Elmiene! The singer sang an a cappella version of the Caldwell record, and as you can tell from the cheering fans in the crowd, Elmiene’s version was a smash hit.
Phyllis Hyman
Phyliss Hyman, known for hits like “Living All Alone and “You Know How to Love Me,” released “What You Won’t Do for Love” in 1986. Hyman’s take on the Caldwell’s song is regarded as one of the best covers.
Joseph Solomon
Atlanta native Joseph Solomon’s version of Caldwell’s song showcases his raspy yet soulful voice all while he drills down on the guitar.
Robin Thicke
After Caldwell died in 2023, singing icon Robin Thicke paid tribute to him at the Black Music Honors. Dressed in a shiny red suit, Thicke took on “What You Won’t Do for Love” and had the whole room on their feet singing along.
MaKenzie Thomas
MaKenzie Thomas is best known for her beautiful covers of classic songs including “Say Yes” by Floetry. But it’s her rendition of “What You Won’t Do for Love” that everyone should be aware of!
MasterWen
When MasterWen decided to sing the Caldwell classic in front of a group of elderly Asian folks, he expectedly didn’t get the reaction he would’ve had he’d been in a room full of Black people. Still, Wen’s cover is magical beyond belief.
Angelica Vila
Instead of paying tribute directly to Caldwell, Angelica Vila went on to cover Snoh Aalegra’s “Do 4 Love,” and she absolutely killed it! Vila soft tone is the perfect match for Aalegra’s cover. We know Caldwell would be very proud.
September In The Park
If you’ve never heard about the band September In The Park, then allow us to introduce them! The band rose to fame after several of their covers to Earth Wind and Fire and Chicago records went viral. In their rendition of “What You Won’t Do for Love,” lead singer Chae Stephen belts out some of the most powerful vocals that are bound to give you goosebumps.
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