Bill withers who wrote and sang a string of soulful songs in the 1970s that have stood the test of time, including, “Leon on me”, “lovely day” and “saint’s to sunshine” has died from heart complications, his family said in a statement to the associated press. He was 81.
The three grammy- award winner, who withdrew from making music in the mid-1980s dies on Monday in Los Angeles the statement said. His death comes as the price has drawn inspiration from music during the coronavirus pandemic, with health care workers, choirs, artist and more posting their own rendition on ” Leon on me ” to help get through a difficult time.
Withers songs during his brief career became the soundtrack of countless engagement, wedding and backyard parties. They have wonderful melodies and perfect grooves melded with a smooth voice that conveys honesty and complex without vocal acrobatics. Ain’t no sunshine and Lean on me are among the rolling stones list of 500 greatest songs of all time.
He’s is the last African – American everyman musician and bandleader Questlove told rolling stone in 2015. ” Bill withers is the closest thing black people have a Bruce Springsteen “.
His death caused a torrent of appreciation on social media, including from former Obama adviser Valeria Jarrett, who said withers music has been a cherished part of her life. ” If added to my joy in the good time, also gave me comfort and inspiration when I needed it most ” she twitted”.
He joined the navy at 17 and spend nine years in the service as an aircraft mechanic installing toilets. In 1971 he signed to Sussex Records, he puts out his first album, ” just as I am ” with legendary Booker T. Jones at the helm.
Though his songs often dealt with the relationship , withers also wrote once social commentary, including ” better off dead ” about an alcoholics suicide and I can’t write left-handed about an injured Vietnam war veteran.
