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.
Danya is a music junkie and an accomplished producer and writer. With over 20 years in the music and media industry, she worked in St. Louis radio as an on-air talent for 16 years, in television as a writer/producer/assignment editor at KMOV-TV, and started her own podcast at Radiodanya.com showcasing St. Louis’ local music scene, is currently the host of
Arch City Live and is an on-air talent on 105.7 The Point. She received her Bachelor Degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and her Masters Degree from Saint Louis University. In addition to contributing to Arch City Media, she is a writer/editor/photographer for an online publication dedicated to documenting live shows throughout the U.S.: The Spectatour: We Spectate, We Tour. Aside from music’s spectrum of genres, she is also an avid hockey, baseball, and soccer fan.
