Bill Withers
Bill Withers, who sang classic tunes such as “Lean on Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lovely Day,” has passed away at the age of 81. His family confirmed Withers’ death in a statement, saying he died of heart complications.
Withers won three Grammys during his career, which began while he was working in a factory and submitting demos of his songs to record labels. He signed with Sussex Records in 1971 when he was in his 30’s and scored a massive hit with the sad, soulful “Ain’t No Sunshine.” His iconic “Lean on Me” was released the following year and hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1980, he scored another smash hit with “Just the Two of Us,” a duet with Grover Washington Jr.
However, by the mid-’80s, Withers stepped away from the music business, disenchanted with the industry and unhappy with the touring life. His last album was 1985’s Watching You Watching Me and he retired soon after. Withers was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 by Stevie Wonder, making a rare public appearance.
“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,” reads the statement from his family. “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.”
