• NEWS
  • REVIEWS
  • INTERVIEWS
  • EVENTS
  • VIDEOS

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from Blues Scene about music & art.

Game-Changing 2023 Remix Of Ten Years After: ‘A Space In Time’

March 20, 2023

In Tune With Robert Connely Farr – The Bentonia Blues Changed His Life

March 20, 2023

Exclusive Video Premiere: Ruf’s Blues Caravan ft. Ally Venable, Will Jacobs, and Ashley Sherlock

March 17, 2023

Exclusive: Skylar Rogers Premieres Video for ‘Love In The Left Lane’

March 16, 2023
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Facebook Twitter Instagram Vimeo
American Blues SceneAmerican Blues Scene
  • NEWS
  • REVIEWS
  • INTERVIEWS
  • EVENTS
  • VIDEOS
American Blues SceneAmerican Blues Scene
Home»News»Soul Icon Bill Withers Dies at 81
News

Soul Icon Bill Withers Dies at 81

Lauren LeadinghamBy Lauren LeadinghamApril 3, 2020Updated:May 5, 2020No Comments2 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email VKontakte WhatsApp
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Bonafide soul singer and composer Bill Withers, whose career only lasted about a decade but encompassed several major hits, died from heart complications on Monday. The three-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was 81.

“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 said in a statement on Friday. “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 was better known for hits like “Lean on Me,” “Lovely Day,” “Use Me Up,” and “Ain’t No Sunshine.” These songs made him quite possibly the most ubiquitous R&B artist, as they are on everyone’s playlist and provide a soundtrack to every party, wedding, and other such social gathering.

His 1971 debut album, Just As I Am, found him in the harmonious company of Stephen Stills on guitar, Jim Keltner (Bob Dylan, Traveling Wilburys) on drums, and three quarters of The MGs — including Booker T. Jones himself, who produced the LP.

The breakthrough hit on that album was obviously “Aint No Sunshine.” But I’d like to draw attention to a song that’s always deeply resonated with me. The rootsy, bluesy “Grandma’s Hands” is a moving homage to his grandmother who helped raise him. Bill suffered from asthma and a stutter as a kid, but he also had his bulwark: his grandma. “Grandma’s hands picked me up each time I fell / Grandma’s hands, boy they really came in handy.”

Though he hailed from meek beginnings, he moved to Los Angeles in the ’70s to find fame and grow tired of it by the ’80s. Aside from his string of soothing soulful songs, he will also be remembered and valued for his more socially conscious works. “I Can’t Write Left-Handed” was written from the perspective of a young soldier who lost a limb in the Vietnam War. “Better Off Dead” was about an alcoholic’s suicide.

Remembering the legendary Bill Withers:

Bill Withers RIP Soul
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email WhatsApp
Previous ArticleCan’t Stop the Blues Brings Music to the Masses
Next Article UK Virtual Gig Guide From New Outlaw
Lauren Leadingham

Director of Content

Related Posts

Exclusive: Dean Zucchero Premieres New Single ‘Big Boss Boy’ ft. Johnny Rawls

March 14, 2023

Nick Schnebelen Releases ‘What Key Is Trouble In,’ Premieres New Video

March 10, 2023

Mighty Joe Castro and the Gravamen Premiere New Folk-Leaning Single ‘Embers In The Ash’

March 10, 2023

Celebrate International Women’s Day with ‘Women of Blue Chicago’

March 8, 2023

Comments are closed.

Advertisment
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Events
  • Videos
  • About

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.