Posted on 04/03/2020 7:56:20 AM PDT by Red Badger
Bill Withers, who wrote and sang a string of soulful songs in the 1970s that have stood the test of time, including “ Lean On Me, ” “Lovely Day” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” has died from heart complications, his family said in a statement to The Associated Press. He was 81.
The three-time Grammy Award winner, who withdrew from making music in the mid-1980s, died on Monday in Los Angeles, the statement said. His death comes as the public has drawn inspiration from his music during the coronavirus pandemic, with health care workers, choirs, artists and more posting their own renditions on “Lean on Me” to help get through the difficult times.
“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,” the family statement read. “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.”
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
Yeah, quit at like 45?
RIP
Frankly I found Lean on Me to be quite tedious back in the day when it was in hot rotation.
But he was a very talented man. RIP.
Damn. RIP Mr. Withers.
L
I remember the Club Nouveau remake in the 80s, it was huge.
He made some great music. RIP Bill Withers.
Yep, that was actually Grover Washington, Jr. with Bill providing the guest vocals.
I did not know that. Thanks. Just a GREAT song
Reminds me that those who can, sing. Those who can’t, rap.
Lean On Me made its way into every high-school talent show between 1973 and 1984. AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Pass the brain bleach!!!
I remember back in the early 90’s, there was a story that MC Hammer was talking the some rap guys, like 2 live Crew or other, and told them he was think about including some rap in his next album and show.
They said, “Why?...The only reason we ‘rap is because we can’t sing!”.....................
“A lovely daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa- aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay
(Lovely day, lovely day, a lovely day)
A lovely daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa- aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa- aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa- aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay“
He was wonderful ...
my favorite was Use Me.
RIP
My daughter can stand it when I sing that. In her defense, I do tend to get stuck in the “I know” loop until she screams.
Wonderful songwriter and performer. RIP Bill.
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