Bill Withers ~ Harlem 1971 Soul Purrfection Version

I just got the sad news that Bill passed away at the age of 81 from heart trouble. Now my heart is broken...the man brought me so much emotion from songs like "Ain't No Sunshine", "Lean On Me", "Use Me" and my personal favorite "Lovely Day".

 Bill Withers was born July 4, 1938, the youngest of six children in Slab Fork, West Virginia. As a child he was prone to stuttering and suffered a lot of harassment because of it. He finally overcame that, but his father died when he was 13.

He turned to music and began writing and singing songs until he turned 17 and joined the Navy where he served for nine years.

In 1965, he completed his service and moved to Los Angeles in 1967 to begin his musical career in earnest. He supported himself by getting jobs as an assembler for aircraft, but found the time to record his own demo tapes which he shopped around. He was signed to Sussex Records and Booker T Jones was assigned to be his producer. The album, "Just As I Am" was delayed six months due to funding issues.

"Harlem" was the first single released b/w "Moanin' & Groanin," until the label found that another track "Ain't No Sunshine" was suddenly gaining a lot of attention and reissued "Harlem" as the B Side of "Ain't No Sunshine". The timing was perfect and the single sailed to #3 on the Hot100, paving the way for the #1 success of "Lean On Me".

[dwytift]

I am sad he is gone. But...I am grateful for his contribution to our lives. That means he had a Life well lived. That's all we can ask you brother.

[jacquelinehernandez]

I am sad he is gone. His songs have helped a lot of people through tough times. He won't be forgotten! RIP Bill Withers, your music will live on!

[thejazzchannell]

Beautiful lyrics written to beautiful music. Without a doubt the greatest folk music of this era. The song"grandma's Hands" reminds me so much of my grandma and how she always tried to protect us from from from the spankings of our parents! You will be missed Bill, RIP.

[alfascorpi]

RIP Bill! Thank you for your lovely music!

[JenniferFinlayson-no]

Great song by the brilliant Bill Withers.

[eddiemiles]

Right On! Another classic of a great singer... Grandma's Hands was truly SOUL!

[imthebrother]

Excellent tribute to a great cat in the history of black music plus American music in general. Will definitely miss him.

[broncodeviltexas]

My favorite Withers song. That driving beat and of course Bills great voice .😎👍

[mjcubfan]

RIP Bill, your music will live on my brother

[tyroneepps]

R.i.p. bill yours albums will live 4-ever !

[JohnMiller-obqj]

Rest in Peace 🌹thank you for your music 🎶👏

[karenhallman]

I'm so sorry to hear that...I'm so sad, he was a huge part of my childhood...my Ma loved him, too! (she introduced me to him...) May he have Rest and Peace...but we'll Always have his Music!!...I Love You, Bill!

[michaelcarroll]

Rest In Peace Bill Withers. Thanks for blessing us with all your music!

[PipeMan]

R.I.P. Bill Withers, for today, there "Ain't no Sunshine!"

[djudo]

Ain't no Sunshine - For me the best song ever. RIP Bill

[calinempl]

RIP
A fabulous singer,
The songs, beautiful, and true,
THX BILL WITHERS 🌹
Yesterday on 030420 i have listen
3 songs of him.

[Vendzor]

While he brought us many Lovely Days, today, there Ain't no Sunshine.

May we continue to lean on each other forevermore.

[alfredbrown]

Awesome remix R.i.p.bill withers thanks for the Awesome soul music

[latanyamoore]

The Late Great Bill Withers!!! 3-4-2020

[adonispink]

My three favorite Grandma's hand lovely day and who is he and what is he to you I will think of you every time I hear one of your songs ride that musical Galaxy BILL