Many of Bill Withers‘ fans are mourning his death, including his famous friends and admirers.
Withers, whose timeless hits include “Lean on Me,” “Just the Two of Us” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” died Monday in Los Angeles from heart complications. He was 81.
Musicians, from various genres, paid tribute to Withers on social media after news of his death was made public.
John Legend shared multiple tweets on Friday. “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,” wrote Legend, who previously covered Withers’ “I Can’t Write Left-Handed” with The Roots.
“This song will always mean so much to me. Our performances of it were always epic and emotional. Some of my favorite of my entire musical life. Captain Kirk’s guitar solo was so powerful and dynamic and unpredictable. The first time I ever cried while cutting a vocal was this,” he continued.
RELATED: Bill Withers, ‘Lean on Me’ and ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ Singer, Dies of Heart Complications at 81
Legend also posted an anecdote about how he and Withers kept in contact over the years. “Bill and I became friends after he saw this YouTube clip. His friend Bill Russell (yes that Bill Russell) called him up and told him to check it out. Then he emailed someone who then emailed my manager who then forwarded it to me. He loved our version. My year was made,” the star tweeted. “The way he communicated it was via a long, funny email that I later discovered was a trademark of his. I always looked forward to hearing from him. He always had a great story for me, told with charm and wit and humor. What a special human being.”
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
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Fellow singers, including Lenny Kravitz, Kacey Musgraves, Kid Rock and Chance the Rapper, also expressed their gratitude to Withers for his musical legacy.
View this post on Instagram Ahh man. Has anyone ever sang popular music better? Take a bath in that voice. He touched my heart every time. He had no interest in fame-game and power, so he stepped away from the music business as a young man, after he got what he needed, and enjoyed his life. His songs will always sound fresh, exciting, deep and sexy as fuck. Bill Withers I love you, an infinite wellspring of inspiration and joy. I’m about to crank up some Bill and let the cosmic healing energies of his voice flow through me once again. If you can, google Old Grey Whistle Test and check his performance on that show. The great James Gadson on drums too.A post shared by Flea (@flea333) on Apr 3, 2020 at 7:40am PDT
Aw man, Bill Withers was really the greatest. Grandma’s Hands, Ain’t No Sunshine, Lean on Me, Use Me Up, Just The Two Of Us and obviously Lovely Day are some of the best songs of all time. My heart really hurts for him, it reminds me of playing records with at my grandma’s house
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 3, 2020
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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
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Rest In Peace, maestro Bill Withers.
What a legacy.https://t.co/GBImqLRdPh— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) April 3, 2020
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RIP Bill Withers
One of my favorites of all time. His “Live at Carnegie Hall” record has been at the top of my list for decades. What an incredible talent and genuine soul. He will be missed by so many. -Kid Rockhttps://t.co/uYvEQS5ZhJ pic.twitter.com/qvPvwohEMM— Kid Rock (@KidRock) April 3, 2020
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RIP Bill Withers
— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) April 3, 2020
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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
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RIP #BillWithers Thank you for sharing that tremendous talent with us all those years.
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) April 3, 2020
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TV and film stars, such as Wendy Williams, Jeffrey Wright and Billy Dee Williams, shared snippets of Withers’ hits on Twitter along with loving tributes.
View this post on Instagram Soul icon #BillWithers passed away on Monday in Los Angeles at the age of 81 due to heart complications. He is best known for his hits ‘Lean on Me,’ ‘Lovely Day’ and ‘Ain’t No Sunshine.’ Thank you for your great legacy of music.A post shared by Wendy Williams (@wendyshow) on Apr 3, 2020 at 10:09am PDT
Who doesn’t need to hear a li’l some Bill Withers right now?
Met him with the late Howard Bingham in NY at an event for kids who stutter, a challenge he faced. Nice dude. RIP pic.twitter.com/HtqDaLm7rx
— Jeffrey Wright (@jfreewright) April 3, 2020
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One day I will play this song again because it IS a lovely day. For now, Rest In Peace dear man. Your music cheered my heart and soothed my soul.
https://t.co/wdqebBRFkW— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) April 3, 2020
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And athletes, including Dwyane Wade and Russell Wilson, as well as politicians posted their condolences.
RIP Bill Withers! The day our daughter Kaavia James came into this world-“Lovely Day” was our song of choice for her entry into the world. Thank you Bill Withers for creating a song that will forever be apart of our lives
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) April 3, 2020
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Bill Withers… you will be missed, but not forgotten.
I remember always singing “Ain’t no sunshine” “Use Me” and “Lean On Me” growing up with my family.
We will sing it forever in my house.
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 3, 2020
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The world lost a legend. Soul singer Bill Withers' song Grandma's Hands is one of my favorites and reminds me of my grandmother and so many other mother-figures in my life.
Let's all continue to live by his cherished lyrics during these times and lean on each other.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) April 3, 2020
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Withers’ family confirmed his death in a statement to the Associated Press on Friday.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. 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,” the family said. “As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.”
Source: People.com (https://people.com/music/bill-withers-dead-celebrity-reactions/)
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