Legendary soul singer Bill Withers passed away early this week from heart complications at his home in Los Angeles.

Withers was the artist behind such hits as Lean On Me and Ain’t No Sunshine. He’s been described as a “solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world”. A statement added, “He spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other.”

The soul singer will be remembered for his sultry baritone vocals, writing some of the most memorable songs of the 70’s. Withers also holds the record for “Longest Sustained Note on a US Chart Hit,” holding a high E note for 18 seconds on the song Lovely Day. 

He may have stopped recording in 1985 but Withers influence is still heard in much of today’s R&B and Hip Hop. He was 81.

Artists across the music industry are paying tribute to the late soul legend today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed under: aint-no-sunshine, bill-withers, lean-on-me, lovely-day, rb, soul