The world has lost a legend. The influential soul singer, responsible for hits like Lean on Me and Ain’t No Sunshine, Bill Withers has died at the age of 81.
According to a family statement, the singer died of heart complications.
Bill Withers, who wrote and sang several hits including “ Lean On Me, ” “Lovely Day” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” has died at age 81 from heart complications https://t.co/5vdjAjLpgw
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 3, 2020
He is survived by wife Marcia Johnson and their two children Kori and Todd.
Withers also wrote and recorded numerous other hits like Use Me and Just the Two of Us and went on to win three Grammys during his career. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
Born William Harrison Withers Jr in 1938 in Slab Fork, West Virginia, a lot of his music was heavily influenced by the church hymns and gospel music of his childhood.
His first album, Just As I am, spawned the hit Ain’t No Sunshine which won him his first Grammy for best R & B song.
In a 2009 documentary, “Still Bill,” Withers opened up about his life and career, sharing how he went on to live a life of fulfillment as a father, husband and retired musician after quitting the music industry.
In the Chicago-Sun Times review of “Still Bill,” film critic Roger Ebert wrote: “[Withers] still lives and survives as a happy man. “Still Bill” is about a man who topped the charts, walked away from it all in 1985 and is pleased that he did.”
We send our thoughts and prayers to his loved ones during this time.
