RIP Bill Withers

[Fuzz]

Bill Withers, the influential US soul singer who wrote Lean on Me, Ain’t No Sunshine and Lovely Day has died aged 81 of heart complications, according to a statement from his family.

Withers wrote and recorded several other major hits including Use Me and Just the Two of Us, before retiring in the mid-1980s and staying out of the public eye.

He is survived by his wife Marcia Johnson and their two children, Todd and Kori.

 

[99call]

5 minutes ago, Fuzz said:

before retiring in the mid-1980s and staying out of the public eye.

Very very sad,  when he was working he was a hit machine, and gave us all some timeless music.     

It was very sad to see him retreat from public life, a saw little documentary of him in retirement, and it was very strange,  he had bought himself a (at the time) cutting edge recording studio in his house, but said he just couldn't rekindle the fire or motivation to once again make music. 

It just goes to prove when you're feeling at your best, you must be prolific, as there are no promises that sweet spot will last forever. 

RIP,  really rare to have someone who can make music that was emotive, but also bright and uplifting

[rcarlson]

We lose another legend.  RIP.  

[Goodfortune]

Very sad. RIP

[JohnS]

Bill Withers had soul and a deep integrity. To walk away from the music business in the mid-80s because he felt that he didn't have to pander to the music business anymore. I always respected him for that. And those songs he left us...most people know those songs from the covers rather than the originals. But it never bothered modest Bill. I will miss him!

[Theophilus]

R.I.P

[Fuzz]

I just absolutely love this song. This is the album version.