Not a "Lovely Day" - Bill Withers had died

+18 votes
320 views
He was 81. Bill Withers was born in a coal-mining town, Slab Fork, WV, the youngest of 6 children. At age 17, he joined the Navy, serving for 9 years. Once discharged, he moved to Los Angeles, bought a guitar at a pawn shop, and there you are!

His song, "Lean of Me," was performed at the inauguration of two presidents, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

His profile should be opened, if it already exists. RIP.
in The Tree House by Lucy Selvaggio-Diaz G2G6 Pilot (821k points)
edited by Ellen Smith
The lyrics are so appropriate for all of us at this time with everything going on!
No profile exists for him at this time.

His FindAGrave memorial has parents and siblings linked.

6 Answers

+13 votes
Aw no! I'm not liking growing old when some of the people of my childhood memories are passing away. What a great song!
by Pip Sheppard G2G Astronaut (2.7m points)
+12 votes
I didn't know the name, but when I listened to a German radio obituary of him I heard songs I knew, even if only as covers (Ain't no sunshine and Lean on me). He will live on in his music.
by Jelena Eckstädt G2G Astronaut (1.4m points)
+11 votes
I have to agree with Pip.  So much of what and who made up our youth are passing on.  The lyrics to the song "Lean on Me" were great back then, and are still great today.  Maybe more so today with all that we are all going through at this time.  Rest in peace, Bill Withers.
by Robin Shaules G2G Astronaut (1.5m points)
+9 votes
I loved his son "Just the Two of Us" best... I'm terribly glad he lived a long life so 'rich in deed'. He was a good man.
by Leigh Anne Dear G2G6 Pilot (139k points)
+7 votes
"Ain't no sunshine when he's gone..." RIP Bill Withers. Your songs defined my generation. Your song, Lean on Me, was done by a gospel choir at the wedding of a Prince of England and his biracial bride. Your music frequently unites the word, especially in the worst of times. Thank you!

If someone would be kind enough to start this 'Notables' profile, I will help with bio and sourcing. He should not go unrecognized.
by Carol Baldwin G2G Astronaut (1.1m points)

I just created a profile for Bill Withers who passed away this week. I'm going to add his parents and see how far I can get if anyone else wants to help. 

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Withers-1935

+4 votes
Lucy,

Awesome work on Bill Withers profile! Thanks for 'standing by us' and honoring this Notable with his wiki profile. I'll help with his parents asap.
by Carol Baldwin G2G Astronaut (1.1m points)

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