Bill Withers
Bill Withers
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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William James "Bill" Withers Jr.
Birth and Death Dates
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July 4, 1938 – April 30, 2020
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer
Early Life and Background
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Born in Slab Fork, West Virginia, Bill Withers grew up in a musical family. His mother, Mattie, was a cook and his father, William Sr., worked in the coal mines. The Withers family moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when Bill was 13 years old. He attended Washington Junior High School and later served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1956.
After his naval service, Withers moved to Los Angeles, where he began playing music on the city's thriving R&B scene. He worked as a janitor at a Lockheed aircraft factory by day and performed at local clubs and bars by night.
Major Accomplishments
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Withers' breakthrough came in 1971 with the release of "Ain't No Sunshine," which became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He followed this success with several more hit singles, including "Use Me" and "Lean on Me." Withers' soulful voice and poignant songwriting resonated with audiences worldwide.
In addition to his solo work, Withers was also a member of the Supremes and worked as a songwriter for other artists, including The Isley Brothers. He released six studio albums between 1971 and 1985 before retiring from music in the late 1980s.
Notable Works or Actions
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Released six studio albums: _Justments_ (1971), _Still Bill_ (1972), _Live at the Forum_ (1973), _Making Music_ (1975), _Naked & Fearless_ (1981), and _Watching You Watching Me_ (1985)
Collaborated with other artists, including The Isley Brothers and The Supremes
Won multiple Grammy Awards for his workImpact and Legacy
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Bill Withers' impact on music is immense. His soulful voice and honest songwriting have influenced generations of musicians, from Stevie Wonder to John Legend. Withers' songs tackle complex themes like love, loss, and social justice with a sense of vulnerability and authenticity that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Withers was also known for his humility and kindness. Despite his success, he remained grounded and true to himself throughout his career.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Bill Withers' legacy extends far beyond his music. He is widely quoted and remembered as a role model for artists and non-artists alike due to his:
Authenticity: Withers was unafraid to speak his mind and share his true thoughts and feelings through his music.
Vulnerability: His songs often explored themes of love, loss, and social justice with a sense of vulnerability that continues to inspire listeners today.
Humility: Despite his success, Withers remained grounded and true to himself throughout his career.
Withers' legacy serves as a reminder that music can be both a reflection of our humanity and a force for positive change. His contributions to the world of music will continue to be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
Quotes by Bill Withers
Ain’tno sunshine when she’s gone. It’s not warm when she’s away. Ain’tno sunshine when she’s gone, and she’s always gone too long, anytime she goes away.
My real life was when I was just a working guy. You know, it’s OK to head out for Wonderful. But on your way to Wonderful, you’re gonna have to pass through All Right. And when you get to All Right, take a good look around, and get used to it, because that may be as far as you’re gonna go.
Don’t cheat yourself out of music. Music is one thing. The music business is another thing. Save enough of yourself to keep living anyway. Save enough joy in your heart to enjoy it. Let your reward be in the doing of it.
If there is a load you have to bear that you can’t carry, I’m right up the road. I’ll share your load if you just call me.
When you get to all right, take a good look around and get used to it, because that may be as far as you’re gonna go.
Sometimes in our lives we all have pain. We all have sorrow. But if we are wise we know that there’s always tomorrow.
