Bill Withers, who wrote and sang a string of soulful songs in the 1970s that have stood the test of time, including “ Lean on Me, ” “Lovely Day” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” has died from heart complications, his family said in a statement to The Associated Press. He was 81.
<off topic>Was I the only one who rushed to Google to search if he died of a COVID-19 infection?</offtopic>
brotherhood of LAN
8:58 pm on Apr 3, 2020 (gmt 0)
You go onto YouTube and you see people saying "I'm only X years old but this is my kind of music!'. Have to say I'm not into music as much as others seem to be but a good few of his songs are immortal to me. Born in 1981 so realistically before my time. RIP.
not2easy
9:11 pm on Apr 3, 2020 (gmt 0)
Just seeing some of those titles and the time comes alive again. Sad loss.
phranque
10:01 pm on Apr 3, 2020 (gmt 0)
Was I the only one...
related: today was the first time i heard of a death (his) on the radio when they mentioned his death was not coronavirus-related.
LifeinAsia
11:20 am on Apr 4, 2020 (gmt 0)
Definitely saddened by his passing.
I always liked "Ain't no sunshine." A few years ago I watched "Days of Wine and Roses" (the movie that he said inspired him to write the song)- completely changed how I understood the song. Still a sad song, but for different reasons.
iamlost
2:31 pm on Apr 4, 2020 (gmt 0)
There are certain singers that resonate with circumstance to ever after serve as a life waypoint. Bill Withers is one of mine.
In 1971 I heard Moanin’ and Groanin’ playing in a record store (!) and had them play the side again. And then the flip.
About a month later traded (long before Napster there was infringing cassettes by mail) a cassette copy for copies of Gentle Giant and Renaissance.
...been having a Bill Withers binge on the turntable. Memories; thanks for the memories, Mr. Withers.
Note: I’m of an age where this ‘dying’ reason for a memorial deep dive is increasingly common. Bah humbug.
