Editor’s note:  This newly revised post appeared in September 2023 on a different platform.  

The end of the sources list: updated 11/22/24  to include a  revealing Fun Quick Quiz underscoring an important point about books, covers, and judgment….not just about race but period … inspired by a reaction by Jamel AKA Jamal.

Recently, jaws dropped when countless folks discovered that Mr. Bobby Caldwell, the late talented singer, songwriter, and musician, was not a person of color.

Regardless of age, listeners knew his iconic 70s hit “What You Won’t Do for Love” but only thought they knew what he looked like because of the sound of his vocals.

The demographics of the stunned cut across color lines, age, and socioeconomic status. They include college and grad students, teachers, and even, for instance, the founder and producer of a popular celebrity TV news show.

But this is not a new phenomenon.

Production companies long ago produced iconic soul music with White musicians behind the scenes, too. Motown, for instance, was diverse and even had a branch in the United Kingdom.

Many people may not realize some iconic White musicians are mistaken for the “Mo Town Sound” for a simple unpublicized reason. 

Record company executives avoided the race issue by using art rather than photos on album covers. (Barry Gordy)

See the cover art in the first video in the sources list. When Twins the New Trends listened to the song two years ago, they were completely unaware of Caldwell’s race until this year.

Meanwhile, from cookouts or barbecues to background music on current TV shows, and samples of his music by over 100* diverse artists, Mr. Bobby Caldwell plays on. *Bobbycaldwell.com

Humor, reflection, and insights

Music reaction channel owners receive requests from subscribers for music from all genres and decades…music they have never heard.

Sometimes,  the channel owner is familiar with a requested song but not the artist or title of the music… but grew up listening to it and loves it …even more unsettling when they see the artist for the first time.

Several hilarious examples of reactions to iconic artists are included below. One with views over 2.1 million, included because of hysterical yet thoughtful reflection on the Bee Gees’ music (strong language reference).

Countless listeners may sheepishly question their assumptions about the music they hear and the artists who perform it.   And many may realize stereotyping is so automatic it’s scary.

The America’s Got Talent video near the end of the list below is not a music reaction video but underscores the point in the previous paragraph … perfectly!

 Thank you for reading.

Sources

AllMusic | Music Search, Recommendations, Videos, and Reviews
Bobby Caldwell’s Bio
www.allmusic.com

*First time hearing Bobby Caldwell..sort of…