Bill Withers, the singer and songwriter of “Lean on Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and “Lovely Day,” died Monday, March 30th, from heart complications in Los Angeles at the age of 81, according to his family’s statement obtained by the AP.
Although the three-time Grammy Award winner withdrew from music in the mid-1980s, his soulful songs from the ‘70s have withstood the test of time. His “Lean on Me,” a song about friendship, has been especially popular and inspirational as the nation suffers through the coronavirus pandemic. Health care workers, our frontline of defense against the virus, have posted their own renditions of the song, and so have choirs, artist, and more.
“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, according to the AP. “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.”
Many celebrities, entertainers, and notables expressed on social media their condolences and sadness over the passing of Withers.
Since my early high school days, Bill Withers’ music has been a cherished part of my life. It added to my joy in the good times, and also gave me comfort and inspiration when I needed it most. RIP💔 https://t.co/1cKRZT8XhQ
— Valerie Jarrett (@ValerieJarrett) April 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/LennyKravitz/status/1246097495190646784https://twitter.com/JoyAnnReid/status/1246097384842629123
Stunningly beautiful.
Especially today.
“We all need somebody to lean on.”
Thank you, #BillWithers. pic.twitter.com/0bK6vQGy3Q
— The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center (@TheKingCenter) April 3, 2020
The world lost a legend. Soul singer Bill Withers' song Grandma's Hands is one of my favorites and reminds me of my grandmother and so many other mother-figures in my life.
Let's all continue to live by his cherished lyrics during these times and lean on each other.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) April 3, 2020
RIP Bill Withers! The day our daughter Kaavia James came into this world-“Lovely Day” was our song of choice for her entry into the world. Thank you Bill Withers for creating a song that will forever be apart of our lives ❤️ 🙏🏾
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) April 3, 2020
“He’s the last African American Everyman,” @questlove said in 2015. “On the other side of the coin, we’re often viewed as primitive animals. We rarely land in the middle. Bill Withers is the closest thing black people have to a Bruce Springsteen.” https://t.co/K0blQwQZWX
— Jamil Smith جميل كريم (@JamilSmith) April 3, 2020
One day I will play this song again because it IS a lovely day. For now, Rest In Peace dear man. Your music cheered my heart and soothed my soul.
https://t.co/wdqebBRFkW— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) April 3, 2020
Bill Withers. What a songwriter and singer. When a poet dies it is a tremendous loss. pic.twitter.com/4xmSLAdAW4
— Blair LM Kelley, PhD (@profblmkelley) April 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/elijahwood/status/1246103199326425088
RIP to the GREAT Bill Withers. Everytime "Lovely Day" comes on, it just puts you in a good mood. Prayers to his family!
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) April 3, 2020
I had to just sit with my feelings for a minute. Really for more like an hour before I could bring myself to say something about the death of Bill Withers. I so loved that man and his music. How his life shape the stories he gifted to us through song. Crushed by this news. pic.twitter.com/COnaNWhTfB
— Michele Norris (@michele_norris) April 3, 2020
Was just reflecting on the greatness of Bill Withers last night while listening to a jazzy rendition of Lovely Day. RIP
— Don’t Boo…Revolt! (@BreeNewsome) April 3, 2020
Just waking up to the news of the death of #BillWithers. I was JUST thinking of him. And was going over our photos from @Oprah’s Civil Rights Legends party. Then jammed his music the next day. He was supposed to have a big birthday celebration last October. 1/5 pic.twitter.com/OidWk7QA7C
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) April 3, 2020
Legend and icon are overused, but we lost both with the death of the immortal #BillWithers. One of the greatest singer/songwriters in our nation’s history, & one of the greatest poets to grace us with his electrifying music and his words dipped in sorrow and joy! #RipBillWithers
— Michael Eric Dyson (@MichaelEDyson) April 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/MissJodie/status/1246104307239247873
One of the musical cornerstones of my life…
Rest Easy Bill Withers! We so need yours songs right now!#RIPBW— DJ Jazzy Jeff (@djjazzyjeff215) April 3, 2020
Ain't No Sunshine… today.
I am so sad at Bill Withers’ passing.
In this time of death and pain, I hold onto him. He was a true great soul singer. Most of my campaign events we played Lovely Day.
He gave us lifetimes of light and that flame will never be extinguished.
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) April 3, 2020
"Sometimes in our lives, We all have pain. We all have sorrow.
But, if we are wise, we know that there's always tomorrow."
We are saddened by the loss of singer-songwriter and musician Bill Withers. His songs are known for inspiring hope in the hearts of many. pic.twitter.com/zQisDtycyp
— Smithsonian’s NMAAHC (@NMAAHC) April 3, 2020
Bill Withers' top-charting #Hot100 hits:
#1, Lean On Me
#2, Use Me
#2, Just The Two of Us
#3, Ain't No Sunshine
#30, Lovely Day
#31, Kissing My Love
#42, Grandma's Hands
#47, Let Us Love
#50, The Same Love That Made Me Laugh
#58, In The Name of Love
#76, Make Love To Your Mind— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) April 3, 2020
The great Bill withers has left this earth. A truly sad day for all music fans. Just stay at home listen to his music which is a remedy for these nonsensical times we live in. He was a genius singer songwriter. Can’t listen to Bill without feeling emotional #RipBillWithers
— Trevor Nelson (@DJTrevorNelson) April 3, 2020
There aren’t two more essential songs for these times than “Lovely Day” and “Lean on Me.” Be grateful for the people who inspire you. Be there (even if remotely) for the people that need it. Be thankful for Bill Withers for giving us those songs and so much more.
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) April 3, 2020
Thank you Mr. Withers🙏🏽#restinpower#BillWithers
1938-2020 https://t.co/XaCN5za3qO— nicoleariparker (@nicolearip) April 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/RealDLHughley/status/1246105303856435200https://twitter.com/KimNicky/status/1246094800513896455
There’s a great Bill Withers doc out there called Still Bill for those who want more Bill today.
— Touré (@Toure) April 3, 2020
Bill Withers… you will be missed, but not forgotten.
I remember always singing “Ain’t no sunshine” “Use Me” and “Lean On Me” growing up with my family.
We will sing it forever in my house. 🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/6aWOkIJrzA
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 3, 2020
Rest In Peace #billwithers
Singer of lean on me, grandma’s hands, lovely day, ain’t no sunshine, and so many more songs that gave us joy. pic.twitter.com/9Du7hIR9M4— Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Ph.D. (@MayaRockeymoore) April 3, 2020
Bill Withers' music doesn't get near the credit it deserves. Also he has 1 of my favorite showbiz stories. Started late. Made a huge impact. Got out early. This interview he did w/ @JesseThorn is a greasy window into the man. #RIPBillWithers https://t.co/HCgOjJBXNt
— W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) April 3, 2020
Sometimes in our lives,
we all have pain
we all have sorrow.
But if we are wise
we know that there's
always tomorrow
– #BillWithers— Eugene Scott (@Eugene_Scott) April 3, 2020
My heart is demolished . 💔💔💔
I loved Bill Withers like a father.
I promised Bill last time we spoke I would always look out for his son Todd-who has autism.🙏🏽My deepest heartfelt condolences to his beautiful wife Marcia, Kori and of course Todd.
I HATE 2020. I swear 😞 pic.twitter.com/VKdH1Ou011
— Holly Robinson Peete 💃🏾♍️ (@hollyrpeete) April 3, 2020
