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  1. #1
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    ‘Lean On Me,’ ‘Lovely Day’ singer Bill Withers dies at 81

    By MARK KENNEDY
    Bill Withers, who wrote and sang a string of soulful songs in the 1970s that have stood the test of time, including “ Lean On Me, ” “Lovely Day” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” has died from heart complications, his family said in a statement to The Associated Press. He was 81.

    The three-time Grammy Award winner, who withdrew from making music in the mid-1980s, died on Monday in Los Angeles, the statement said. His death comes as the public has drawn inspiration from his music during the coronavirus pandemic, with health care workers, choirs, artists and more posting their own renditions on “Lean on Me” to help get through the difficult times.
    “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,” the family statement read. “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.”

    Withers’ songs during his brief career have become the soundtracks of countless engagements, weddings and backyard parties. They have powerful melodies and perfect grooves melded with a smooth voice that conveys honesty and complex emotions without vocal acrobatics.

    “Lean On Me,” a paean to friendship, was performed at the inaugurations of both Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me” are among Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

    “He’s the last African-American Everyman,” musician and band leader Questlove told Rolling Stone in 2015. “Bill Withers is the closest thing black people have to a Bruce Springsteen.”

    Withers, who overcame a childhood stutter, was born the last of six children in the coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia. After his parents divorced when he was 3, Withers was raised by his mother’s family in nearby Beckley.

    He joined the Navy at 17 and spent nine years in the service as an aircraft mechanic installing toilets. After his discharge, he moved to Los Angeles, worked at an aircraft parts factory, bought a guitar at a pawn shop and recorded demos of his tunes in hopes of landing a recording contract.

    In 1971, signed to Sussex Records, he put out his first album, “Just As I Am,” with the legendary Booker T. Jones at the helm. It had the hits “Grandma’s Hands” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” which was inspired by the Jack Lemmon film “Days of Wine and Roses.” He was photographed on the cover, smiling and holding his lunch pail.





    https://apnews.com/e19138ee60f29a319e45bcfba3e39331

  2. #2
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    great singer

    edafan

  3. #3
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    Excellent obituary by Mark Kennedy.

  4. #4
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    A legend. He has at least three songs that are certified classics -- "Ain't No Sunshine", "Lean On Me" and "Lovely Day." One measure of his legacy as a songwriter is the scores of artists who covered his songs.

    Just one...


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    R.I.P Bill Withers...Gracious and humble man...

  6. #6
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    What a unique and powerful artist. Rest in heavenly peace.

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    I had a various artists CD on about half an hour ago. Wasn't paying much attention until ain't no sunshine dropped into the room. When he sings you tend to listen. Oh yeah but it's no longer a lovely day. RIP sir.

  8. #8
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    ah shucks .

    as a Casey Kasem Top 40 countdown fanatic of the early seventies , it seemed Bill was always on it. His records stayed on week after week . Deservedly so.
    I could have sworn that one time Casey said that Bill had been a schoolteacher up until success happened? [[ added: wiki says no, he worked on assembly lines for various companies).....Which came late for Bill, he was in his early thirties when he hit.

    Here's Bill a couple of years ago at an Elgin Baylor ceremony at Staples Center.....being 'real' with these big name cats.



    RIP Bill Withers . Thank you so much.
    Last edited by Boogiedown; 04-03-2020 at 02:13 PM.

  9. #9
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    Sad news. Some artists seem more like family than others and Bill Withers was like that. Utterly relatable and 100% real. Walked away from the game because business trumped art and that wasn't satisfactory for him. God bless his family to hold onto the joy of his life instead of the the grief of his passing. He left the world a better place and even though he hasn't made music for years, he will be missed. RIP.

  10. #10
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    A sad day yet one to celebrate for the time Mr.W was here. Here is The Second Disc's obit:

    https://theseconddisc.com/2020/04/03...ers-1938-2001/

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    Rest In Peace Bill Withers. Thank you for the music.

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    Reminded of him today. Lean on Me, the movie was on tv. The East Side High chorus teacher sung it. The highlight, though, was the Club Noveau/Timex Social Club cover club remix, played when the kids were taking a State remedial test.

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    Nice tribute to Bill in a Toronto neighborhood today.

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