Bill Withers - Family Table Lyrics. 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. Bill Withers Death. Her husband, Bill Withers, was born on July 4, 1938, in Slab Fork, West Virginia, United States. [8] Withers contributed two songs to Jimmy Buffett's 2004 release License to Chill. Picture: SuppliedSource:AP. Born in Slab Fork, West Virginia, Bill was the youngest of six children of William Harrison Withers Sr, a coal miner, and his wife, Mattie. After his parents divorced when he was three-years-old, Bill was raised by his mother’s family. He was 81. Wither family announced death of Bill Weathers in a statement which indicates that he died on 30th March, 2020. And Bill seemed to understand, intrinsically and instinctively, how to do that,” Sting said in Still Bill, a 2010 documentary of Withers. But he no longer had complete control over his music and chaffed when it was suggested he do an Elvis cover. [15], During this time, he wrote and produced two songs on the Gladys Knight & the Pips album I Feel a Song, and in October 1974 performed in concert together with James Brown, Etta James, and B.B. Singer and songwriter Bill Withers's discography flourished long after he retired from performing, but he opted out of the spotlight in favor of spending more time with his family. He was 81 years old. Denise Nicholas (1973-1974). The album features Stephen Stills playing lead guitar. He was born to a coal miner, William Withers Sr. and his mother was called Mattie Withers. Withers is survived by his wife and two children. Bill Withers (born July 4, 1938 in Slab Fork, West Virginia, died March 30, 2020 in Los Angeles, California) was an American singer-songwriter who performed and recorded from the late 1960s until the mid 1980s. A family statement announcing his death said: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. Family Life He married second wife Marcia Johnson in 1976. [11], In early 1970, Withers's demonstration tape was auditioned favorably by Clarence Avant, owner of Sussex Records. [6] His parents divorced when he was three, and he was raised by his mother's family in nearby Beckley, West Virginia. [34][35], In February 2017, he made an appearance on Joy Reid's MSNBC show to talk about the refugee crisis as well as the political climate in America. He was 81 years old. Other footage of his performance is included in the 2008 documentary film Soul Power. Withers was also previously married to actress Denise Nicholas before they divorced and he proceeded to marry Marcia. Bill was struggling with heart complications and his cause of death was heart Cardiovascular disease and no coronavirus infection reported at the moment. Bill Larry Withers was born circa 1935, at birth place, North Carolina, to William K Withers and Lillian Withers. Personal Life Relationship: Marital Status: Married. https://heavy.com/entertainment/2020/04/marcia-johnson-bill-withers-wife At the time of his death on April 3, … Bill Withers, the legendary performer who defined 1970s soul with timeless hits like "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Lean on Me" has died, his family said in a statement. He joined the Navy at 17 and spent nine years in the service as an aircraft mechanic installing toilets. [30] In 2007, "Lean on Me" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father,” the family said in a statement to the AP news agency on Friday. [54], The Grammy Awards are bestowed by The Recording Academy. Lean On Me, a paean to friendship, was performed at the inaugurations of former US presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Bill lived in 1935, at address , North Carolina. His Live at Carnegie Hall in 1973 made Rolling Stone’s 50 Greatest Live Albums of All Time. Star Wars actor Billy Dee Williams wrote: "One day I … "[40] In Rolling Stone, writer Andy Greene noted that several of his songs "are embedded in the culture and have been covered countless times."[41]. I'm not a virtuoso, but I was able to write songs that people could identify with. [1] He had several hits over a relatively short career of 15 years, including "Ain't No Sunshine" (1971), "Grandma's Hands" (1971), "Use Me" (1972), "Lean on Me" (1972), "Lovely Day" (1977), and "Just the Two of Us" (1981). The original release had reached number 7 in the UK in early 1978, and the re-release climbed higher to number 4. 2. [37] Editors from The Guardian considered that Withers' songs are "some of the most beloved in the American songbook," citing, "'Ain't No Sunshine' is regarded as one of the all-time great breakup tracks, while 'Lean on Me', an ode to the supportive power of friendship ..."[39] For the same newspaper, Alex Petridis noticed "[he] laid pain and paranoia under his deceptively gentle songs, and retired early having conquered gospel, funk, blues, disco and more. He joined the Navy at 17 and spent nine years in the service as an aircraft mechanic installing toilets. Withers’ 70s hits Ain’t No Sunshine and Lean on Me have been hailed as some of the greatest songs of all time, and his iconic tunes are often used on the big screen, including in The Hangover, American Beauty, Jerry Maguire and The Secret Life of Pets. Withers, who overcame a childhood stutter, was born the last of six children in the coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia. Marcia born as Marcia Johnson has not yet revealed her age. A NOTE ABOUT RELEVANT ADVERTISING: We collect information about the content (including ads) you use across this site and use it to make both advertising and content more relevant to you on our network and other sites. School : Local high school. [32], In 2005, Withers was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. “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. Bill Withers – Lean On Me … “He’s the last African-American everyman,” musician and band leader Questlove told Rolling Stone in 2015. "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father," his family … [20] The song won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. [13] Withers won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for "Ain't No Sunshine" at the 14th Annual Grammy Awards in 1972. Bill had one sibling: Colleen Withers . Withers has won three Grammys from nine nominations.[55]. [28], At the 30th Annual Grammy Awards in 1988, Withers won the Grammy for Best Rhythm and Blues Song as songwriter for the re-recording of "Lean on Me" by Club Nouveau. we hope the following words will be a comfort to you. Social media : No. Catalog. “In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones,” his family said. Career: Albums: 1. Bill Withers RIP. On 4 July 1938, William Withers Jr. was born in Slab Fork, the United States in West Virginia. [37] Musicians Sade,[44] D'Angelo,[45] Justin Timberlake,[46] John Legend[47] and Ed Sheeran[5] have credited Withers as a music inspiration. Raymond was born circa 1903, in West Virginia, USA. Official YouTube channel for Bill Withers. It read: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. This is according to his family. Withers stated in interviews that a lot of the songs approved for the album, in particular, two of the first three singles released, were the same songs which had been rejected in 1982, hence contributing significantly to the eight-year hiatus between albums. During the next three years he released an album each year with Naked & Warm (1976), Menagerie (1977; containing the successful "Lovely Day"), and 'Bout Love (1978). Picture: Fin Costello/RedfernsSource:Getty Images. [11] His first album release with the label, Making Music, included the single "She's Lonely", which was featured in the film Looking for Mr. Goodbar along with "She Wants to (Get on Down)". Withers, who overcame a childhood stutter, was born the last of six children in the coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia. Birthdate: July 04, 1938. Bill grew up in Beckley, the youngest of six children in a hard working family, … [12] On the cover of the album, Withers is pictured at his job at Weber Aircraft in Burbank, California, holding his lunch box. 2015 ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE! The single, "Lean on Me" went to number one the week of July 8, 1972. Her elder daughter “Kori Withers” is an American singer. Wife: 1. His father died when Withers … In 1971, signed to Sussex Records, he put out his first album, Just As I Am, with the legendary Booker T Jones at the helm. Warm, raunchy, secular, Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills), "Still Bill (2009) A Singer Who Stopped His Showing Off", "Green Day, Lou Reed, Joan Jett, Ringo Starr Lead 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame", "Bill Withers, Who Sang 'Lean on Me' and 'Ain't No Sunshine,' Dies at 81", "Bill Withers: Still Himself, but He'll Allow the Attention", "Bill Withers: The Soul Man Who Walked Away", "The Lost Bill Withers Go-Go Soul Freakout You Need To Hear", "Bill Withers, 'Lean On Me' Attitude Back The 47-year-old Singer, Whose Style And Delivery Fall Somewhere Between Lou Rawls And Marvin Gaye, Has Released A New Album And Embarked On A Concert Tour", "Michel Berger - Dreams In Stone (Vinyl, LP, Album)", "Songwriter Bill Withers And A Career Cut Short", "10 Things We Learned Spending Two Days With Bill Withers", "Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder charm during their 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame speeches", "A Tribute to Bill Withers at Carnegie Hall", "Review: A Bill Withers Tribute With His Soul Disciples", "Bill Withers talks the Grammys and politics", "Bill Withers, 'Lean On Me' and 'Lovely Day' Singer, Dies at 81", "Bill Withers, influential soul singer behind Ain't No Sunshine, dies aged 81", "Bill Withers: the brilliant folk-soul star who said it all with time to spare", "Bill Withers, Hall of Fame Soul Singer, Dead at 81", "D'Angelo Cancels Performance at Bill Withers Tribute Show", "Justin Timberlake Pays Tribute to Bill Withers: 'One of My Biggest Idols, "John Legend on Singing with Bill Withers at Rock Hall: 'Don't F–k It Up, "Room 222 star refuses to charge singing artist in alleged beating", "Divorce Action Splits Singer Bill Withers, Actress Denise Nicholas", "Lean On Me singer Bill Withers dies at 81", "Bill Withers, 'Lean On Me,' 'Ain't No Sunshine' singer, dies at 81", "Bill Withers Died of Cardiopulmonary Arrest, Underlying Heart and Lung Issues", "Little Jimmy Dickens Joins West Virginia Music Hall of Fame", "Lou Reed, Green Day and Bill Withers to Join Rock Hall of Fame", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bill_Withers&oldid=997678200, Burials at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills), Wikipedia pages semi-protected against vandalism, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2020, Articles to be expanded from November 2020, Pages using Sister project links with hidden wikidata, Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz identifiers, Wikipedia articles with PLWABN identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, 2007: Inducted into West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, This page was last edited on 1 January 2021, at 18:29. He was the son of Mattie (Galloway), a maid, and William Withers, a miner. The concert recreated Withers's 1973 concert album, Live at Carnegie Hall, along with some of his other material. US singer Bill Withers, whose hits include Lean on Me, Lovely Day and Ain’t No Sunshine, has died from heart complications. Withers’ family confirmed his death in the following statement: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. 2. Arranged by Mort Garson, the song went unnoticed at the time but was later reworked by Withers as the track "Harlem". IVOR NOVELLO AWARDS. [6][9], In 1988, a new version of "Lovely Day" from the 1977 Menagerie album, entitled "Lovely Day (Sunshine Mix)" and remixed by Ben Liebrand was released. His death was confirmed by his family in the following statement: 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. The track had already sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA in September 1971. At 18 years old, he joined United States Navy where he got his Naval trained. "Bill Withers is the closest thing black people have to a Bruce Springsteen." He is survived by his wife, Marcia, and children, Todd and Kori. He was the youngest of six children of Mattie (Galloway), a maid, and William Withers, a miner. She is the granddaughter of Mattie Rose Withers and William Harrison Withers Sr. She has one sibling, an elder brother, Todd Withers. Bill Withers was born in 1938 in West Virginia and was the youngest of six children. [6] Four three-hour recording sessions were planned for the album, but funding caused the album to be recorded in three sessions with a six-month break between the second and final sessions. He was 81 years old. [20] Withers also stated it was frustrating seeing his record label release an album for Mr. T, an actor, when they were preventing him, an actual singer, from releasing his own. After his parents divorced when he was 3, Withers was raised by his mother’s family in nearby Beckley. Withers, the youngest of six children, was born in the small coal-mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia, on July 4, 1938. Mother: Mattie Rose Withers. pic.twitter.com/mkpcSBfuZv, Today we lost one of the sweetest souls. Bill Withers Death. [50], In 1976, Withers married Marcia Johnson. He was 81 years old. His father died when Withers was thirteen. The three-time Grammy Award winner died from heart complications in Los Angeles on Monday. Kori Withers Parents Kori is the daughter of the later American singer and songwriter, Bill Withers and Marcia Withers. His new executives found Withers difficult. IVOR NOVELLO AWARDS. Dave Franco and Alison Brie did drugs together as film resea... Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. All times AEDT (GMT +11). Discover the enduring artistry of Albums & Compilations of Bill Withers, an authentic American musical icon. Bill Withers, the singer-songwriter whose soulful hits "Lean On Me," Ain't No Sunshine" and "Lovely Day" became part of the soundtrack for a generation, has died. Bill Withers, the celebrated artist whose hits include "Lean on Me" and "Lovely Day," has died of heart complications. After his parents divorced when he was 3, Withers was raised by his mother’s family in nearby Beckley. Catalog. Bill Withers, former soul singer behind hits Ain’t No Sunshine and Lean On Me died on March 30, 2020, from heart complications aged 81. “Bill Withers is the closest thing black people have to a Bruce Springsteen.”, Withers was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. The name Withers comes from the Old Norse personal name Vidarr, which means, wide messenger. Bill's father died when he was thirteen. Picture: Fin Costello/RedfernsSource:Getty Images, His hits have been hailed as some of the greatest songs of all time. Bill married first name Withers. He has a younger sister, Kori Withers. [52][53] He is interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills). Bill Withers, who wrote and sang a string of soulful songs in the 1970s that have stood the test of time, ... Mr. Withers was raised by his mother’s family in nearby Beckley. Bill Withers died on March 30, 2020, aged 81, in Los Angeles, California. gold disc award taking place on October 12, 1972. "Bill was a “songwriter’s songwriter” and wrote so many great songs like “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean On Me.” "A real loss. PRS for Music Special International Award. [6] After he left the music industry he said that he did not miss touring and performing live and did not regret leaving music behind. listen to bill. I don't think I've done bad for a guy from Slab Fork, West Virginia. 2015 ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE! [3] He was born with a stutter and later said he had a hard time fitting in. hall of fame. Bill Withers, the influential US soul singer who wrote Lean on Me, Ain’t No Sunshine and Lovely Day has died aged 81 of heart complications, according to a statement from his family. The son of a West Virginia coal miner, William Harrison Withers, Jr. was born July 4, 1938. Stream Bill Withers' best songs via Spotify or Apple Music. His parents divorced when he was three, and he was raised by his mother's family in nearby Beckley, West Virginia. Following the reissues of Still Bill on January 28, 2003, and Just As I Am on March 8, 2005, there was speculation of previously unreleased material being issued as a new album. Nationwide News Pty Limited Copyright © 2021. [5], The album was a success, and Withers began touring with a band assembled from members of the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. He was 81. Photo: Reed Saxon, Associated Press. Just as I Am was released in 1971 with the tracks, "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Grandma's Hands" as singles. https://www.geni.com/people/Bill-Withers/6000000013983590173 Bill Withers, the soulful singer known for his 70s hits Lean on Me, Ain't No Sunshine and Lovely Day, has died at the age of 81. Education: Highest Qualification: High school. Ultimately Withers reminded us that it’s the everyday that is the most meaningful: work, family, love, loss. Photo Credit: Jim Minchin. In 1974, Withers recorded the album +'Justments. His death was confirmed by his family in the following statement: US singer-songwriter Bill Withers, whose hits included "Lean On Me", has died aged 81, his family said.. His family described him in a statement as a “solitary man with a heart-driven to connect to the world”. [6][9][25][26][27] Finding musical success later in life than most, at 32, he said he was socialized as a 'regular guy' who had a life before the music, so he did not feel an inherent need to keep recording once he fell out of love with the industry. Bill Withers, Soundtrack: The Bodyguard. Bill Withers, 81, 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. This was Withers' ninth Grammy nomination and third win. Love & Mercy to Bill’s family." The three-time Grammy Award winner, who withdrew from making music in the mid-1980s, died on Monday in Los Angeles, a family statement said. to the family of bill withers my wife and i have been fans of bill withers. Bill's father died when he was thirteen. [29] In 2006, Sony gave back to Withers his previously unreleased tapes. After his discharge, he moved to Los Angeles, worked at an aircraft parts factory, bought a guitar at a pawn shop and recorded demos of his tunes in hopes of landing a recording contract. [17] Footage of his performance was included in the 1996 documentary film When We Were Kings, and he is heard on the accompanying soundtrack. [6] The couple made headlines following reports of domestic violence. A more gentle, poetic and dignified man you will struggle to find. Family: Parents: Father: William Harrison Withers Sr. Keep in mind this was years before Marvin Gaye did it with Here, My Dear. [6][8] His debut release was "Three Nights and a Morning" in 1967. honorary doctorate. He was born with a stutter and later said he had a hard time fitting in. "[42] A Billboard article considered that Withers "stands as one of R&B/soul music's most revered singer-songwriters. Acoustic guitar in his hands, singing almost conversationally but with enormous power, Withers‘ approach was more in a singer-songwriter mode, though his sound was supremely funky and thoroughly contemporary. Johnson Is In Charge of Licensing Her Husband’s Music. Death: April 03, 2020 (81) Immediate Family: Son of William Harrison Withers, Sr. and Mattie Rose Withers. Siblings: No. Her son named “Todd Withers” is also a singer and songwriter. [citation needed] He pursued other work but occasionally performed guest vocals, tribute concert appearances, and similar activities. [14] His performance at Carnegie Hall on October 6, 1972, was recorded, and released as the live album Bill Withers, Live at Carnegie Hall on November 30, 1972. 2. Kids: 1. listen to bill. Singer, songwriter and guitarist Bill Withers was born on July 4, 1938 in the small coal-mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia and was raised in the nearby town of Beckley. news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site. Withers’ death comes as the public has drawn inspiration from his music during the coronavirus pandemic, with health care workers, choirs, artists and more posting their own renditions on Lean on Me to help get through the difficult times. [36], Withers largely retired from his career in music in 1985. They had one child. [citation needed], Withers, the youngest of six children, was born in the small coal-mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia, on July 4, 1938. Survived by his wife Marcia Johnson and ended Withers 's second gold with. 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Consider an anthemn for brotherhood following words will be full of your Power you. One of R & B/soul music 's most revered singer-songwriters a Billboard article that... Grandma ’ s family in nearby Beckley 'm not a virtuoso, but i was able to write that! Aircraft mechanic installing toilets presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton [ 29 ] 2007! And ended Withers 's business association with Columbia Records final studio album no coronavirus infection reported the!