Grammy winner, singer-songwriter Bill Withers, who wrote and sang hits, “Lean On Me,” “Lovely Day” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” has died at the age of 81 from heart complications, his family said in a statement to Associated Press. The three-time Grammy Award winner, died on Monday in Los Angeles, the statement said.
On the Bill Withers Facebook page the family wrote,
“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. 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. We know his legacy will live in our hearts and in yours for generations to come.
We will miss his sharp wit, playful sense of humor, and no-nonsense way of turning a phrase as no one else could. He was a deeply proud man, full of integrity and principle, and we as his family are immensely proud of him for sharing his musical and lyrical gifts so elegantly and generously with the world. A master of writing love songs, he loved music, cherished and protected his family, and our love for him is immeasurable.
With Love,
The Withers Family”
Bill Withers withdrew from making music in the 1980’s, was a giant in songwriting and known for his soulful, beautiful voice. His song, “Ain’t No Sunshine” was originally released as the B-side of his debut single, “Harlem.” Radio DJs played it and the song rose to No. 3 on the Billboard charts and spent 16 weeks in the top 40. Withers created more hits a year later with the inspirational, “Lean On Me,” and “Who Is He (and What is He to You)” and the groove tune, ” Use Me” on his second album, “Still Bill.” Later Withers released, “Lovely Day,” co-written with Skip Scarborough, which featured Withers holding the word “day” for just under 19 seconds. He also released, “Just The Two Of Us,” co-written with Ralph MacDonald and William Slater. His “Live At Carnegie Hall” (1973) made Rolling Stone’s 50 ‘Greatest Live Albums of All Time.’
Withers’ career paused when Sussex Records went bankrupt and he was signed to Columbia Records. He no longer had control over his music. None of Withers’ Columbia Records releases reached the Top 40 except for 1977’s “Menagerie,” which featured “Lovely Day,” which became a hit duet with Grover Washington Jr, on Washington’s label. Withers’ last album was the 1985 “Watching You Watching Me.”
Withers’ songs often focused on relationships but he also wrote songs with social commentary. “Better Off Dead”, is about an alcoholic’s suicide, and “I Can’t Write Left-handed” is about an injured Viet Nam War veteran.
Awarded a Grammy for songwriter of “Ain’t No Sunshine” in 1971 and for “Just The Two Of Us” in 1981, Withers received his ninth Grammy nomination and third Grammy win as songwriter for the re-recording of his 1972 hit, “Lean On Me.”
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 by Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. His music has been covered by artists Barbara Streisand, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Tom Jones, Paul McCartney, Linda Ronstadt, Sting, Mick Jagger, Johnny Mathis, Aaron Neville, Nancy Wilson, Diana Ross and more. The song “Lean On Me” was the title theme of the 1989 movie starring Morgan Freeman. His songs have been used in many movies including “The Hangover”, “28 Days”, “American Beauty”, “Jerry Maguire”, “Flight”, Brooklyn”, “Beauty Shop” and “The Secret Life Of Pets.”
Withers is survived by his wife and children.
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