 |
| American soul singer, William Harrison Withers Jr, |
An American soul singer, William Harrison Withers Jr, better known as Bill Withers has died from heart complications at the age of 81, as stated by his family.
The eulogized 1970s soul singer behind hits “Lean On Me” and ”Ain’t No Sunshine” passed on Monday, March 30, in Los Angeles, the family told the Associated Press.
A statement from his family reads:
“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.”
Moreover, Bill Withers grew up in the coal-mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia, the last of six children. He overcame a childhood stutter but did not begin his professional musical career until he was in his early thirties, after joining the navy at 17.
Withers wrote and recorded several other major hits, including Just The Two Of Us, Lovely Day and Use Me before retiring in the mid-1980s and staying out of the public eye. Although he stopped recording in 1985, his songs remained a major influence on R&B and hip-hop.
He is survived by his wife Marcia Johnson and their two children, Todd and Kori.
Stunningly beautiful.— The King Center (@TheKingCenter) April 3, 2020
Especially today.
“We all need somebody to lean on.”
Thank you, #BillWithers. pic.twitter.com/0bK6vQGy3Q
0 Comments