Bill Withers, a legendary soul singer with a string of gargantuan hits from the 1970s, has passed away. Withers, who spent some of the last few years of his life battling heart disease, was 81. While he spent the past few years managing AFIB, he is most remembered for his catalogue of incredible songs.
Withers’ catalogue included “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean on Me,” “Lovely Day” and “Grandma’s Hands.” The soulful quality of his voice, paired with masterful production and top-notch instrumental work, made his songs mega-hits in their era. As his family stated following his death, his music “belongs to the world” now.
Bill Withers was born in West Virginia, the last of six children, and grew up relatively poor. He overcame a childhood stutter to become a renowned singer, and joined the Navy at age 17. After nine years in the service, he moved to Los Angeles, bought a guitar, and started recording his music. By 1971, he signed to Sussex Records.
What followed was a string of unbelievable commercially and critically successful songs and albums throughout the 1970s. While Withers retreated from the spotlight by the mid-80s, he has long been a favorite of classic radio play and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other,” Withers’ family said in a statement.
“As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.”
Prominent fans of the legendary singer issued their condolences and respects for Withers online. “Aw man, Bill Withers was really the greatest. Grandma’s Hands, Ain’t No Sunshine, Lean on Me, Use Me Up, Just The Two Of Us and obviously Lovely Day are some of the best songs of all time,” tweeted Chance the Rapper. “My heart really hurts for him, it reminds me of playing records with at my grandma’s house”
Lenny Kravitz posted a picture of Withers from when he was young, accompanied by the caption “Rest in Power.” Kravitz continued, saying “Your voice, songs, and total expression gave us love, hope, and strength. My soul always has & always will be full of your music. Your humility displayed & depth of your power as you carried us all to a better place. You’re still & always will be Bill.”
