Bill Withers, the iconic voice behind 1970’s and 80’s smash hits “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean On Me,” and “Lovely Day,” has died from heart complications at the age of 81. Withers penned and performed several of the most enduring soul songs ever recorded, and his music has been widely sampled by subsequent generations of R&B and hip-hop artists.
Wither’s recording career produced multiple Grammy awards, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and several classic soul albums. His songs “Lean On Me” and “Lovely Day” have become standards at weddings, showcased in films and commercials, and covered by countless artists across musical genres. Modern0day acts from Blackstreet to Kendrick Lamar to Will Smith to the Black Eyed Peas have famously excerpted Wither’s tracks for their own songs.
“Use Me” – 1972 (Live)
Breaking later in life, Withers was 31 when his blues ballad “Ain’t No Sunshine” became a top-10 Billboard hit in 1971. He followed with several more chart-topping tracks throughout the 70’s and early 80’s. Then, in 1985, he abruptly ceased recording and performing out of frustration at the record industry. Accordingly, his musical output spans only eight years. Withers rarely appeared publicly in recent years but his music has endured, becoming embedded in American culture.
“Ain’t No Sunshine” – 1974 (Live)
Influence & Sampling In R&B, Rap
The list of modern artists who have sampled or covered Wither’s tracks is endless and spans genres—Eminem, Maroon 5, Dr. Dre, Camila Cabello, 2Pac, Travis Scott, Shawn Mendes, Pharrell Williams, Keith Urban, and Kanye West are just a few to utilize his lyrics and melodies.
Perhaps the most famous use of a Withers sample is the Grammy-winning number one R&B hit “No Diggity” by Blackstreet. The 90’s R&B track borrows heavily from 1971’s “Grandma’s Hands.” Similarly, at the height of his rap career Will Smith tapped Withers for large portions of his hit, “Just The Two Of Us.” Upon news of Withers’ death stars Chance the Rapper, John Legend, Big K.R.I.T., Alicia Keys, and many others paid tribute to Withers on social media.
“Grandma’s Hands” – 1972 (Live)
Withers leaves behind a legacy of deeply personal songs with powerful melodies about love, loss, and friendship. His tracks have been performed at Presidential Inaugurations, featured in Oscar-winning films, and are beloved by young and old. His brief time in the spotlight and reclusiveness after stepping away has done little to dull his influence. Subsequent generations of performers are heavily informed by the music he created. And several of his songs and albums are thought to be gold standards of the genre. He is survived by his wife, Marcia, and children Kori and Todd.
Stream The Best Of Bill Withers
Stream Lean On Me: The Best of Bill Withers!
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