Bill Withers — the iconic and long-running singer-songwriter best known for "Lean on Me," among many other tunes — has passed away. He died at the age of 81 following heart complications.
In addition to "Lean on Me," Withers was responsible for songs such as "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone," "Use Me," "Harlem," "Grandma's Hands," "Lovely Day" and "Just The Two of Us."
His family shared the following statement to the Associated Press:
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.
Withers, who won three Grammys in his life, retired from music in the mid-1980s, though he returned in 2017 with a cover of a Little Jimmy Dickens song.
Bill Withers is survived by his wife Marcia and his children Todd and Kori.
In addition to "Lean on Me," Withers was responsible for songs such as "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone," "Use Me," "Harlem," "Grandma's Hands," "Lovely Day" and "Just The Two of Us."
His family shared the following statement to the Associated Press:
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.
Withers, who won three Grammys in his life, retired from music in the mid-1980s, though he returned in 2017 with a cover of a Little Jimmy Dickens song.
Bill Withers is survived by his wife Marcia and his children Todd and Kori.
