Bill Withers, the writer and singer of hits such as “Lean on Me,” “Just the Two of Us,” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” died from heart complications at the age of 81 in Los Angeles, according to a statement released by his family.
Withers, who was born to a coal-mining family in Slab Fork, West Virginia, and who later served in the Navy, was a three-time Grammy Award winner for his music, which is still often played and remixed today.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father,” read a statement from his family. “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.”
Withers stepped away from recording in 1985 at the age of 32 after a falling out with his record label, but he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. Stevie Wonder led the ceremonies of his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. His music lived on through remixes by many high-profile musicians, including Jay Z, Tupac Shakur, and Kanye West.
Withers is survived by his wife, Marcia, and children, Kori and Todd.
