Bill Withers, 81, died on March 30, 2020 of heart complications, according to a family statement given to the Associated Press.
Withers was best known for his contributions to the world through his music and lyric in songs such as ‘Lean On Me’, ‘Lovely Day’, ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, and ‘Just The Two Of Us’.
The three-time Grammy Award winner grew up in West Virginia before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. His term as a Sailor lasted 9 years during which he overcame a stutter that he had struggled with since childhood. It was then that he embarked on a music career that would label him one of the greatest Soul and R&B artists of all time.
A statement from the family read:
“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. 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.”
We will all meet our time, but so many of our saviors are meeting theirs at a time when we’re finding solace in them. We have a gift that will remain until the end of time, making them immortal in spirit and let us choose to hold onto that.
