The news was announced by his family this morning.
Legendary soul singer, songwriter and musician Bill Withers has died at the age of 81 due to heart complications. News of his passing was announced by the Withers family on Twitter.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father,” said the family. “In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.”
Withers’ career saw him earning three Grammys and being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for hits like ‘Lean on Me’ and ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’.
News of his death has seen an outpouring of tributes from the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Chance the Rapper, and many more who saw Withers as a revolutionary figure in music.
1/4 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 pic.twitter.com/15GzpoSuAx
— Bill Withers (@RealBillWithers) April 3, 2020
(2/4) 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 know his legacy will live in our hearts and in yours for generations to come.
— Bill Withers (@RealBillWithers) April 3, 2020
Never miss a story. Sign up to Beat’s newsletter and you’ll be served fresh music, arts, food and culture stories three times a week.
