Remembering the soulful singer and songwriter Bill Withers
Bill Withers’ catalog is rich with songs that resonate due to their simplicity and emotional depth including the timeless hit “Ain’t No Sunshine”
Remembering the soulful singer and songwriter Bill Withers
Bill Withers, born William Harrison Withers Jr. on July 4, 1938, in Slab Fork, West Virginia, grew up in the coal mining town of Beckley. The youngest of six children, Withers faced numerous challenges, including a stutter and the death of his father when he was just 13 years old. Despite these hardships, he developed a deep appreciation for music, influenced by gospel and blues traditions.
Before pursuing a career in music, Withers joined the United States Navy at the age of 17, serving for nine years. After leaving the Navy in 1965, he moved to Los Angeles and worked various jobs, including assembling airplane toilets, while recording demo tapes at night. His break came when Clarence Avant, a prominent music executive, signed him to Sussex Records in 1970.
Withers’ debut album, “Just As I Am” (1971), produced by Booker T. Jones, featured the timeless hits “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Grandma’s Hands.” “Ain’t No Sunshine” won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song, establishing Withers as a powerful new voice in soul music.
Withers continued to achieve success throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. His sophomore album, “Still Bill” (1972), included the hit “Lean on Me,” a song inspired by his West Virginia upbringing. Other notable tracks from this period include “Use Me,” “Lovely Day,” and “Just the Two of Us,” a collaboration with Grover Washington Jr. that won a Grammy Award in 1981.
Despite his success, Withers grew disillusioned with the music industry, particularly with the demands and constraints of record labels. After releasing his final studio album, “Watching You Watching Me” (1985), he chose to step away from the spotlight, focusing on family and other interests.
Bill Withers’ catalog is rich with songs that resonate due to their simplicity and emotional depth. His notable works include “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean on Me,” “Lovely Day,” “Use Me,” and “Just the Two of Us.” His ability to convey profound feelings through straightforward lyrics and soulful melodies has left a lasting impact on music.
Bill Withers was known for his grounded and humble personality. He married Marcia Johnson in 1976, and the couple had two children, Todd and Kori. Withers maintained a low profile after retiring from music, enjoying a private life away from the industry’s pressures.
Bill Withers passed away on March 30, 2020, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 81. His death was due to heart complications. Withers’ passing was widely mourned, with tributes highlighting his contributions to music and the authenticity and warmth that characterized both his songs and his life.
Watch Bill Withers performing his timeless hit “Ain’t No Sunshine” in 1971
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