Music stars paid tribute to Bill Withers today (April 3) as the news arrived that the singer-songwriter had died on March 30 of heart complications. The legend, best known for a series of hit singles in the ’70s – “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean on Me,” and “Lovely Day,” among them, was 81.
Withers was praised for his songwriting, musicianship and voice. His family wrote, in part, “We will miss his sharp wit, playful sense of humor, and no-nonsense way of turning a phrase as no one else could.”
Here are a selection of other tributes.
I’m very sad to hear about Bill Withers passing. Bill was a “songwriter’s songwriter” and wrote so many great songs like “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean On Me.” A real loss. Love & Mercy to Bill’s family. – Brian pic.twitter.com/dUGAre6Bjt
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) April 3, 2020
Rest in power Bill Withers. Your voice, songs, and total expression gave us love, hope, and strength. My soul always has & always will be full of your music. Your humility displayed & depth of your power as you carried us all to a better place. You’re still & always will be Bill. pic.twitter.com/mkpcSBfuZv
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) April 3, 2020
Booker T. Jones produced and performed on Withers’ debut album, which included “Ain’t No Sunshine.”
In Bill Withers I lost my funniest friend , a soulful singer, songwriter, and carpenter. Humanity lost a deep conscience.
— Booker T. Jones (@BookerTJones) April 4, 2020
Bill Withers RIP my friend. Forever grateful for your music and kindness.
— Joe Walsh (@JoeWalsh) April 3, 2020
A must watch…
#FightOnForever, Bill Withers.
Your words have never meant more. pic.twitter.com/a7QnCBzY75
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) April 3, 2020
Peace and love, Bill Withers.💔 pic.twitter.com/cEWBxC45jl
— Susanna Hoffs (@SusannaHoffs) April 3, 2020
John Legend performed “Lean On Me” with Stevie Wonder, at Withers’ 2015 Rock Hall induction. Withers sang a portion of the song, the first time he had done so publicly in years.
Mourning the loss of my friend and inspiration, Bill Withers. He was such an incredible songwriter and storyteller. I’m so glad he shared his gift with the world. Life wouldn’t be the same without him.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) April 3, 2020
Alicia Keys wrote, “What a poignant writer whose songs are more relevant than ever right now. May music always bring us together! Rest in paradise to the magnificent Bill Withers.”
Dana York Petty wrote, “Tommy and I would spend hours listening and reveling in his genius. Another legend gone. 💔 ”
Rest In Peace Bill Withers. This man wrote standards that people will sing a hundred years from now. One of the greatest most soulful musicians that ever recorded. 😎👍 pic.twitter.com/OgSFEIlfwx
— Joe Bonamassa (Official) (@JBONAMASSA) April 3, 2020
Nile Rodgers: “One of the greatest of all time. Class, class and more class.”
“We all need somebody to lean on…” 💙 #RIPBillWithers pic.twitter.com/sWPi4StZLV
— Smokey Robinson (@smokeyrobinson) April 3, 2020
Oh man! Just heard Bill Withers passed! We performed with Bill at the Troubadour . He was so cool!
— Tommy Chong (@tommychong) April 4, 2020
Ahh man. Has anyone ever sang popular music better? He touched my heart every time. He had no interest in game and power and stepped away from the music business after he got what he needed. His songs will always… https://t.co/Rgv3q0P7mA
— Flea (@flea333) April 3, 2020
Melissa Etheridge wrote, “Bill Withers was so influential not only to me but a whole generation of songwriters. May he Rest in Peace.”
NBA legends…
Cookie and I are extremely saddened to hear about the passing of our good friend Bill Withers. I am really going to miss him making me laugh and our deep conversations. Sending our condolences and prayers to the entire Withers family🙏🏾
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 3, 2020
Our prayers to Bill Withers family he was a great friend. I will miss his quick wit & amazing sense of humor. A soul music #Legend ✔️out his music Still Bill a fav! Bill wrote a song for me “I am my father’s son” when @BarackObama presented me the Medal of Freedom #RIPBillWithers pic.twitter.com/1l0WsmNZXa
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) April 3, 2020
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