Bill Withers

Bill Withers News
Credits: Columbia Records / Legacy Records
Full Name
William Harrison Withers Jr.
Born
July 4th, 1938
Height
6ft 1in
Hometown
Slab Fork, West Virginia, United States
Net Worth
Estimated $40 million
Partner
Marcia Johnson
Family
Bill Withers was born in Slab Fork, West Virginia, to William Harrison Withers Sr., a coal miner, and Mattie Withers, a maid. He married actress Denise Nicholas in 1973, though they divorced after one year. In 1976, he married Marcia Johnson, with whom he had two children, Todd and Kori Withers. They remained together until his death in 2020.
Years Active
1970–1985
Top Tracks
'Lean on Me', 'Ain't No Sunshine', 'Lovely Day', 'Use Me', 'Just the Two of Us'
Top Albums
Just As I Am, Still Bill, Menagerie, Making Music, +'Justments
Records Sold
More than 20 million
Number Ones
'Lean on Me'
Fun Facts
Bill Withers recorded his debut album, Just As I Am, while still working at an aircraft factory because he did not believe a music career would provide long-term stability. 'Ain't No Sunshine' won the Grammy Award for 'Best R&B Song' in 1972. Its repeated "I know" refrain became one of the most recognisable vocal passages in popular music. In 2015, Bill Withers was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Stevie Wonder, recognising his enduring influence on soul, R&B and popular songwriting.
Related Artists
Curtis Mayfield, Al Green, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack

Bill Withers was an American singer-songwriter and musician whose warm baritone voice and deeply personal songwriting made him one of soul music’s most beloved artists.

Emerging in the early 1970s after serving in the US Navy and working in aircraft manufacturing, Withers quickly found success with timeless songs such as ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, ‘Lean on Me’, ‘Lovely Day’ and ‘Use Me’. His music blended soul, R&B, folk and gospel influences with lyrics about everyday life, love and resilience.

Although he retired from recording in the mid-1980s after disputes with record labels, his catalogue has remained hugely influential, with his songs continuing to be covered and sampled by artists across multiple genres.

Bill Withers News

More About Bill Withers

Bill Withers was an American singer-songwriter best known for timeless classics including 'Lean on Me', 'Ain't No Sunshine', 'Lovely Day', 'Use Me' and 'Just the Two of Us'.
'Lean on Me' is Bill Withers' only US Billboard Hot 100 number-one single and remains one of the most celebrated soul songs ever written. 'Ain't No Sunshine' and 'Lovely Day' are also among his most enduring recordings.
Bill Withers is regarded as one of soul music's greatest songwriters, admired for his honest storytelling, timeless melodies and understated vocal style. His songs have become enduring standards, influencing generations of musicians and remaining staples of popular culture.
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