Acclaimed, influential singer/songwriter/musician Bobby Caldwell passed away in his sleep on Tuesday (March 14) at age 71. Since the news broke, a slew of artists have paid tribute to Caldwell, whose music was frequently sampled.

From “What You Won’t Do For Love” being sampled by 2pac on both “Do For Love” and “Heaven Ain’t Hard 2 Find” to J Dilla's prominent sample of Caldwell's classic "Open Your Eyes" for Common's love song "The Light" to "My Flame" being flipped for Biggie's "Sky's The Limit," Caldwell's musical imprint is undeniable, and he's recognized as one of the greatest singer/songwriters of a generation.

Music journalist A. Scott Galloway initially broke the news of Caldwell's death on Twitter. His rep confirmed Caldwell died at his New Jersey home. His wife, Mary Caldwell also posted a touching message announcing his death.

"Bobby passed away here at home," she wrote. "I held him tight in my arms as he left us. I am forever heartbroken. Thanks to all of you for your many prayers over the years. He had been "FLOXED," it took his health over the last 6 years and 2 months. Rest with God, my Love. -Mary Caldwell."

Questlove posted a lengthy tribute on Instagram and spoke about how "The Light" came to be.

“I’ve told the story many a time that I told [Common] that maybe we should lose the beat to ‘The Light’ cause it wasn’t ‘Dilla enough’——but Rash saw something in it man——he was like ‘naw man imma write to this’ (later found he he wrote it already) —-I wasn’t mad at it but at that time as a sophomore at ‘Dilla U’ I thought I had Dilla all figured out and NONE of his trademark characteristics were rhythmically there…where are the drunken drums? The odd patches….I mean he did a normal G Funk jawn cause Quik was one of his fav producers but iuuno this just sounds ‘normal’ (I’m not even gonna get into the ‘whose on first’ battle between Ohio Players & Detroit Emeralds thing that almost caused a minor rift in our brotherhood) but man I’m so glad I was wrong about this.

“And now you’re gone and I never got a chance to kick it with you & hear your story. Caldwell was the closing chapter in a generation in which record exes wanted to hide faces on album covers so perhaps maybe their artist could have a chance (listen to De La Soul’s MASTERFUL ‘Patti Duke’ on Balloone).

“Commonplace for black artists (see Smokey/Miracles ‘Mickeys Monkey’ or the Isleys ‘This Old Heart Of Mine’ covers….on on the other side NONE of us knew Gino Vanelli, Teena Marie, the literal named Average White Band——and yeah Bobby were NOT black) Man such a missed opportunity to meet a legend. Thank you for your voice and gift.”

Jazzy Jeff, 9th Wonder, Chance The Rapper, Statik Selektah and more also chimed in with tributes to the legend.